The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Police use asset forfeiture to seize cash, cars and other property that they suspect is part of criminal activity. As our December story explains, they don't have to get a conviction, but property owners have to prove they're not a criminal. Full Story
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"I hate the program," said one lawmaker; another said it's created a "permanent underclass." So why is the much-maligned Driver Responsibility Program still around? As our August story points out, lawmakers haven't yet figured out another funding source for the trauma centers that the DPR helps support. Full Story
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It can and it has. Last year, Texas lawmakers voted to override several local ordinances with new statewide measures — including relaxing regulations for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. Full Story
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The state's highest criminal court must reconsider a November decision to ensure its proceedings "appear fair to all who observe them," prosecutors argued. Full Story
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And should Texans expect to give up more of their property to the government as border wall and high-speed train projects move forward? Full Story
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The Texas Tribune produced several deep-dive investigations in 2018 that examined various issues that affect Texans across the state. Here's a look at some of those standout projects. Full Story
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Tuition and fees at Texas universities have more than doubled since 2003. There's plenty of blame to go around. Full Story
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The fine comes nearly four years after Miller, a champion calf roper, used taxpayer money for a trip to the National Dixie Rodeo in Jackson, Mississippi. Full Story
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Appointed to the University of Texas System's Board of Regents in 2017, the Republican has been an outspoken critic of system-level spending. Full Story
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The national debate came home to Texas again this year when a 17-year-old opened fire at Santa Fe High School, killing 10 and wounding several others. Full Story
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This year alone, 18 states increased their minimum wage and 30 states now have a minimum wage that exceeds the federal government's $7.25-per-hour rate. Many of Texas' major cities have boosted pay, too. Will the state follow suit? Full Story
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The audit says the Texas Department of Public Safety lacks the controls to ensure necessary documents are collected and retained. Full Story
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Twenty-two years after joining the Texas House as its youngest member, state Rep. Dennis Bonnen is poised to take over the chamber's reins on Jan. 8. Full Story
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Texas' Economic Stabilization Fund holds more than $11 billion and is the largest in the country. There's a lot of disagreement over how and when to spend the money. Full Story
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Edgewood ISD has faced consistent problems in preparing its students for college and the workforce. The district's struggles shine a light on Texas’ long record of neglecting schools that educate mostly students of color. Full Story
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Tuberculosis is a rare disease, but public health experts are urging Texas legislators to invest in expensive medication, nurses who can help patients and supporting local health departments to test and treat people who may have been exposed. Full Story
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The school severed its contract with the speech pathologist because of state law banning Texas government contracts with companies that boycott Israel. Full Story
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David Whitley was named Texas' top election official on Monday, years after he started working for Abbott when the governor served as the state's attorney general. Full Story
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More and more states have decided to expand Medicaid, but Texas has not budged. With more than a half million Texans in the so-called health coverage gap, will the politics of the issue shift in next year's legislative session? Full Story
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Citing health issues, the El Paso Democrat announced Saturday that he would step down from his post effective Jan. 4, four days before the start of the next legislative session. Full Story
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