The latest 83rd Legislative Session news from The Texas Tribune.
House Bill 5, which reduced standardized testing in public high schools, also included a provision aimed at easing the pressure of high-stakes exams for students in lower grades. But it may not be having the intended effect. Full Story
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A special prosecutor, who is investigating whether Gov. Rick Perry abused his authority when he eliminated state funding of the Texas public integrity unit, told the Austin American-Statesman and KVUE that what he’s found so far is “concerning.” Full Story
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The 2013 legislative session was viewed by many observers as a watershed moment for craft brewers in Texas. But at a Thursday hearing, the House Economic Development Committee was encouraged to do more for the industry. Full Story
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Federal and state officials are in talks to work out a conflict in testing requirements under the state’s new high school graduation standards and federal education law that could mean "double-testing" eighth-graders. Full Story
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As six charter schools face automatic closure under a new Texas law, the state is facing questions over the guidelines used to decide which schools to close. Full Story
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State senators will hold a hearing Thursday to assess Texas’ efforts to expand access to women’s health services across the state. Abortion rights advocates say an essential issue has been left off the agenda. Full Story
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To address shortfalls in Medicaid financing and billions in annual uncompensated care costs, Ted Shaw, president and chief executive of the Texas Hospital Association, issued a call to action to hospitals on Friday. Full Story
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When Texas legalized brewpubs in 1993, the owners could only sell their product on-site. That changed in June with the implementation of the largest overhaul of the craft beer industry in two decades. Full Story
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The State Board of Education voted Friday to drop an existing requirement that all students at Texas public schools take algebra II to graduate. It also approved two high-level math courses that students can take as an alternative. Full Story
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Texas ranks 33rd for its percentage of female legislators. The number of women in the upper chamber is unlikely to increase, even as two of the seven in the Senate — Wendy Davis and Leticia Van de Putte — pursue statewide office. Full Story
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We've expanded the officials in our Ethics Explorer to include the judges on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the members of the State Board of Education. We've also updated our existing analysis on members of the Legislature. Full Story
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Full video of my 1/16 TribLive conversation with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who's running for reelection in 2014. Full Story
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Use this interactive to see how much the state has awarded individual regions for primary women's health care in 2014, the percentage of that money expected to be spent on family planning and the total anticipated clients. Full Story
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A pregnant North Texas woman being kept on life support against her family's wishes is stirring political debate in a state immersed in competitive primary races. Full Story
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Texas is preparing for a new drug screening procedure required of applicants for unemployment benefits, but the federal Labor Department has yet to set the parameters. Full Story
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A new PAC will allow Texans for Education Reform, which became a lobbying powerhouse during the 2013 legislative session, to put resources toward candidates for office. Full Story
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Self-appointed "conservative" special-interest groups have intervened in some House races to exert political power. It's time for those of us who believe in truly conservative solutions to push back. Full Story
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Lawmakers passed a bill that requires a study of solitary confinement in Texas prisons, but the panel charged with hiring a third party to conduct the research does not have money to fund the study. Full Story
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Advocates see cause for optimism in the unprecedented amount of funding state lawmakers dedicated to mental health services, and in federal health care reform's emphasis on mental health care. Full Story
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In Texas, 2013 featured a legislative calendar that included multiple special sessions, a filibuster that drew international attention and a multitude of filings for the 2014 elections. Here's a look back at some of 2013's top stories. Full Story
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