The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Water is a top issue with lawmakers, if not quite there with voters, according to the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. And voters prefer adding a surcharge, based on water usage, to help pay for water projects. Full Story
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The mental health code doesn't give police the right to take a gun from someone who is having a mental health crisis. Mental health advocates, judges and law enforcement officials are urging state lawmakers to address gaps like that one. Full Story
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Your evening reading: GOP state senator proposes temporary sales tax hike for transportation; Cornyn and Cruz join filibuster of CIA nominee; House group wants to repeal waiting period for abortions Full Story
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Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson pushed lawmakers to establish a commission to investigate wrongful convictions at his biannual State of the Judiciary speech on Wednesday. Full Story
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After months of planning, state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, and Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, filed bills on Tuesday to overhaul the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and rein in rate hikes on coastal residents. Full Story
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Craft breweries and the Texas Beer Alliance, which represents major-brand beer distributors, joined forces to lobby the Senate Business and Commerce Committee on Tuesday, but not all distributing groups are on board. Full Story
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Texans rallied at the Capitol on Tuesday, hoping to persuade Gov. Rick Perry and other Texas lawmakers to expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry on Monday demanded that Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton provide details about the release of thousands of undocumented immigrants from detention centers. Full Story
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Your evening reading: House Republicans press for rejection of Medicaid expansion; NRA to sponsor NASCAR race in Texas; Jeb Bush opposes pathway to citizenship Full Story
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A Texas State University System Board of Regents nominee said Monday at a Senate committee hearing that his job as owner of the state's largest alternative teacher certification program would not conflict with his duties as a regent. Full Story
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Charity fundraisers give lobbyists and political donors a way to show their support to officeholders during legislative sessions — when the law prohibits direct contributions. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry would beat Attorney General Greg Abbott in a Republican race for governor held today, but a win in that race — if it actually comes to pass — isn't clearly in the hands of either candidate. Full Story
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Former Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia is headed for the Texas Senate after beating state Rep. Carol Alvarado in a Saturday special election runoff to succeed the late Mario Gallegos, D-Houston. Full Story
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In this week's Newsreel: The Supreme Court heard arguments in a voting rights case that could have a big impact on Texas, Republican legislators side with Gov. Rick Perry on Medicaid expansion, and voters will decide on Saturday who will represent Senate District 6. Full Story
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Republican legislators have proposed adding $100 million to a state-run primary care program specifically for women’s health services, which could avert a political fight over subsidizing specialty family planning clinics. Full Story
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A bill in the Texas Senate would make the penalty for failing to stop and render aid in certain hit-and-run cases equal to that of intoxication manslaughter. It's a move lawmakers and law enforcement hope causes more drivers to do the right thing and stay put. Full Story
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Rep. Giovanni Capriglione got a rude awakening in his transparency bill's hearing before the House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday when members suggested his legislation was a political "vendetta." Full Story
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Proponents and critics weighed in Wednesday on a bill that would allow the sale of raw milk at farmer’s markets and other sites like fairs and flea markets. Full Story
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At Wednesday's TribLive conversation, state Rep. John Zerwas, R-Simonton, and state Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, talked to Emily Ramshaw about the state's role in providing access to preventative health care for women. Full Story
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Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush told Texas senators on Wednesday "to go big or go home" when it comes to pushing changes to public education policy. Full Story
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