Texas Senate

Stubbornness, Turf War Could Hold Up Abortion Sonogram

By Emily Ramshaw and Julián Aguilar March 8, 2011

The biggest hurdle getting an abortion sonogram bill passed this session may be good old-fashioned stubbornness. Full Story

Credit: Daniel Lobo
Numbers Tell Tale of Who's Vulnerable in Redistricting

By Ross Ramsey March 3, 2011

You don't need a new map to find the political trouble spots in Texas — and by trouble, we mean officeholders who are vulnerable in the redistricting process. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman / Matt Stiles
Lawmakers Talk Grading, Attendance Policies

By Andrew Weber March 1, 2011

The Senate Education Committee has sent legislation on minimum grading and attendance policies to the full chamber, but bills on residential development and special education policy have stalled. Full Story
Forensic Commissioners Answer to Legislators

By Aziza Musa Feb. 28, 2011

The Senate Nominations Committee voted 4-2 today to recommend approval of the state forensic board Chairman John Bradley's appointment. Sens. José Rodríguez and Kirk Watson voted against Bradley's nomination. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Senate Committee Targets Payday Lending

By Aziza Musa Feb. 22, 2011

If a set of bills filed by Sens. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, and Royce West, D-Dallas, passes this session, consumers who take out short-term, high-interest loans could be protected from exorbitant interest rate charges. Full Story
The Week in Texas Politics Recap: 2/14 to 2/18

By Justin Dehn and Thanh Tan Feb. 18, 2011

No time to follow every twist and turn of the Texas Legislature? We've made it easier for you with our weekly recaps of the action under the dome. Full Story
Triblive: Michael Williams

By Todd Wiseman and Justin Dehn Feb. 18, 2011

Triblive: Evan Smith interviews Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams. Full Story
Texplainer: Where Did the Sunset Commission Get Its Name?

By Andrew Weber Feb. 18, 2011

Nothing scares the good men and women of state agencies more than one word: Sunset. But where did the Sunset Commission get its name? Full Story
Are TX Senators Influenced By Power PAC Money?

By Thanh Tan Feb. 17, 2011

This week, lawmakers from two senate committees called the power players in the electricity industry to Austin to grill them about the rolling blackouts on Feb. 2. As it turns out, many of those executives and their companies' PACs have contributed thousands to the senators who were questioning them. Full Story
Video: Texas Senate Passes Abortion Sonogram

By Justin Dehn Feb. 17, 2011

Abortion sonogram legislation passed the Senate 21 to 10, and is moving to the House, where the overwhelming Republican majority is expected to pass it. Here's a look at the floor debate. Full Story

Credit: Justin Dehn
Senate Floor Debate on Sonogram Bill

By Justin Dehn Feb. 17, 2011

Abortion sonogram legislation passed the Senate 21 to 10, and is moving to the House, where the overwhelming Republican majority is expected to pass it. Here's a look at the floor debate. Full Story
Trib-ial Pursuit: The Know Your Elected Officials Game

By Christopher Chang Feb. 17, 2011

Would you recognize state Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, if he passed you on the street? Could you pick state Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, out of a lineup? How well do you know the faces of other Texas elected officials? Test your knowledge by playing this simple, addictive game. Full Story

Credit: Chris Chang
At Blackout Hearing, Big Political Donors Grilled

By Matt Stiles Feb. 15, 2011

The big power companies in Texas on the hot seat during a Senate hearing about this month's rolling blackouts have donated more than $400,000 since 2000 to members of the two committees asking questions. The donations are part of nearly $4 million in campaign money the companies and their employees have spent on political candidates during that time. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Students Rally for UT Funding

By Aziza Musa Feb. 9, 2011

Cries of "Texas fight" and "It's 8:45, and we're still underfunded" rang across a crowd of nearly 100 students, who marched to the Capitol this morning to rally for adequate funding for the University of Texas. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Bill Aims to Make Sexting Illegal

By Justin Dehn Feb. 7, 2011

Under the proposed legislation, teens caught "sexting" could face up to a Class A Misdemeanor. Parents could also face penalties. Full Story
Can a Pro-Choice Republican Win in Texas?

By Ross Ramsey Feb. 7, 2011

State Comptroller Susan Combs may test that question. She is considering a run for lieutenant governor in 2014. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Lawmakers Get Strong Message On Health Funds

By Justin Dehn Feb. 2, 2011

The Senate Finance Committee heard public testimony today on proposed cuts to health and human services. Full Story
David Dewhurst: The TT Interview

By Emily Ramshaw Feb. 1, 2011

The lieutenant governor believes he knows how to save Texas money and improve patient care by overhauling how doctors and hospitals are paid: with carrots, not sticks. In an interview with the Tribune, he talks about what he sees as the root of the health care crisis, and his proposed solutions. Full Story

Credit: Caleb Bryant Miller
The Weekly Recap: Jan. 24 to Jan. 28

By Justin Dehn Jan. 29, 2011

No time to follow every twist and turn of the Texas Legislature? We've made it easier for you with our weekly recaps of the action under the dome. Take a look back at the top political news from Jan. 24 to Jan. 28. Full Story
TribBlog: Texas Senate Committees Names

By Ross Ramsey Jan. 28, 2011

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst appointed senators to committees late this afternoon Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera