The latest 84th Legislative Session news from The Texas Tribune.
Supporters at a Texas Capitol rally on Monday voiced support for a variety of bills filed aimed at either stopping new toll road projects or undoing the state’s current tolling system entirely. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/23/UP9A5068.jpg)
A little-noticed bill filed on deadline by the chairman of the House's tax-writing committee could hold the session's biggest tax cut, but only if the House and Senate decide to cut taxes on sales instead of property. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Capsized8.jpg)
Anti-toll sentiment at the Capitol is at its highest level in at least a decade as both Republicans and Democrats have proposed measures that would either tap the brakes on new toll road projects, or undo the state’s current tolling system entirely. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/Capitol-OutofBusiness.jpg)
Mention the word “calendars” inside the Texas Capitol and some legislators – particularly in the House – are bound to give you a frightened glare. As part of an occasional series explaining the Legislature’s inner workings, we show you how the calendars are set in each chamber. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Patrick-Calendars.jpg)
In the Roundup: With lawmakers now more than two months into the legislative session, they are not wasting any time passing bills. The Senate has passed an open carry bill and a campus carry bill, while the House endorsed a border security measure. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Roundup_Still5.jpg)
Hoping to prompt quicker turnarounds at struggling schools, Texas lawmakers are considering a controversial policy that would let parents petition the state to make changes at their kids' campuses. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Seats.jpg)
House budget writers intend to add $433 million to the current two-year budget with a supplemental bill laid out Thursday, though some lawmakers expressed concern with plans for millions in leftover funds from some state health programs. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/04/_KCA8357.jpg)
Three lawmakers have filed bills aimed at encouraging the use of self-driving technology in Texas while allowing for some government oversight. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/SelfDriving.jpg)
Following a preliminary Senate vote on Wednesday, Texas is now a step closer to requiring public colleges and universities to allow concealed handguns on campus — a policy opposed by many higher education leaders. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/7C2A4712.jpg)
Gov. Greg Abbott has tapped former state Rep. Tryon Lewis, R-Odessa, to be the chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission. The five-member panel oversees the Texas Department of Transportation. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f3c1ce7b6c8f0fdcb40bbf219aef39da/BD%20INC%20Lewis%2001%202011)
Billing problems on state toll roads are bigger than TxDOT previously announced, and customers who have been overcharged will be getting about $1.7 million back. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/05/HoustonTollBooth.jpg)
The Senate Finance Committee voted Tuesday to send proposals cutting property taxes and business taxes to the full Senate, though some senators questioned whether the property tax cuts could be better spent in other ways. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/11/_F5U9857Nelson1.jpg)
High school seniors who have failed their state exams may still have a shot at earning a diploma. A bill providing them a way around the requirement continues to advance in the Texas Legislature. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TexasEducation.jpg)
A bill lifting some of the state's restrictions on handguns passed easily on a 20-11 vote after repeated Democratic efforts to amend it were defeated. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/12/UP9A0917.jpg)
On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, the show is given over to setting the stage for the remainder of the session as the state Legislature moves into a higher gear. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/15/Ross_Inside_March_15.jpg)
This week, we published Undrinkable, our series on why tens of thousands along the Texas border don’t have ready access to safe, clean drinking water, so we start this week’s playlist of the week’s news with “Something in the Water” by Prince. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/14/Playlist_March_14_copy.jpg)
Texas lawmakers added more than 800 proposals Friday to the agenda ahead of the bill-filing deadline. After Friday, lawmakers have to get approval from their chambers to file a bill. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/13/SchwertnerCharles1.JPG)
In each of the Texas Legislature's chambers, a nonpartisan voice plays a pivotal role in how lawmakers conduct state business in the Capitol. As part of an occasional series explaining the Legislature’s inner workings, we provide you a look at the job of the parliamentarian. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Parlimentarians_PIC.jpg)
In the Roundup: A state lawmaker says a clash over signs posted at some Capitol offices signals the end of the “kumbaya” part of the session, Planned Parenthood rallies to keep state funding and singer-songwriter Phil Collins becomes an honorary Texan. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/031315_Roundup_Still.jpg)
We've given your go-to resource for the 84th legislative session a new look. With easier navigation, larger videos and a better mobile experience, the Texas Legislative Guide is the best place to learn more about the session. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/13/TxLegeGuide-leadart002.jpg)