Texplainer

Hey, Texplainer: What are the State Comptroller’s Events Trust Funds, and how do they work? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: How much does the Texas Capitol recycle during a legislative session? During this session, 72 tons of paper, plastic and aluminum, bringing in $12,000 to the fund that maintains state buildings. Full Story 

Hey Texplainer: What happens to the bills that Perry doesn't sign or veto? Gov. Rick Perry has vetoed and signed a multitude of bills this year, but to date there have been 27 he allowed to become law by default. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Does the Texas Windstorm Industry Association have enough money for this year's hurricane season? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Is is true that sex acts are being taught to college students at state-funded gender and sexuality centers? Full Story 

Gov. Rick Perry is not shy when it comes to using his veto pen. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Can the Lege override the governor's veto of legislation passed in the regular session — once the regular session is over? The governor says no. But it's murky. Two expert opinions offer somewhat conflicting views. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: Can Texas really stop the TSA from touching my privates when I go through airport security? Short answer: No. Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: How does a special session work? And how is it different from the regular session? Full Story 

Hey, Texplainer: What's all the talk about deadlines at the Legislature this week? Aren't there three weeks left in the session? Full Story 

The first reading is just an introduction, the second reading is when the action happens, and the third reading is for final passage. Full Story 

As the wildfires have worsened, costs have mounted at a rate of over $1 million per day. The state will pay the majority, though local governments and the feds will also pay a share. Full Story 

With gasoline costing $1 more than a year ago, budget planners can add fuel expenditures to their list of worries. However, it's also true that oil companies will also pay more in taxes to the state as they beef up their drilling operations. Full Story 

With more than 3,000 bills and only 140 days to pass them, somebody's got to set priorities and make a schedule. Those somebodies are on the calendars committees. Full Story 

Not much, unless you're one of the state's 130,000 civilian federal employees — or you’re scrambling to get your taxes done. Full Story 

Generally, committee meetings are open to the public and recorded — one way or another. Full Story 

Feral hogs are a fast-growing — and destructive — problem. Does that mean recreational hunters in helicopters should shoot them? Full Story 

Calling a point of order is a parliamentary delay tactic, but it can be a deadly one. Full Story 

Those with a concealed handgun license, which currently means they must be 21 years old. Though it won't necessarily be that way forever, which raises another question: When it comes to gun safety, does age matter? Full Story 

That's what 1,200 gallons of fresh paint will do for a dome. Full Story