Skip to main content

Who actually writes the bills your Texas legislators sponsor? (audio)

We all have a general idea about how a bill becomes a law. But what many people don’t know is how a bill becomes a bill.

By Rachel Osier Lindley, KERA News
Republish

The 85th legislative session ends on May 29. Texas lawmakers have just over five weeks to figure out some of the state’s most pressing issues, plus hear and vote on dozens, possibly hundreds of bills. In all, legislators have filed more than 9,000 bills this session.

Read the full story at KERA News.

See related Texas Tribune coverage: 

  • Five community organizers tell us how they rally people around issues like school funding, abortion and the environment.
  • Nervous to testify before a House or Senate committee? Texas lobbyist Blake Rocap explains how to make your voice heard — even if you can’t make it to Austin.
  • What issues matter most to you this session? Texas House Parliamentarian Chris Griesel explains one of the most basic ways to engage elected officials on those issues: speaking up.

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Support independent Texas news

Become a member. Join today.

Choose an amount or learn more about membership.

$20 $25 $50 Other
Donate now

Information about the authors

Rachel Osier Lindley

KERA NEWS

Learn more about our publishing partners

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics