House members issue loud demand for Senate action
Members of the Texas House on Tuesday issued a loud demand for the Senate to take action on their bills — or else. Full Story
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Patrick Svitek
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Patrick Svitek was the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick covered elections, state leaders, the Legislature and political trends across the state from 2015 until 2024. He previously worked for the Houston Chronicle's Austin bureau. Patrick graduated in 2014 from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Past Contributions
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![State Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, gives closing arguments on House Bill 122, which would raise the age of criminal responsibility in Texas from 17 to 18. The House passed the bill 92-52 on April 20, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Texas business leaders stayed neutral on "bathroom" amendment
Pro-business forces, which had for months warned that a "bathroom bill" could be disastrous for the state's bottom line, held their fire during Sunday's debate over a bill amendment dealing with the controversial issue. Full Story
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![Representatives look at the board as a vote is taken on a bill amendment that would require schools to provide single-stall restrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities to students who don't want to use facilities designated by “biological sex" at the state Capitol on Sunday, May 21, 2017.]()
Credit: Laura Skelding for The Texas Tribune -
Abbott, Patrick: More work needed as special session threat looms
Gov. Greg Abbott says he's optimistic that lawmakers can avoid a special session. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants the "bathroom bill" passed or he'll keep pushing for one. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Abbott signs bill protecting sermons from subpoenas
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law legislation shielding pastors' sermons from government subpoena power. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott ceremonially signs Senate Bill 24 into law as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and others look on at Grace Church in The Woodlands on May 21, 2017. The legislation shields pastors' sermons from government subpoena power.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Texas GOP Chairman Tom Mechler resigns
Tom Mechler, chairman of the Republican Party of Texas since 2015, announced his resignation from that post Saturday afternoon, citing personal reasons. Full Story
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![Republican Party of Texas Chairman Tom Mechler looks on as Electoral College members cast their vote for president at the state Capitol on December 19, 2016.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Texas Senate approves ban on straight-ticket voting
The Texas Senate gave initial approval Wednesday to legislation that would eliminate straight-ticket voting in all elections. Full Story
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![State Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-Richland Hills, debates Sen. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, on the merits of House Bill 25, which would eliminate straight-party voting in Texas. Garcia argued that the measure would result in discrimination and in even lower voter turnout.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Appeals court puts Paxton case on hold as lawyers push for new judge
A state appeals court has intervened in the securities fraud case against Attorney General Ken Paxton, putting it on hold as his lawyers try to get a new judge. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
House GOP tensions come to a head with 'Mother's Day Massacre'
Long-simmering tensions among House Republicans boiled over Thursday night when the Freedom Caucus announced a plan to kill more than 100 bills. Full Story
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![The Texas Freedom Caucus in a hastily called press conference telling the press their intent to kill bills on the Local and Consent calendar in retaliation for what they say is unfair treatment during the House session on May 11, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Senate committee advances straight-ticket voting ban
A Texas Senate panel approved legislation Thursday that would end straight-ticket voting in all elections. Full Story
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![Travis County voters cast ballots at Travis County Tax Office on Feb. 25, 2016.]()
Credit: Shelby Knowles -
Paxton lawyers say judge didn't have authority for 2017 rulings
Lawyers for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are seeking to void a number of major rulings in the securities fraud case against him, arguing the judge who made them did not have the authority to do so. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton during a press conference to recognize January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month on January 12, 2017.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera