Guides

The rules are a little different for how to complete the terms of statewide executive officials who leave office early. Full Story 

The Democratic National Committee nixed the Texas Two-Step, ending a nearly 40-year-old tradition that allowed state Democrats to vote for a president in both a primary and caucus election. What does this mean for 2016? Full Story 

In each of the Texas Legislature's chambers, a nonpartisan voice plays a pivotal role in how lawmakers conduct state business in the Capitol. As part of an occasional series explaining the Legislature’s inner workings, we provide you a look at the job of the parliamentarian. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: I heard that oil prices are plunging – down more than 20 percent since June. What does that mean for the state budget? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: I know the state plans to appeal a judge's recent decision that Texas' school finance system is unconstitutional. But what will the state's defense be moving forward? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: If high school students take AP U.S. history, does that mean they are studying Common Core? Wouldn't that be illegal in Texas? Full Story 

The Democrats are delaying their usual primary election night precinct conventions until March 22, when they hold county conventions. The state's Republicans will hold some tonight and combine others with the county conventions. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Could Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott choose to not defend a law? What are the state attorney general’s responsibilities when it comes to lawsuits against Texas? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: There are discussions that Texas might transform its energy market, shifting from “energy only” to a “capacity” market. What does that mean, and why does it matter? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: How do state officials make sure the electricity stays on during the many long, hot days of the Texas summer? Full Story 

Who was the woman talking into the Senate presiding officer's ear during the filibuster watched around the world? Parliamentarians offer nonpartisan and confidential advice about legislative rules and practice. Full Story 

State Sen. Wendy Davis is trying to talk to death an abortion bill that she and other Democrats oppose. The rules for filibustering could make the hours until midnight tough ones for the Fort Worth Democrat. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Some people are comparing an omnibus abortion bill in the Texas Legislature to an Arizona law that was ruled unconstitutional. Are the measures the same? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: I heard that Texas A&M University currently allows campus carry. Is that true? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Which state and federal agencies were responsible for overseeing and regulating the fertilizer plant in West that exploded last week? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Can a regent of a university system be recalled or impeached? If so, how could that happen? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: All anyone is talking about right now is sequestration and the harm it might do to our government. How would Texas fare? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: I keep hearing that the money the state spends on public education has increased over the past decade. But the ruling in the school finance trial said Texas schools are underfunded. Who is right? Full Story 

The blocker bill, a tradition of the Texas Senate, gives the minority party power, because it requires that two-thirds of the Senate must agree before a bill is heard on the floor. Full Story 

With a major school finance trial under way, lawmakers are reluctant to take up public education funding before a court ruling on the matter. What they'll do in the meantime remains uncertain. Full Story