The latest Texas Legislature news from The Texas Tribune.
The state’s university systems bear the brunt of the costs of educating Texas veterans for free through the Hazlewood Act. And the well-regarded program has grown exponentially in recent years. Funding the program is poised to be an issue this session. Full Story
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The Texas House officially approved a resolution on Monday inviting Gov. Greg Abbott to deliver his State of the State address before a joint session of the Texas Legislature on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. Full Story
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On 1/26, I talked about the future of higher education in Texas with Robert Duncan, chancellor of the Texas Tech University System; Juliet Garcia, the former president of the University of Texas at Brownsville; state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock; and Wynn Rosser, president and CEO of the Greater Texas Foundation. Full Story
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The session stipends for legislators are set to rise, and because of a loophole in Texas law, that would mean lobbyists could spend more on legislators without saying whom they are wining and dining. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the personal styles of Texas' new governor and lieutenant governor. Full Story
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After Jack Stick joined the Health and Human Services Commission's Office of Inspector General, he incorporated sales quota-like performance standards for investigators. The effort got results, but reviews have been mixed and the initiative is being shut down. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's office on Friday announced new committee members. Among the new chairs: State Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, who will lead the Senate Education Committee. Full Story
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UPDATED: Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that Feb. 17 will be the runoff date for three special elections — Senate District 26, House District 17 and House District 123. Early voting will be Feb. 9-13. Full Story
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State lawmakers are considering a nearly $2.5 million plan to help answer a pressing question in some Texas communities: Why does the ground keep shaking? Full Story
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After Denton voters decided to ban fracking, other Texas cities could weigh similar moves. Legislators are expected to look at ways to avoid a city-by-city fight over drilling regulations. This is the fourth video in our eight-part State of Mind series. Full Story
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In the Roundup: Rick Perry performs one of his last acts as governor, the inauguration of Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick brings thousands to Austin, and the Senate votes to do away with a 70-year-old tradition. Full Story
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At our 1/22 conversation, state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee, talked about how the legislature was likely to proceed on pre-K funding and policy. Full Story
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At our 1/22 conversation, state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee, talked about the likely prospect of vouchers resurfacing as a hot-button issue in the 84th Legislature. Full Story
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At our 1/22 conversation, state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee, talked about possible legislation to redesign the state's school finance system. Full Story
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Full video of my 1/22 conversation with state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee. Full Story
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Texas hospitals want legislators to find a way for the state to draw down billions in federal Affordable Care Act dollars to cover the uninsured and alleviate the burden on local taxpayers. This is the third video in our State of Mind series. Full Story
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Full video of the LBJ Library Future Forum's 1/21 panel discussion, "The Future of Texas," featuring state Reps. Donna Howard, D-Austin, Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth, Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, and Alfonso "Poncho" Nevárez, D-Eagle Pass. Full Story
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One of the issues our reporters will follow during the 84th legislative session is how lawmakers address reforming the process of how state contracts with private companies are handled. You can stay caught up on the session using our 84th Lege page. Full Story
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Texans celebrated the inauguration of Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick with plenty of fanfare Tuesday in Austin. Here's a look at some of the festivities and what the new officials said about how they’ll lead. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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