The latest 82nd Legislative Session news from The Texas Tribune.
Could a brown, beady-eyed, two-and-a-half-inch lizard really threaten millions of barrels of Texas oil? West Texas lawmakers are worried that adding the sagebrush lizard to the endangered species list would do just that. Full Story
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The state’s contentious sanctuary cities bill failed to move out of the Senate late Tuesday — a move some senators said effectively killed one of the most controversial measures the Texas Legislature has considered this session. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry appeared on Fox News' "On the Record with Greta van Susteren" Tuesday night to discuss border security. Of course, he also took a few swipes at the federal government for not doing more to help curb illegal immigration. Full Story
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A threat from the federal government to shut down Texas airports or cancel flights may have killed legislation by Tea Party conservatives in the Capitol to prohibit federal agents from conducting "invasive searches." Full Story
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In a mixed-bag swipe at "Obamacare," the Texas Senate approved a bill today that would require state agencies to report the costs — and savings — of implementing federal health care reform. Full Story
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“The roosters are crowing and it’s time to go noodling,” said Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, today before the Senate passed a bill to crackdown on cockfighting rings. Full Story
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One day after the education fiscal bill, SB 1581, died on the floor of the House, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a deal and keep the budget bill, HB 1, on track for approval by both chambers before the weekend deadline. The governor is among the optimists who think they'll finish their work without going into overtime. Full Story
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This morning, Gov. Rick Perry signed into law House Bill 15, the so-called abortion sonogram bill, which Senate sponsor Dan Patrick, R-Houston, termed "the beginning of the end for abortions." Full Story
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Legislation that would grant the state authority to erect southbound checkpoints near the Texas-Mexico border was successfully revived today after lawmakers attached it as an amendment to a bill concerning record sharing by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Full Story
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The Senate passed the "reptile bill" today, which creates regulations for hunters who want to collect snakes and horny toads along Texas highways. Full Story
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The state Senate passed two bills Monday evening meant to crack down on payday and car title loan providers. While some call the legislation a good first step, others say the bills do not go far enough. Full Story
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A portion of a multi-faceted homeland security bill that appeared near dead earlier was successfully attached tonight to a House bill relating to the deportation of illegal immigrants who have been incarcerated and released from prison. Full Story
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The so-called puppy mill bill is one step closer to becoming law after the Senate tonight approved a less stringent version of the measure that would regulate cat and dog breeders. Full Story
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Budget negotiators will likely adopt the House's 2012-13 family planning budget, or something close to it. The House proposed $37 million for family planning funding, while the Senate proposed $99 million. Full Story
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The lead budget writers from the House and Senate answered questions about the budget they've agreed upon, admitting they don't have all of the details yet and saying they could vote on the final plan this coming weekend. Full Story
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State health officials can no longer use infant blood samples for non-approved purposes without parental consent, under a measure Senate lawmakers approved today. Full Story
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The state's family planning budget is getting increasingly thin. Budget conferees appear poised to go with the cheapest possible option for offering minimal family planning services, and a Medicaid program that provides screenings and contraception is circling the drain. Full Story
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As the parents of Asher Brown watched, the Senate today unanimously approved a bill meant to prevent bullying in schools. If the House, as expected, approves some changes the Senate made to the measure, it will go to Gov. Rick Perry's desk for a final signature. Full Story
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Legislation on football helmet safety is one step closer to crossing the goal line after passing the Senate today nearly unanimously. Helmets are “the first line of defense” for football players, said Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, the senate sponsor of HB 675. Full Story
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House and Senate negotiators agreed on spending on education, state salaries and benefits this morning and hope to have the final vote on the 2012-13 budget sometime this weekend. Full Story