School Marshal Bill Headed for Governor's Desk
The Senate on Wednesday gave its approval to House Bill 1009, which would allow school districts to designate certain employees to carry concealed weapons and serve as school marshals. Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
With Humor and Temper, Carona Plays the Maverick
Sen. John Carona remains a political maverick in the Texas Legislature, willing to stand alone in policy fights and raise money for Democrats, despite conservative grassroots pressure to conform to stricter ideology. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
House Tentatively OKs Bill to Review Solitary Confinement
UPDATED: The House on Tuesday tentatively approved a bill that would require a now-defunct legislative oversight committee to hire a third party to review solitary confinement conditions in Texas prisons and juvenile lockups. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Polling Center: Budget Endgames and Public Opinion
The public doesn't closely follow legislative debates over the budget, but sometimes those budget debates line up pretty accurately with public opinion. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
A Green Light for Lawmakers' Pension Hikes, Double Dipping
UPDATED: State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, again attempted to add a measure decoupling legislators' pensions from judges' pay. But the amendment to Senate Bill 1459 was defeated Tuesday. Full Story
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Retirees Have Carona's Company in Crosshairs
Many of the residents of Sun City Shadow Hills near Palm Springs say they're being overcharged and hit with unfair penalties by their HOA. They have the company run by state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, in their crosshairs. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Marjorie Kamys Cotera / Todd Wiseman -
Video: The Legislature's Express Lane
They are uncontested pieces of legislation that seemingly pass without much consideration. But the lawmakers, staff and various groups who have a hand in local and uncontested bills say the measures are "well vetted." Full Story
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House Gives Final Approval to Craft Brewing Overhaul
UPDATED: A dramatic overhaul of Texas' craft brewing industry easily won final approval in the House on Monday. Full Story
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Ethics Commission Bill Forces Tough Votes
UPDATED: Facing a laundry list of record votes, lawmakers tacked on several amendments to an Ethics Commission reform bill on Monday that would strengthen the disclosure rules that govern them and their contributors. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman -
For John Carona, Conflicts and Interests
The constitutional provision of a part-time Legislature whose members have full-time jobs back home blurs the line between public responsibilities and personal ambition — as the story of a certain powerful state senator illustrates. Full Story
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For Lawmakers, Ethics Reform is Complicated
It's easier, it seems, for lawmakers to regulate others than to regulate themselves. Ethics and transparency legislation has had a bumpy ride in the current legislative session. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Slideshow: Sen. John Carona Through the Years
Take a photographic trip through Sen. John Carona's career in the Texas Legislature, from his swearing in as a freshman House member in 1991 to his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Committee on Business & Commerce. Full Story
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Credit: exas State Library and Archives Commission -
The Brief: May 20, 2013
With a budget deal struck, the spotlight now shifts to Gov. Rick Perry. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Budget, Ethics and 2014
In this edition of the Newsreel: Will lawmakers finish the budget? Will the governor call for a special session? And when this is over, who will be running for office in 2014? Full Story
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Measure Allowing Driver's Permits for Undocumented Immigrants Stalls
An amendment that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to obtain a permit to legally drive and purchase insurance in Texas was derailed Friday on a point of order. Full Story
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Agenda Texas: Daily Drama at the Capitol
On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: A look at how quickly things can change in the waning days of a Texas legislative session. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
"Merry Christmas Bill" Heads to Governor
The Senate passed a House bill that would allow teachers and other public school staff to use holiday greetings like "Merry Christmas” and "Happy Hanukkah" and to display Christmas trees, menorahs and other cultural icons of winter celebrations. Full Story
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Slideshow: Sen. John Carona Through the Years
Take a photographic trip through Sen. John Carona's career in the Texas Legislature, from his swearing in as a freshman House member in 1991 to his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Committee on Business & Commerce. Full Story
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How Lawmakers' Pensions Would Grow Under Proposed Budget
The proposed state budget would increase state judge's base salaries by 12 percent — and would do the same thing to state legislators' pensions. Check out the added benefit by member. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman -
Gonzalez Says She Will Seek Re-election
State Rep. Naomi Gonzalez, D-El Paso, said on Friday she intends to seek another term in the Texas House, despite her pending drunk driving case. Full Story
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Credit: Justin Dehn
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