Past Contributions

• Bill Aims to Address Changing Science in Criminal Appeals

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Feb. 4, 2013

  State Sen. John Whitmire has filed a bill to make it easier for those convicted based on science that has since been discredited to appeal their sentences. Prosecutors have called such legislation unnecessary. Full Story 

• In Radio Ads, Perry Reaches Out to California Businesses

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Feb. 4, 2013

  On radio stations throughout much of California, Gov. Rick Perry is promoting the business climate in Texas and encouraging Californians to move. Full Story 

• Despite Ruling, Group Vows to Keep Fighting "Puppy Mill" Law

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Feb. 1, 2013

  A federal court in Austin has ruled to preserve a new law regulating cat and dog breeders. While animal rights groups are celebrating their victory, the animal owners' association that challenged the law is pledging to renew its fight. Full Story 

• Joaquin Castro: Current Immigration Laws Create "Ugly Realities"

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Jan. 31, 2013

  At a meeting of state business leaders Thursday, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro said that current immigration laws create "ugly realities" and that Gov. Rick Perry "will never say the border is secure." Full Story 

• Hygiene Products Running Low in Prisons as State Contracts Lapse

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Jan. 30, 2013

  Texas prisons are running low on hygiene products that are not considered necessities for inmates, including toothpaste and deodorant. Family members and inmates are frustrated as state officials try to find a contractor. Full Story 

• Lawmakers Renew Push to Ban Texting While Driving

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Jan. 29, 2013

  At a briefing Tuesday, lawmakers and relatives of people killed while texting and driving renewed a push to make the practice illegal. A proposal passed during the last session but was vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry. Full Story 

• Storify: Perry's State of the State Address

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project, and Elena Schneider, The Texas Tribune Jan. 29, 2013

  This Storify presentation reveals the instant reactions on social media by legislators, staffers, guests and journalists to Gov. Rick Perry's State of the State address. Full Story 

• Texplainer: What is the Blocker Bill?

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Jan. 28, 2013

  The blocker bill, a tradition of the Texas Senate, gives the minority party power, because it requires that two-thirds of the Senate must agree before a bill is heard on the floor. Full Story 

• Arson Reviewers Expect Small Number of Problem Cases

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Jan. 25, 2013

  The Innocence Project of Texas told the state Forensic Science Commission on Friday that its investigation of old arson convictions for possible wrongful convictions has raised serious concerns in only a handful of cases. Full Story 

• Bill Would Count Prisoners Differently in Redistricting

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Jan. 24, 2013

  Resuscitating the 2011 redistricting battle, two lawmakers have filed bills requiring the state to count prisoners at their last home address rather than where they are incarcerated. They say it cheats urban districts out of representatives. Full Story