Lawmakers gathered for the start of the 140-day session Tuesday as the coronavirus continues to rage in Texas.
87th Legislative Session
Posted in
Point of Order
Point of Order: The incoming speaker speaks
In the latest episode of our podcast about the Texas Legislature, Evan Smith talks politics, policy, priorities and the pandemic with Dade Phelan, the presumptive speaker of the Texas House.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
The Texas Legislature convenes for its 2021 session Tuesday. Here are 5 things to watch.
Much about the session — including how it will be conducted during a pandemic — remains uncertain.
Posted inDemographics, Politics, State Government
In 2021, the Texas Legislature remains mostly white and male
When the 2021 legislative session begins Tuesday, three of every five lawmakers in the state House and Senate will be white and just 27% of seats will be held by women.
Posted in
TribCast
TribCast: The Texans objecting to Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory
In this edition of the TribCast, Emma talks to Abby, Ross and Cassi about Electoral College drama at the U.S. Capitol — and a new session about to start at the Texas Capitol.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Dan Patrick says senators will be tested for coronavirus, seating will be limited for opening day of the Texas Senate
An announcement of protocols for the Jan. 12 event did not mention masks.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas’ medical marijuana program is one of the most restrictive in the country. Advocates hope the Legislature will change that.
There are 3,519 Texans registered with the state to use medical marijuana, though advocates say 2 million people are eligible based on current law.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
The 2021 redistricting process will impact Texas politics for the next 10 years. Here’s how it’ll work.
Republicans will control the process, but a legal and political fight is sure to commence over who is empowered and whose voice is diluted.
Posted in
Health care
“We need to be at the table”: Texans with disabilities worry changes in legislative process during the pandemic could shut them out
COVID-19 rules and accommodations are still uncertain in the Capitol, though many people with disabilities don’t plan to give testimony in person because of fears of exposure.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Dan Patrick wants to change Senate rules so GOP keeps a key advantage, despite losing its supermajority
The lieutenant governor said Wednesday he wants the Senate to decrease the threshold required to bring legislation to the floor to 18 members, which would allow the GOP to continue sidelining Democrats.