The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Several must-pass sunset bills didn’t make it to the governor’s desk. We’ve compiled an overview of what it could mean for the state if these agencies are not reauthorized. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/08/22/UP9A0006.jpg)
Gov. Greg Abbott snatched the spotlight from his rivals with a long, long list of priorities for a special legislative session — one that takes care of must-do legislation and buries everything else. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/06/06/Abbott_special_sesh_call_MKC_TT.jpg)
Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday signed into law a bill that creates a statewide ban on texting while driving. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/09/TextandDrive.jpg)
Here's a look at the seven constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot for the November 7 election. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TexasConstitution.jpg)
Did the Texas Legislature boost funding for border security? What about public education? Did they dip into the Rainy Day Fund? Here’s a wide-angle look at what's in the $217 billion budget the two chambers ultimately settled on. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/03/31/BudgetCapitolScales.jpg)
As speculation looms of a special session, Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday that state lawmakers didn't adequately address the issue of property tax relief. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/05/25/Abbott_Bill_Signing_BD_TT.jpg)
In their just-ended legislative session, Texas lawmakers mowed through a list of politically divisive issues that could have lasting effects on how others see a state that's been known for years as a mecca for business. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/05/03/ShelbyKnowles_-_Construction_-15_TT.jpg)
Prosecutors in the securities fraud case against Attorney General Ken Paxton are asking the state's highest criminal court to overturn a ruling backing his push for a new judge. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/01/12/UP9A0072.jpg)
An announcement from Gov. Greg Abbott on whether he will call a special session is unlikely to happen before next week. Full Story
Superintendents in hundreds of Texas school districts rely on a pot of state funds that expires in September. Without drastic cost-saving measures, some districts are worried they may have to shut down. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/01/09/SchoolClosed-2.jpg)
As Texas legislators began to speculate about whether and when they will be called into a special session for unfinished business, lawyers and others started looking for ways to avoid it. The simplest idea — an executive order — won't work. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/05/25/__95I9967_pen_CMS.jpg)
Things got heated on the Texas House floor on the last day of the legislative session. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/060117_Still.jpg)
A bill that cleared the Legislature aims to prevent voter fraud at nursing homes and widen ballot access for elderly Texans. Somehow, politics didn't get in the way. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/10/27/KarnesCity_BDC8837.jpg)
A bill that would have affirmed the legality of some popular fantasy sports sites in Texas died this legislative session, continuing a murky legal landscape for players in the state. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/03/30/FantasySports-3.jpg)
With about half a year left on his contract, University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven said no decision has been made about his future of his job. "I have to find out if the board wants me to stay," he said. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/06/01/McRaven_2_BD_TT.jpg)
Nearly four years after Gov. Greg Abbott called on the Legislature to pass meaningful ethics reform, he's finally got some of it on his desk. But it's not as sweeping as the watchdogs wanted. Full Story
University leaders were worried about tuition freezes, funding cuts and other major changes this past legislative session. For the most part, they didn't happen. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/08/04/UniversityOfHoustonCampus.jpg)
State Rep. Mark Keough, a Republican from The Woodlands, announced Wednesday he won't seek a third term in the Legislature. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/08/04/3U2A6386.jpg)
Two days after the end of the legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott held a public ceremony to sign four major child welfare bills into law. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/05/31/Abbott_CPS_3_BD_TT.jpg)
Have a bill you want to check up on? Here's how to check the Texas Legislature Online website to see if a bill you were following this session survived. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/05/24/__95I9613_bills_CMS.jpg)