How to kill a bill in 140 days (or less)
A brief guide to the legislative dark arts as the scramble to pass — and kill — bills reaches its height. Full Story
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Morgan Smith
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Morgan Smith was a reporter at the Tribune from 2009 to 2018, covering politics, public education and inequality. In 2013, she received a National Education Writers Association award for “Death of a District,” a series on school closures. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Wellesley College, she moved to Austin in 2008 to enter law school at the University of Texas. A San Antonio native, her work has also appeared in Slate, where she spent a year as an editorial intern in Washington D.C.
Past Contributions
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Feral hog poison in Texas on hold — for now
The company behind the only EPA-approved pesticide for feral hogs has withdrawn its request for registration in Texas.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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![James Stone's ranch outside of Lockhart on May 10, 2011. Hogs have hobbled Stone's property, ruining pasture land, killing trees and damaging fences. He estimates taking out over 500 hogs during the last three years.]()
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House lawmakers approve bill requiring more study for hog poison
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller’s push to use a warfarin-based poison to kill feral hogs in the state has a long list of opponents that now includes more than two-thirds of the Legislature where Miller once served. Full Story
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Former lawmaker takes local battle over historic zoning to the Capitol
What began as a local dispute over the demolition of a 1910 house has escalated into a statewide battle over what makes a building historic — and who gets to decide. Full Story
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Yet again, lawmakers poised to do little to help sex-trafficking victims
When it comes to child sex trafficking, Texas lawmakers are once again poised to focus on criminal enforcement this legislative session rather than providing resources to victims. Full Story
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![People who care for sex-trafficking victims have a common refrain: It's not if they'll run away, but when.]()
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Texas lawmakers say more study needed before “hog apocalypse”
Two Texas lawmakers have filed bills after outcry from hunters and meat processors over the state's approval of a new poison for feral hogs. Full Story
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Lucio's bathroom bill support is the latest example of aisle-crossing by Valley Democrat
At a news conference with senators supporting the so-called bathroom bill, Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. was the lone Democrat. It's not the first time Lucio has bucked his own party to vote with the GOP on controversial issues. Full Story
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![Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, speaking in favor of SB6, the so-called "bathroom bill," on March 6, 2017. Behind him are Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, Republican of North Carolina, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.]()
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Texas leaders won't commit to more resources for sex-trafficking victims
The state’s top leaders have remained silent on whether they'll provide more resources for sex-trafficking victims — or more funding for the crippled child welfare system that’s supposed to protect vulnerable kids. Full Story
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Solutions: What Texas can do to help child sex-trafficking victims
Over the past week, we’ve exposed how Texas leaders who crusade against sex trafficking have done almost nothing to help child trafficking victims. We asked those closest to the issue how they would begin addressing the problem. Here's what they said. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Rep. Senfronia Thompson D-Houston and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston during a press conference on Jan 12, 2017.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune -
When it comes to helping sex-trafficking victims, success is elusive
How do you help sex trafficking victims like Sarah who’ve learned that the way to survive is to flee? Full Story
![People who care for sex-trafficking victims have a common refrain: It's not if they'll run away, but when.]()
Credit: Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune