Texas Legislature 2019

The Texas Legislature did a lot in the 86th regular session, especially if you judge by their spending. Full Story 

On this week’s post-legislative session TribCast, Emily talks to Alexa, Aliyya and Emma about the kumbaya legislative session, the details of school finance reform and the fate of (now former) Texas Secretary of State David Whitley. Full Story 

Whitley leaves his job after presiding over a botched review of the voter rolls that questioned the citizenship of thousands of eligible voters. Full Story 

The 86th legislative session is in the history books. Who's up and who's down after the 140-day marathon in Austin? Full Story 

In the past, personalities got in the way of policy at the Texas Capitol. This year, state leaders refused to let that happen. Full Story 

The House failed to pass legislation that would have extended the agency's existence. Full Story 

While lawmakers in the 86th Texas Legislature advanced measures on some controversial issues, they know it often takes several sessions to pass bills and say they intend to refile them next time. Full Story 

Senate Bill 12 would increase state, teacher and school district contributions to the pension fund over the next six years and give retired teachers a $2,000 supplemental check. Full Story 

Lawmakers behind the bills said the legislation will create a more resilient Texas and better prepare the state for storms. Full Story 

Completing negotiations that have taken place over the last few months, Texas House and Senate lawmakers accepted a compromise on a state spending plan for 2020-21. Full Story 

The money had been included in a previous version of the state's supplemental budget, and legislators had intended for President Donald Trump's administration to repay the funds. Full Story 

Negotiators in the House and Senate couldn't come to an agreement on a bill addressing how Texas handles capital murder defendants who may be intellectually disabled. In 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that executing people with intellectual disabilities amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. Full Story 

The money will be used to hire more employees, give a raise to current staffers and open two new driver’s license offices in Angleton and Denton. The Department of Public Safety's management of the offices has drawn criticism, but lawmakers stopped short of moving those duties to another agency. Full Story 

Behind closed doors, a joint Senate and House committee killed a measure that would require police officers to explain why they arrest someone for fine-only offenses, otherwise the case would be dismissed. Criminal justice reform advocates considered the issue a priority following the arrest of Sandra Bland. Full Story 

The bill aims to slow rising property tax revenues and make it easier for Texans to understand how their tax bills are determined. The House and Senate both approved it Saturday, and it is expected to soon be sent to Abbott for his signature. Full Story 

The money would come from the state savings account, and Texas officials anticipate getting reimbursed by the federal government. Full Story 

The $11.6 billion school finance and property tax reform bill is now poised to head to Gov. Greg Abbott. Full Story 

Sen. Lois Kolkhorst's office said Saturday that she "is still evaluating all options available to save SB 1804." Full Story 

Lawmakers delivered on their promises of school finance and property tax reforms, agreeing to spend $11.6 billion on a combination of education changes and tax cuts. It's big, but is it really "transformative"? Full Story 

The House initially exempted churches and nonprofits from the extended statute of limitations, but the chamber agreed to include them Friday after sex assault victims pushed back. Full Story