state government

Variety of Gun-Related Bills on Table for Session

By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Jan. 17, 2013

At least 20 bills have been filed or proposed by Texas lawmakers on the subject of guns, with most of the legislation aiming to widen access to guns. Here's a roundup of the proposals. Full Story
Legislating Goes Social: Lawmakers File Bills Addressing Web Postings

By Cody Permenter Jan. 17, 2013

Legislators concerned about online privacy and safety have filed bills that could change the way some Texans use social media. Such regulations are becoming more widespread as states take on questions of online privacy. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
For Ethics Commission, Big Hurdles to Reform

By Morgan Smith Jan. 17, 2013

The Texas Ethics Commission stands poised for change during the 83rd legislative session. But any efforts to reform it will face a challenge, because the lawmakers the commission was set up to regulate are the ones setting the rules. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
Bill Targets Companies That Misclassify Workers

By Julián Aguilar Jan. 17, 2013

A veteran lawmaker has filed legislation that would penalize businesses that misclassify workers as independent contractors. Leaders of construction firms have said their industry is rife with companies that purposely misclassify employees. Full Story

Credit: Therese Branton
Seven State Parks Could Close Under Proposed Budget

By Audrey White Jan. 16, 2013

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would close seven state parks based on current budget proposals in the House and Senate. Full Story

Credit: Reynaldo Leal
President's Gun Plan Panned, Embraced by Texas Lawmakers

By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Jan. 16, 2013

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, praised President Obama's proposals to curb gun violence, while Gov. Rick Perry shunned efforts to increase regulation and called for prayer. Full Story

Credit: Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News
Report Recommends Changes to Tax Exemption for Fracking

By Kate Galbraith Jan. 16, 2013

A Legislative Budget Board report on how government can be more effective has recommended that the state reduce its gas tax exemption for hydraulic fracturing. Full Story

Credit: Joseph Bourk
Todd Staples: The TT Interview

By Alana Rocha Jan. 16, 2013

The state agriculture commissioner on the state's water crisis, why the Rainy Day Fund should be used to pay for a state water plan and how the money should be spent. Full Story
In Capitol Community, a Push to Beat the Toil of the Session

By Ben Philpott, KUT News Jan. 16, 2013

Every other year, Texas legislators race to get the state's business done in just 140 days — an exhaustive process known for taking a toll on lawmakers' health. But efforts are under way to get the Capitol community to rethink how to stay healthy during the session. Full Story

Credit: Callie Richmond
Legislation Would Add to Disclosure Requirements for State Lawmakers

By Emily Ramshaw Jan. 15, 2013

UPDATED: State Sen. Wendy Davis has filed companion legislation to a House bill from two freshman legislators — one on the far right, the other on the far left — that would expand the requirements of the state’s personal financial disclosure form. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
Most Legislators Won't Disclose Tax Returns

By Emily Ramshaw Jan. 15, 2013

The Tribune asked all 180 current members of the Legislature to provide their last three tax returns — and got few takers. Most lawmakers either ignored the request or said they weren’t comfortable with that level of disclosure. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Chris Potter / Todd Wiseman
Despite Surplus, House and Senate Offer Lean Budgets

By Aman Batheja Jan. 14, 2013

Both the House and Senate proposed base budgets Monday that will not restore large cuts made to public education in 2011. Full Story

Credit: Todd Wiseman
House Rule Change Could Weaken Democratic Minority

By Elena Schneider Jan. 14, 2013

The House's Democratic minority was dealt a blow Monday when the chamber passed an amendment to its rules to limit legislators' ability to derail bills based on clerical errors. Full Story

Credit: Todd Wiseman
The Brief: Jan. 14, 2013

By David Muto Jan. 14, 2013

Vanquished in his fight to unseat House Speaker Joe Straus, state Rep. David Simpson isn't backing down. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Bob Daemmrich / Spencer Selvidge
T-Squared: It's Only Bidness

By Evan Smith Jan. 14, 2013

Twenty journalists have spent nine months researching the personal financial interests of members of the 83rd Legislature. Eyebrows — and hackles — may be raised, but this kind of transparency is good for Texas. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
News App: Exploring Lawmakers' Personal Financial Interests

By Texas Tribune Staff Jan. 14, 2013

The Lawmaker Explorer is a first-of-its-kind interactive tool that gives Texans a window into the personal interests of their state legislators. It is the linchpin of the Tribune's Bidness as Usual project, a session-long look at ethics and transparency in the Texas Legislature. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Amanda Krauss / Todd Wiseman
A Part-Time Legislature, but in Whose Interest?

By Emily Ramshaw Jan. 13, 2013

With a lacking conflict disclosure system, virtually toothless ethics laws and a Legislature historically unwilling to make itself more transparent, Texans know little about who or what influences the people elected to represent them. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Opening Days

By Justin Dehn Jan. 12, 2013

The kickoff of the 83rd legislative session packed few surprises. The Texas Senate voted on rules, Joe Straus won without breaking a sweat, Comptroller Susan Combs announced the state budget forecast and Gov. Rick Perry laid out his priorities for the 140-day session. Full Story
David Simpson: The TT Interview

By Evan Smith Jan. 11, 2013

On Friday afternoon, the Republican state representative from Longview talked about why he ran for speaker, the real reason he quit the race and what happens next. Full Story
Lawmakers Talk of Bold Measures This Session

By Aman Batheja Jan. 11, 2013

Momentum is growing for Texas lawmakers to commit large amounts of money to address the state's long-term infrastructure needs, particularly water and transportation. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman