The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Party delegates in Fort Worth also decided to back required paid sick leave for working Texans and oppose building a wall on the Texas-Mexico border. Many platform ideals contradict those of Republicans, who hold every statewide office and control both chambers of the Legislature. Full Story
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The decision comes years after the state found that Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership, a subsidiary of Xerox, allowed workers with limited expertise to approve dental claims for the state's Medicaid program. Full Story
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The state's highest civil court has ruled that Laredo's ban on plastic bags violates state law. Full Story
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A company official told Texas lawmakers Thursday that parents and children have the opportunity to be in contact. But it's still not clear how that may lead to family reunification. Full Story
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Texas loses an estimated $1.1 billion each year in uncollected sales tax from online retailers that don't have a physical presence in the state. Full Story
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Texas' Hispanic population increased from 9.7 million in 2010 to 11.1 million last year, according to new census population estimates. Meanwhile, the state's white population has increased by about 458,000 people. Full Story
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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order he says will "keep the families together" when they're apprehended illegally crossing the border. But that does little for families who have already been split apart. Full Story
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After a report from the newspaper revealing mishaps in the state's managed health care program, lawmakers pushed for answers from representatives from state agencies and private companies involved in the matter. Full Story
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How exactly are families being separated at the border? Here's where parents and children go after they're apprehended. Full Story
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Taxpayers have paid more than $1.5 billion to private companies operating shelters accused of serious lapses in care, including neglect and abuse. Full Story
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State Sen. Sylvia Garcia referred to the warehouse — which most recently housed families displaced by Hurricane Harvey — as a planned "baby jail." Full Story
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Four months after he was convicted of 11 felonies, Texas state Sen. Carlos Uresti announced Monday that he will resign from the Texas Legislature, where he's served for more than two decades. Full Story
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As part of his school and gun safety plan, Gov. Greg Abbott wants to explore a law that would allow local officials to take guns away from people if a judge declares them a danger — while also protecting Second Amendment rights. It's an issue that has previously gone nowhere in the Texas Legislature. Full Story
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Churches, especially in deep-red Texas, often sit out partisan squabbles. But the issue of family separations is not a political one, some faith leaders say — it's a humanitarian and moral crisis. Full Story
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There were lots of speeches, a contentious race for state party chair and a debate over the party's platform. Check out scenes from the 2018 Republican Party of Texas convention. Full Story
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After a few hours of relatively mild debate, Texas Republicans approved multiple legislative priorities and backed a platform that includes more than 300 planks. Full Story
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During this week's state Republican Party convention, various speakers took turns praising President Donald Trump. But the bitter race for state party chair and a debate over censures illustrated divisions among Texas Republicans. Full Story
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A varsity swimmer was found "responsible" for sexually assaulting a fellow student. But after a brief suspension and one semester of academic probation, he can rejoin the team. Full Story
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Texans say the Legislature’s top three priorities should be lowering the cost of health care, reducing the number of women dying after childbirth and lowering the cost of prescription drugs, according to a poll conducted by the Episcopal Health Foundation and the Kaiser Family Foundation. Full Story
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Experts say it costs about $500 to train a school employee under Texas' school marshal program. But school leaders say their worries go beyond the cost. Full Story
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