The latest 84th Legislative Session news from The Texas Tribune.
With more than 350 amendments filed for debate, House members are in the midst of a budget discussion that will stretch well into Tuesday night. State Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock, sheds some light on the process. Full Story
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The House is working on the budget, the only bill lawmakers have to pass. And that's why there are 354 proposed amendments: If you can get your idea attached to the only bill that has to pass, your chances get much better. Full Story
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With more than 350 proposed amendments before then, the Texas House is likely to go well into the evening before getting to a final vote on the $210 billion budget. Early discussions addressed school funding and incentives programs. Full Story
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Planning to follow the House's budget debate today? Better clear your schedule. The chamber is set to debate 354 amendments, which are likely to stir debate on issues like abortion, border security, school vouchers and more. Full Story
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A House committee on Monday approved legislation that would limit local control over oil and gas activities — a committee substitute for a bill that initially stirred anger in city halls across Texas. Full Story
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As the Texas House prepares for a floor fight Tuesday over its budget, a flurry of amendments filed by Democrats seeks to defund the state's Alternatives to Abortion program. Full Story
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With the full Texas House set to discuss its proposed budget plan on Tuesday, use our Texas Legislative Guide to catch up on our coverage of issues related to the budget and taxes. Full Story
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Lawmakers in the Texas House will have a chance to draw a line in the sand over private school vouchers during the upcoming battle over the budget Tuesday. Full Story
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A frustrated regulator's letter suggesting the state drop enforcement of its ethics laws might spark some legislative action. That would be a gift for Gov. Greg Abbott, who wants ethics to be a signature issue this session. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics: interviews with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and state Comptroller Glenn Hegar, toll roads, school vouchers, texting-while-driving bans and more. Full Story
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With a late night tweet, U.S. Sen Ted Cruz announced his candidacy for president then immediately hit the road, so we start our playlist with “Cruise Control” by the Dixie Dregs. Full Story
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One name largely dominated the week in Texas politics – Ted Cruz. The launch of his 2016 presidential campaign filled the headlines. Meanwhile, in the Legislature, lawmakers were busy working on the budget and tax cuts. Full Story
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A preview of the looming battle over school vouchers played out Thursday as a state Senate panel considered two proposals to provide state financial support to parents who want to send their children to private schools. Full Story
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After fielding emotional pleas and various complaints in a committee hearing, state Rep. Cecil Bell plans to revise his bill that would bar the state from recognizing same-sex marriages even if the courts declare it legal. Full Story
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The Texas Senate's notion of lowering property taxes for homeowners may lose steam when it reaches the House, where leaders appear more inclined to lower state sales taxes and avoid a collision with the spending cap. Full Story
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With a plan that would add $3 billion to the state's public education budget, the Texas House has decided to take on school finance reform this legislative session. Full Story
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The House Public Health Committee on Tuesday discussed five bills that would extend current restrictions on tobacco products to vapor products like e-cigarettes. The Senate passed similar legislation last week. Full Story
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The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday backed a $209.8 billion two-year budget that would leave $8.4 billion on the table, along with billions more in the state’s savings account. The budget plan now goes to the full House. Full Story
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The full Senate is set to vote this week on a package of tax cut bills Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has championed, yet the measures have drawn opposition from some big business groups who argue that senators are cutting the wrong taxes. Full Story
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As the highest court in the land prepares to consider the constitutionality of same-sex marriage bans, a few hundred conservatives gathered at the Texas Capitol on Monday to rally in support of traditional marriage. Full Story
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