The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
A bill that would outlaw “sanctuary” jurisdictions in Texas cleared its last procedural hurdle in the Texas House Thursday afternoon, just hours after the end of a marathon debate on the measure that stretched into Thursday morning. Full Story
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“I think the trial is certain,” said Jose Garza, an attorney for the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, a lead plaintiff in the years-long challenge of the state’s political boundaries. Full Story
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A House committee Thursday considered a proposal that would require parental consent for minors to join a labor union. Full Story
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The 93-54 vote fell along party lines and came after one of the slowest moving but most emotional legislative days at the state Capitol. Full Story
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Businesses dislike the franchise tax because they say it’s overly complicated and can punish them in less-prosperous years. But critics warn the tax cut would harm public schools and other government programs. Full Story
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Dozens of Texas cities have passed ordinances regulating payday and auto title lenders that are stricter than current state and federal rules. Some state lawmakers are hoping to eliminate them. Full Story
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Mike Rawlings says he's trying to protect taxpayers as he opposes bill aimed at fixing shortfall. But first responders say he could exacerbate a shortage of police officers and firefighters. Full Story
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Senate Bill 693 cleared the chamber in a 25-6 vote following strong pushback from one Republican who argued seat belts make buses less safe. Full Story
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Some Texas lawmakers want to kill the franchise tax that so many businesses hate. So far, so good. But it might leave a hole in the state's pocket when it inevitably comes time to rebalance the state's financing for public schools. Full Story
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The House Public Education Committee heard a bill that would pare back the number of required standardized tests, in line with the wave of legislation limiting high-stakes testing in public schools. Full Story
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The company behind the only EPA-approved pesticide for feral hogs has withdrawn its request for registration in Texas. But that doesn’t mean the battle over the warfarin-based poison’s safety is finished. Full Story
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Austin Mayor Steve Adler said he was reassured by United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday that neither his city nor Travis County are considered “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Full Story
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The lower chamber tentatively approved a measure that would let lottery winners of $1 million or more remain anonymous. Full Story
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Representatives for Uber and Lyft say an amendment to a statewide ride-hailing bill that defines "sex" as "the physical condition of being male or female" is disappointing and unnecessary. Full Story
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Conservative activists are pushing back against the so-called “Buffett Bill,” which would let billionaire Warren Buffett hang onto his car dealerships in Texas but keep the market closed to Tesla and other manufacturers. Full Story
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The state of Texas has been on a losing streak when it comes to redistricting and voter ID laws, with federal judges repeatedly finding that the state intentionally discriminated against minorities. Whose legal advice were they following? Full Story
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Texas property owners could face new hurdles when they try to sue their insurer over storm claims under controversial legislation being cheered by groups seeking curbs on lawsuits but jeered by consumer advocates and some businesses. Full Story
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Attorney General Ken Paxton sided with the Texas Senate Friday in a dispute among legislative budget-writers over a $2.5 billion accounting trick using state transportation funds. Full Story
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The effort to slow down the revolving door between the Legislature and the special-interest lobby has hit a major snag: a "cooling-off period" for legislators is gone from the bill. Full Story
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If you're in favor, Texas lawmakers will meet with you and put your legislation on the fast track. Others have to wait, sometimes for weeks, for a chance to talk for a few minutes in a committee hearing room in the middle of the night. Full Story
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