A group of lawmakers is trying – again – to change the Railroad Commission’s name to reflect what it does. This time, proponents want to call the agency the Texas Energy Commission.
Tom Craddick
Posted in
Politics
House Panel Endorses Texting-While-Driving Ban
A bill that would ban texting while driving passed its first legislative hurdle Tuesday when lawmakers voted it out of the House Transportation Committee.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: March 6, 2015
To close the week, we highlight a couple of trend stories detailing the continued population boom in the Lone Star State.
Posted in
Energy
The Brief: Feb. 4, 2015
The ability of Austin tech firm 21CT to secure a $20 million Medicaid fraud software contract through a no-bid program run by the state’s Department of Information Resources drew intense scrutiny from Senate budget writers on Tuesday.
Posted in
State Government
Proponents Renew Their Bid to Put Brakes on Texting While Driving
For the fifth straight legislative session, Texas lawmakers will consider bills proposing a statewide ban on texting while driving. There’s more momentum to get it passed, but a difference of opinions among the state’s new leadership could stand in its way.
Posted in
Energy
Rule on Natural Gas Rate Hikes is Fuel for Debate
The Texas Railroad Commission recently endorsed changes to how cities can challenge natural gas utility rate increases. Commissioners say the rule should help cut expenses for ratepayers. But some critics say the rule puts cities at a disadvantage.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: It’s a Lot Easier to Rule With a Mandate
It’s easier to govern if you have a mandate, and you build the mandate while you’re campaigning. So far, the agenda for the next set of officeholders is a little murky.
Posted in
Politics
A Longshot for Speaker, With Money to Spend
Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, has not been in the Texas House for two years, but the freshman lawmaker and former California congressional candidate has his eye on the top job there: speaker.
Posted in
Transportation
Institute’s Report Says Texting While Driving Unsafe by Any Means
In the midst of a battle among lawmakers over a bill to ban texting while driving, a new report by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute suggests that voice-to-text technology is no safer than typing out a text message.
Posted in
State Government
House Passes Bill That Makes Texting While Driving a Crime
UPDATED: A bill that would make texting while driving a crime passed the House on Wednesday after a lengthy debate. The measure now heads to the Senate.