Texas House of Representatives

Analysis: Lawmakers Send an Ethics Message, Intentional or Not

By Ross Ramsey Jan. 28, 2015

Some of the Legislature's early actions indicate some ambivalence about the agencies and people who enforce state ethics laws. Full Story

Credit: Anneke Paterson
Feb. 17 Runoff Set in Race for Kolkhorst's House Seat

By Bobby Blanchard Jan. 27, 2015

UPDATED: Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that a runoff will take place Feb. 17 in the special election for the House seat vacated by Lois Kolkhorst. Full Story

Credit: Todd Wiseman
Analysis: It's Not Bribery Unless They Say It's Bribery

By Ross Ramsey Jan. 27, 2015

It's a bribe when a lobbyist gives a public official something of value in exchange for a decision or a vote or some other official act. But there's an exception in Texas law that might surprise you. Full Story

Credit: Muliadi Soenaryo
Video: A Conversation With Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock

By Evan Smith Jan. 22, 2015

Full video of my 1/22 conversation with state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee. Full Story
Inside Texas Politics: A New Lieutenant Governor

By John Jordan Jan. 18, 2015

This week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics with host Jason Whitely, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy and Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey leads off with an interview with Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick. Full Story

Credit: WFAA
The Playlist: Them Changes

By John Jordan Jan. 17, 2015

This week was marked by a big turnover in state government, so we’re launching our playlist of the news with "Changes," played here by the Band of Gypsys. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by John Jordan
Straus: $202 Billion Budget Plan Reflects Fiscal Discipline

By Aman Batheja Jan. 15, 2015

House Speaker Joe Straus said the House's base budget plan, released Thursday, holds "spending in check while addressing some very important challenges related to our rapid growth." The Senate's base budget is expected to come out next week. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Party Mix: Shifting Dominance in the Texas Legislature

By Ross Ramsey Jan. 15, 2015

When the Texas Legislature met in 1971, only two senators and 10 representatives were Republicans. Now it's 20-11 in the Senate and (after the elections are settled, with our assumption about party shifts) 98-52 in the House. Here's how it looked in between the 62nd and 84th regular sessions. Full Story
Video: New House Members on Immigration

By Evan Smith Jan. 14, 2015

At our 1/14 conversation, new state Reps. Celia Israel, D-Austin, Linda Koop, R-Dallas, and Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving, talked about border security, in-state tuition and other immigration-related topics. Full Story
Video: New House Members on the Health Care

By Evan Smith Jan. 14, 2015

At our 1/14 conversation, new state Reps. Celia Israel, D-Austin, Linda Koop, R-Dallas, and Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving, talked about what the Lege is likely to do on health care. Full Story
Video: New House Members on the Budget

By Evan Smith Jan. 14, 2015

At our 1/14 conversation, new state Reps. Celia Israel, D-Austin, Linda Koop, R-Dallas, and Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving, talked about the comptroller's revenue estimate and how they'll approach the task of passing a budget. Full Story
Video: A Conversation With Three New House Members

By Evan Smith Jan. 14, 2015

Full video of my 1/14 conversation with three new members of the Texas House: Celia Israel, D-Austin; Linda Koop, R-Dallas; and Matt Rinaldi, R-Irving. Full Story
Straus Aims to Expand Authority for House Investigations

By Aman Batheja Jan. 14, 2015

When members debate the proposed rules for the House on Thursday, they'll discuss a plan from House Speaker Joe Straus to expand one committee's jurisdiction in investigating state agencies and practices. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
T-Squared: The 84th Lege, at Your Fingertips

By Emily Ramshaw Jan. 14, 2015

As excited as we are about the start of the 84th session, we’re equally pumped to roll out our brand new 84th Lege page — a comprehensive and convenient portal to all of your Texas legislative needs. Full Story
Slideshow: Day One of the 84th Legislature

By John Jordan Jan. 14, 2015

On the first day of the 84th Legislature, state lawmakers were sworn into office amidst family and friends. Afterwards, the House re-elected Joe Straus speaker, while the Senate made Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa president pro tempore. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Video: Day One of the 84th Legislature

By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn Jan. 13, 2015

State lawmakers and their families filled the Texas Capitol in Austin on Tuesday for the start of the 2015 legislative session – a day complete with formalities, pomp and a vote for House speaker. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
It's Opening Day for the 84th Legislature

By Ross Ramsey Jan. 13, 2015

Got your popcorn ready? The Texas Legislature opens its 84th 140-day regular session today at noon, with ceremonies, a little pomp and a skirmish or two. Here's a look at what's happening today. Full Story

Credit: Anneke Paterson
Day Before Key Vote, Turner Supporters Rally

By Aman Batheja Jan. 12, 2015

Tuesday's vote for speaker of the Texas House will provide "a sense of hope" to "the people of America," state Rep. Scott Turner told a small rally of supporters at a La Quinta Inn near the Capitol Monday. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Video: A Conversation With Huffman and Watson

By Evan Smith Jan. 12, 2015

Full video of my 1/12 conversation with state Sens. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, and Kirk Watson, D-Austin — the chairs of the Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses. Full Story
Analysis: For Session, a Mix of New Faces and a Heavy Dose of Suspense

By Ross Ramsey Jan. 12, 2015

Another legislative session is starting, with a twist. Texans, accustomed to the same players in the same offices for years and years, will see something new as this unfolds: change. Full Story

Credit: Anneke Paterson for The Texas Tribune