The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
After hearing critics take aim at the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, legislators approved new regulations that they hope will improve the board's efficiency. This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/08/06/31-Days-Dentist.jpg)
Texans aren’t exactly lining up to get the free voter ID certificates the Texas Department of Public Safety is required to distribute under the terms of the state’s controversial voter ID law. Both sides say that's proof they were right. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/RedistrictingVoterID.jpg)
Texas lawmakers have passed legislation that – pending voter approval – would mean an estimated $1.2 billion annual boost for TxDOT. But it's not yet clear what details the agency will have ready to offer the public before next year's election. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Money-On-The-Horizon.jpg)
A new constraint on proxy marriage in Texas — a measure intended to prevent fraud — will have a secondary effect: It will end prison inmates' ability to tie the knot. This story is part of our month-long 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/08/05/ProxyMarriage_1.jpg)
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: State Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano, who spent much of the session pushing for tighter budget constraints and tax cuts, discusses his budget philosophy this session. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/bc61581a0f027e14dece2e631572efad/BD%20INC%20Taylor%2001%202011)
The 83rd Legislature's third special session is underway, and Gov. Rick Perry has only added transportation funding to the call. But that hasn't stopped lawmakers from filing bills on other subjects. You can keep tabs on all of them with our bill tracker. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/BillTracker2.jpg){kind=tracking}
The state’s new Expanded Learning Opportunities Council will be charged with developing a statewide action plan to improve and create extended learning opportunities in public schools. This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/08/02/Schools001.JPG)
This week in the Texas Weekly Newsreel: The Legislature begins its third special session, the 2014 candidates are stirring and House leaders open a new political action committee to pass a constitutional amendment on water. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/080113_ART_Newsreel.jpg)
Texans who work in some industries must already take drug tests as a condition of employment. Soon, they will also face them if they lose their jobs and seek unemployment. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/23/MedClinic011.jpg)
The West community will receive additional federal funding to rebuild following the explosion of a fertilizer depot in April that killed 15 people and flattened much of the town, Gov. Rick Perry announced on Friday. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/18/West-TX-1.jpg)
Texas' craft brewers are facing the biggest legislative overhaul the industry has seen in 20 years. News laws are letting them expand sales of their products. This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/31/TxTrib-CraftBeer002.jpg)
The state says anyone who disagrees with election law changes ought to prove there is a problem in court. The federal government and others want the state to prove there are no problems before those laws ever take effect. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/03/VoteAqui.jpg)
The 83rd Texas Legislature has made it easier for craft brewers to break into the market. The leaders of Austin-based Infamous Brewing talk about how their operations are changing under the new regulations. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/TxTrib-CraftBeer002.JPG)
A House committee on Thursday held its first hearing in the third special session, and it voted out a transportation funding plan with minor changes from one that failed in the previous special session. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/30/TransportationFunding-2.jpg)
The regular Texas legislative session was notable for bipartisan coalitions and harmony. The special sessions have been notable for partisan battles and stalemates. To understand what's going on, just look at the voters. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c23061c74997f3621e96ac0ed7511695/BD%20INC%20Capitol%20Security%201009%202013)
Under House Bill 5, students entering high school this fall will take 10 fewer state exams than their classmates two years ahead of them. This story is part of our month-long 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/31/31Days-Day1-Quiz.jpg)
Every day this month, the Tribune will reveal a new way that the laws and budget lawmakers passed in the 83rd legislative session will affect Texans' lives come Sept. 1. See the latest stories published or use our interactive calendar for an overview. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/31/31Days-Lead-Pointer-a.jpg)
The number of Texas lawmakers absent from the Capitol because of personal business isn't always an issue. But as this week has shown, the absentee list could pose a problem for leaders trying to muster votes for a major transportation funding plan. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/EmptySeats-Capitol.jpg)
Pleas from lawmakers failed to ward off an immediate third special session on transportation. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Capsized4.jpg)
Despite broad bipartisan support, lawmakers have been unsuccessful this year in their efforts to pass a bill issuing tuition revenue bonds to fund campus construction. Another special session may provide them with an opportunity to try again. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/UTEP_Tribune_IPA_23.jpg)