Protesters who obstruct emergency vehicles could face felony charges under bill passed by Texas House
The bill is in response to nationwide protests against police brutality last year. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/64242740d0328577faee9e05b9fa4f52/Protest_Austin_Kalifa%20TK%20TT%20008.jpg)
-
![Demonstrators block traffic and march past vehicles on I-35 during a protest against police violence in Austin on May 31, 2020. Police later used teargas to disperse crowds on the interstate.]()
Credit: Courtesy of Tamir Kalifa -
Texas Senate bill restricting transgender students’ sports participation stalls in House committee, casting doubts on its fate
The bill would prevent transgender Texas children from joining school sports teams that match their gender identity. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17d65e01202b57fb75133219df92aa7e/Protect%20Trans%20Kids%20Rally%20SF%20TT%2059.jpg)
![People hold up signs at an event held by Equality Texas at the Capitol on April 14, 2021. The group had several speakers including parents of trans-children speaking against SB1646, which would bring possible charges against parents for helping their children with their gender identities.]()
Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune -
“My name is Dan and I’m an alcoholic”: State Rep. Dan Huberty confronts addiction after DWI arrest
Huberty was arrested on April 23 in Montgomery County after he crashed his Corvette into a minivan and failed a sobriety test. He was driving home from the state Capitol. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/3de3435e0942a145c65014fd6a50457c/Huberty%20EG%20TT%2001.jpg)
![State Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Houston, during the committee hearing on Oct. 28, 2019.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
Texas House lifts its mask requirement for chamber and committees
The resolution was passed in a 99-46 vote. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still suggest that people wear masks in public places, especially indoors. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0b67057841cc85ffa4e5f2d0dd1090ed/Capitol%20Opening%20Day%20JV%20TT.%2017.jpg)
![Visitors are required to wear masks in the house chambers, but lawmakers will only wear masks at their discretion. Jan 4, 2021.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
Bill allowing permitless carrying of handguns advances to Texas Senate floor, where its fate remains uncertain
The bill would nix the requirement for most Texas residents to obtain a license to carry handguns. Texans would also no longer be required to receive training before carrying a handgun in public. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/52c0136639c31f3a2ac623889b0d8e77/Handgun%20File%20EL%20TT%2005.jpg)
![A M&P Shield handgun, small enough to be ideal for conceal carry, in Austin on April 23, 2021.]()
Credit: Photo Illustration by Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Authorities say they won't seek charges after investigating allegation that a lobbyist drugged a Texas Capitol staffer
The Texas Department of Public Safety and Travis County District Attorney’s Office said in a joint statement that they thoroughly investigated the allegation. "No crime occurred in this instance," the two agencies said. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/5ceb699b53266cee2691afaa82e2cca0/First%20Day%20of%2086%20Lege%20AP%20TT%2015.jpg)
![A view of the rotunda at the state capitol. Jan. 8, 2018.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
The criminal penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana would be reduced under a bill passed by the Texas House
The measure likely faces an uphill climb in the Senate, where two years ago Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick opposed similar legislation. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1c8ec5fe260431a46030a8435ef8560/Marijuana%20Plastic%20Bag%20IS%20TT.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto -
Texas House passes package of police reform bills, including measure requiring more substantive disciplinary action for police misconduct
The chamber approved three police reform measures that are part of a sweeping set of legislation following the in-custody murder of George Floyd last year. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/da1eed7d77a1f754fbf22ebc245d26e5/ATX%20George%20Floyd%20Protest%20June%2006%20MG%20TT%2013.jpg)
![State troopers stand guard at the state Capitol grounds to prevent protesters from entering during a protest over the death of George Floyd.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick "optimistic" about allowing permitless carry of handguns as bill appears poised to reach Senate floor
The lieutenant governor said Thursday he still does not have the votes to bring the proposal to the floor of the upper chamber, but he believes that will change by next week. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/311b469c1f70dde3d48f4e06fc8a0a48/McBrides%20Gun%20File%20JV%20TT%2006.jpg)
![Hundreds of handguns and rifles for sale at McBride’s Gun’s in Central Austin on April 20, 2021.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
In push for new Texas voting restrictions, House panel sets up GOP faceoff over which chamber's legislation will advance
The House elections committee gutted the Senate’s priority voting bill and replaced it with language from the House’s preferred legislation, signaling a divide over which new restrictions will make it to the governor’s desk. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/197cafd81363bcd1631a28dd11dcff65/Hays%20County%20Early%20Voting%20JV%20TT%2023.jpg)
![Voters cast their ballots at the Performing Arts Center at Texas State University in San Marcos.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
Texas' medical cannabis program could expand under bill OK'd by House
The program would be expanded for a number of conditions including chronic pain and PTSD — as well as allow for more potent levels of THC. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/bcf3880c8423c80ccf0b6d6cb9454c8c/05_Marijuana_Plants_Texas_MKC_TT.jpg)
![Compassionate Cultivation, a home-grown medical cannabis company serving patients throughout Texas]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune -
Donald Trump makes late push for Susan Wright in special election to fill her late husband's U.S. House seat
The former president is set to appear on a tele-town hall Thursday to get out the vote for Wright in Saturday's contest. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/43219f17cf9dac443f0ffca8ca0a2acd/Trump%20Campaign%20Rally%20REUTERS%2001.jpg)
![President Donald Trump during a campaign rally at the Minden-Tahoe Airport in Nevada in September.]()
Credit: Jason Bean/Imagn Content Services via REUTERS -
Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll sign bill allowing permitless carrying of handguns, believes Senate is “making progress”
The governor broke his silence Tuesday on the legislation that has been building momentum at the Texas Capitol. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/859f97fa7cb686b247890a98a1ca2b2f/McBrides%20Gun%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg)
![Handguns for sale at a gun store in Central Austin on April 20, 2021.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
Allegation of sexual misconduct by lobbyist leads to another round of calls for reform in Texas Capitol
The speaker said Monday he was directing a House committee to establish an email hotline for staffers to submit reports or complaints of harassment in the workplace. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/64ab417757535c60e6d2d01b6c11aa41/Lege%202021%20Opening%20Day%20MG%20TT%2004.jpg)
![A view inside the state Capitol on the opening day of the Legislative Session. The Capitol was mostly empty on opening day because of COVID-19 restrictions. Jan. 12, 2021.]()
Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune -
Texas lawmakers, lobby firm react to allegations that a lobbyist gave date rape drug to Capitol aide
State lawmakers, staffers and other Capitol observers have denounced the alleged incident, with several House members declaring on social media that they were banning from their offices any lobbyist or lobby firm associated with the accusation. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f0c2b4c99847446f633b80f67e0ed83a/Senate%20Session%20April%2012%20JV%20TT%2012.jpg)
![The Texas Capitol on April 12, 2021.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
State Rep. Dan Huberty arrested for DWI after accident Friday night
Huberty, authorities said, appeared flushed, dazed and his eyes were glassy and bloodshot. He smelled strongly of alcohol, slurred his speech and failed his walking and balance tests, according to the police report. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0f5d9f371b1e8d633ed1854459ae2b3b/House%20Committee%20Public%20Education%20EG%20%20TT%2006.jpg)
![State Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Houston, listens to testimonies on the Texas Education Agency's uses of House Bill 3 and House Bill 22 during a committee hearing on Oct. 28, 2019.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
As political pressure builds, Texas Senate looks for path forward on permitless carry for handguns
After the House passed a measure last week that would allow permitless carry of handguns, the Senate is feeling the heat to take up the cause. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6bdae8fcb27af7f94a6ca9de3f6cb67b/McBrides%20Gun%20File%20JV%20TT%2004.jpg)
![Hundreds of handguns and rifles for sale at McBride’s Gun’s in Central Austin on April 20, 2021.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: Texas lawmakers are working on an incomplete budget
The Texas Legislature is working on a budget that spends around $250 billion. But it doesn't include billions in federal COVID-19 relief money or account for big changes that could rock the state's Medicaid programs. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/98b98aa7ca4f05722b07fcd58de8c498/House%20Floor%20March%2030%20JV%20TT%2023.jpg)
![Lawmakers on the House floor on March 30, 2021. The Texas Legislature lacks diversity as 73% of lawmakers in both chambers are male, compared to 50% of Texas residents.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says Senate currently lacks the votes to pass permitless carry of handguns
"I plan to meet with law enforcement who oppose permitless carry and with the [National Rifle Association] and [Gun Owners of America] who support it to see if we can find a path that a majority of senators will vote to pass,” Patrick said. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/3ea56579dc688a58d7c48a9c74207127/RPT_Open_Carry_BD_TT.jpg)
![Delegate Terry Holcomb waits to ask a question on the first day of the Texas Republican Party of Texas convention in San Antonio on June 14, 2018.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: The Texas Legislature starts its biennial race against the clock
Lawmakers have only six weeks left on their calendar, and most of the big things they set out to do aren’t finished. A session that started very quietly will end with a sprint. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e927960714067000bc46590d734dedda/Lege%20File%20March%202%20JV%20TT%2025.jpg)
![Maskless lawmakers speak to one another on the Senate floor prior to the session beginning on March 2, 2021.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune