The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
The Texas Department of Insurance has drafted rules that would ban health insurance policies from including so-called “discretionary clauses.” Those are the rules that many patients hate, which allow their health insurers to decide exactly what they cover and what they don’t — and give the insurers a degree of protection from litigation. Full Story
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Former state Sen. David Sibley, R-Waco, is talking to people about getting back into the Legislature when Sen. Kip Averitt, R-Waco, gets out. But he's not out yet, and there are two exits. Full Story
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Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw issued a warning today to spring breakers planning to travel to Mexican border cities like Juarez or Nuevo Laredo: Don't. Full Story
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More than 1 million Texans were unemployed in January, according to new numbers from the Texas Workforce Commission. Unemployment in the state hit 8.6 percent in January, up from 8 percent the month before and 6.8 percent in January 2009. The comparable national rate was 10.6 percent. Full Story
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Railroad Commission Chairman Victor Carrillo, a seven-year incumbent with a background in the industry he regulates, got trounced in the GOP primary on Tuesday by an unknown, David Porter, who spent little money on the race. He's not the only one who thinks his Hispanic surname cost him his job. Full Story
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One candidate lost on Tuesday by 11 votes out of more than 10,000 cast. Others lost by fewer than 200 votes. Anyone up for a recount? Full Story
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The U.S. House has passed the Keeping All Students Safe Act, a measure designed to protect students from abusive restraints in school settings. Full Story
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"Early polling showed that the typical GOP primary voter has very little info about the position of Railroad Commissioner, what we do, or who my opponent or I were. Given the choice between “Porter” and “Carrillo” — unfortunately, the Hispanic-surname was a serious setback from which I could never recover." Full Story
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The State Board of Education likely won't be quite as much of a Christian Conservative flash point any more. What it will be, however, is anybody’s guess. Full Story
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For the last two months, we've brought you news and analysis on 20 hotly contested primaries. Here's a look at who won, who lost, and who's headed for a runoff in the top legislative and congressional races. Full Story
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Mark Griffin and John Frullo appear headed for a runoff next month to claim the GOP nod in the race for HD-84. Full Story
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With all precincts reporting, State Board of Education member Geraldine "Tincy" Miller has lost her seat to challenger George Clayton in the GOP primary for District 12. Full Story
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Muñoz defeats Rodriguez in the race to replace state Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores. Full Story
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Gonzales and Gordon appear to be in a dogfight, and may face a runoff. The winner will take on freshman incumbent Diana Maldonado, D-Round Rock. Full Story
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Freshman incumbent Tara Rios Ybarra, D-South Padre Island, lost her bid for re-election on Tuesday to Kingsville businessman J.M. Lozano. Full Story
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The AP calls the HD-20 race for state Rep. Dan Gattis' seat for orthopedic surgeon Dr. Charles Schwertner, who outspent the three other candidates. Full Story
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An upset seems likely if not certain in the Republican primary for Railroad Commissioner. Victor Carrillo, the incumbent, is trailing challenger David Porter by 21 percent with nearly 80 percent of precincts counted. Full Story
Rep. Betty Brown, R-Terrell, is 121 votes behind Lance Gooden — a former aide — with two precincts left to count. Full Story
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State Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, appears to have beaten challenger Ben Bius quite badly after an ugly campaign. Full Story
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Tim Tuggey conceded the race for the GOP nomination to incumbent Ken Mercer in State Board of Education District 5. Full Story
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