With funding tighter than the previous legislative session, lawmakers are not expected to inject much more money into public education. For now, some are backing a plan to increase money to all school districts through the general appropriations bill.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
State Government
Texas legislators driving bid for uniform rules on ride hailing (video)
Texas is one of about a dozen states without uniform ride-hailing standards. That could change after the 85th Legislative Session. This is part of our “State of Mind” video series looking at community concerns coming to the Capitol.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawmakers draw battle lines on border security, sanctuary cities
On the same day that Texas House Republicans doubled down on border security efforts and announced plans to send an invoice to the federal government, Senate Democrats said they were committed to fighting bills to eliminate sanctuary cities.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
On day 2 of session, Texas House gets an early taste of “bathroom bill” fight
State Rep. Matt Schaefer, a Tyler Republican, proposed a rule Wednesday requiring people in the Capitol to use bathrooms corresponding to their biological sex during a House floor debate.
Posted in
Politics
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick fires back at criticism over “bathroom bill”
Patrick continued to fire back Wednesday at criticism of the so-called “bathroom bill” he has championed, saying its opponents are concentrated in the media.
Posted in
Politics
Texas Legislature faces a shift in border security funding debate (video)
In 2015, state lawmakers approved $800 million for border security efforts. But the election of Donald Trump as president has some Republican lawmakers thinking there will be a change in spending plans this session.
Posted in
State Government
Slideshow: 85th Texas Legislature kicks off
The Texas Tribune’s photographers were on hand at the state Capitol on Tuesday to capture scenes from the opening day of the 85th Legislative Session.
Posted in
Politics
State Rep. Dawnna Dukes’ case headed to grand jury next week
Travis County prosecutors will ask a grand jury to indict State Rep. Dawnna Dukes next Tuesday, KXAN reported Tuesday.
Posted in
State Government
Analysis: Speaker Straus breaking a trend seen with his predecessors
House Speaker Joe Straus won a fifth term in that post on the first day of the legislative session. And unlike his predecessors, he’s more secure politically now than when he started in 2009.
Posted in
Politics
Texas lawmakers focus on friendship on legislative session’s first day
With pomp and circumstance inside the Capitol and protests and prayer rallies outside it, the Texas Legislature kicked off its 85th session on Tuesday.