Past Contributions

• Texas House OKs bill to discourage lawsuits over weather-related claims

  By Sanya Mansoor Updated: May 4, 2017

  The Texas House on Thursday tentatively approved a bill that would discourage home and business owners from seeking big payouts from insurance companies after hailstorms, floods and hurricanes — payouts their lawyers say are appropriate. Full Story 

• The Brief: Gov. Greg Abbott indicates he'll sign bill banning "sanctuary" policies

  By Sanya Mansoor and Bobby Blanchard May 4, 2017

  A bill that would outlaw "sanctuary" policies is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. He's expected to sign it. Full Story 

• Over opposition, latest tort reform bill advancing through Legislature

  By Sanya Mansoor May 4, 2017

  Trial lawyers and consumer groups say the proposed legislation would tip the balance of power heavily towards already powerful insurance companies. But tort reform advocates say it's needed to crack down on weather-related lawsuit "abuse." Full Story 

• The Q&A: Tom Arsuffi

  By Sanya Mansoor May 2, 2017

  In this week's Q&A, we interview Tom Arsuffi, director of the Llano River Field Station and chairman of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan Science Advisory Committee. Full Story 

• The Brief: Two dozen arrested at Texas Capitol

  By Bobby Blanchard and Sanya Mansoor May 2, 2017

  At least two dozen protestors on the grounds of the Texas Capitol were charged with trespassing Monday after a day-long sit-in over a proposed bill that would ban "sanctuary" jurisdictions in Texas. Full Story 

• Tree protection ordinances targeted by Republicans, defended by city officials

  By Sanya Mansoor May 1, 2017

  City officials on Monday testified against a bill that would limit the ability of Texas cities to ban residents from cutting down trees on their properties. Republican lawmakers have filed several such bills this year. Full Story 

• The Brief: Texas House's version of bathroom bill gains traction

  By Sanya Mansoor and Bobby Blanchard May 1, 2017

  The Texas Legislature is in its last month, and the Texas House's version of the "bathroom bill" is gaining traction. Full Story 

• Attempts to overhaul Hazlewood veterans tuition program are losing steam

  By Matthew Watkins, Alana Rocha and Sanya Mansoor April 28, 2017

  A change of heart by a powerful lawmaker and vocal opposition by veterans groups have imperiled hopes for a major overhaul of Texas' free tuition program for veterans and their kids. Full Story 

• The Brief: While you slept, the Texas House tentatively passed a sanctuary cities ban

  By Sanya Mansoor and Bobby Blanchard April 27, 2017

  After more than 16 hours of emotional debate — which left some lawmakers in tears — the Texas House tentatively passed a controversial bill that would ban "sanctuary" policies in Texas. Full Story 

• California might eliminate income tax for teachers

  By Sanya Mansoor April 26, 2017

  California’s teacher shortage has led lawmakers to consider no longer requiring some educators to pay income tax. Full Story