New Prosecution System for Politicians Advances
Texas politicians are on the verge of creating a new system for prosecuting a unique type of white-collar crime — the type that involves them. Full Story
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![Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston, discuss language to amendment for SB #11 relating to campus carry on March 18th, 2015]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Revised Campus Carry Bill Would Give Universities More Say
House and Senate negotiators are sending a version of "campus carry" back to their chambers that gives universities more say over where and how concealed handguns are permitted on campus. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Truancy Reform Heads Down to the Wire
With one Texas county facing a federal investigation into how it punishes chronic school-skippers — and Texas one of only two states that prosecute truants in adult courts — lawmakers are weighing two House measures that would decriminalize truancy. Full Story
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House Sends Border Security Bill to Governor
After a months-long staring contest between the House and the Senate, the lower chamber gave a final blessing Thursday to House Bill 11, a sweeping border security bill. Full Story
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![State Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, escorts Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound through the House Chamber on May 25, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Old Convictions, New Science: Texas Tackles Debunked Forensics
A state law granting a new trial in cases where the forensic science was flawed has hit an impediment: What if a field of such science has not been discredited, but an individual scientist makes a mistake? Full Story
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![Activist Jamie Bush attends the Texas Forensic Science Commission board meeting on September 17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas.]()
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Video: Hancock, Kolkhorst and Rodríguez on Open Carry
At our 5/28 conversation, state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, talked about the fate of the open carry bill — and the prospect of a filibuster. Full Story
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House and Senate Will Hash Out Open Carry Differences
After outspoken opposition from the state's law enforcement officials, the Texas House on Wednesday took a step toward removing a controversial provision from legislation allowing licensed Texans to openly carry handguns. Full Story
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![House members listen to Parliamentarian Chris Griesel rule on amendments to HB910 open carry bill on May 27, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Police Chiefs: Open Carry Provision "Handcuffs" Law Enforcement
Texas police chiefs are urging Gov. Greg Abbott to veto legislation repealing certain handgun restrictions in Texas if lawmakers do not remove a controversial provision the chiefs fear would allow criminals to carry firearms without repercussions. Full Story
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![Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo and Austin Police Association President Kenneth Casaday speak with state Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, right, on Feb. 12, 2015, at the Texas Capitol.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
House OKs Raising Age of Juvenile Offenders to 18
A final effort to raise from 17 to 18 the age at which offenders automatically enter the adult legal system made it through the Texas House on Tuesday, tacked onto a bill reorganizing the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman -
Border Security Bill Passes Senate
An expansive border security bill declared a priority by Gov. Greg Abbott was given final approval Tuesday by the Texas Senate. The vote marked the near end of a months-long disagreement between the House and the Senate. Full Story
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![A Texas Parks and Wildlife warden patrols the Rio Grande in July, 2014.]()
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Abbott, Paxton Praise Panel's Ruling on Immigration Order
A three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has denied the White House’s request to let a controversial immigration policy proceed. Full Story
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![Immigration reform protesters walked up Congress Avenue toward the Texas Capitol on Feb. 22, 2013.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Texas Redistricting Case
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to hear a case that centers on how Texas draws its political districts, a longtime point of dispute between the state and voting rights advocates. Full Story
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Senate Backs House on In-Person Inmate Visitation
Inmates in some Texas county jails may no longer have to speak to loved ones on a video screen, after the Senate voted Monday to pass a House measure guaranteeing a minimum of two 20-minute, in-person visitations per week. Full Story
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E-Verify Bill One Step Closer to Abbott's Desk
The Texas House on Monday gave tentative approval to a bill that would require state agencies and public universities to use the federal electronic employment system called E-Verify. Full Story
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Texas Legislators Move Closer to Overhauling State's Grand Jury System
The Texas House on Sunday gave final approval to an overhaul of the state's grand juries, moving one step closer to getting rid of a controversial way of seating the panels. Full Story
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Abbott Signs Online Solicitation Measure Into Law
Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed into law a measure that makes online solicitation of a minor a punishable offense and changes the definition of a minor, calling it "regrettable that this bill is necessary." Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott at the Texas State Prayer Breakfast in Austin on May 4, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Senate Moves to Reform Driver Responsibility Program
The Texas Senate voted Thursday to weaken the state’s Driver Responsibility Program, which critics say unfairly penalizes poor Texans. Full Story
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![Sen. Rodney Ellis D-Houston reads information during the Senate Committee on State Affairs as they listen to testimony relating to guns on campus and open carry on February 12th, 2015]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Video: Davis, Leach and Nevárez on Guns, In-State
At our 5/21 conversation with state Reps. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place; Jeff Leach, R-Plano; and Poncho Nevárez, D-Eagle Pass talked about big issues that are unresolved with a week to go in the session. Full Story
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Texas Secretary of State Eschews Politics, Looks South Instead
Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos hopes his tenure represents a shifting tide in the office — away from partisan gridlock over voting, and toward bolstering Texas' relations with Mexico and improving life along the state's southern border. Full Story
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![Secretary of State Carlos Cascos of Brownsville gives his inaugural speech on March 7, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Budget Writers Settle School Funding, Border Security
The House and Senate stepped closer to a final deal on a two-year budget Wednesday evening, settling dozens of differences between the two chambers including funding for public education and border security. Full Story
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![State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, and Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, are shown at a joint budget hearing on May 20, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich