88th LegislatureCriminal JusticeBills Filed to ‘Rein In Rogue District Attorneys’ in Texas Legislature
Brad JohnsonJanuary 19, 2023
District attorneys choosing not to enforce certain laws has been a thorn in the Legislature's side of late.
HomeAuthorBrad Johnson, Reporter for The Texan
Brad Johnson is a senior reporter for The Texan and an Ohio native who graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2017. He is an avid sports fan who most enjoys watching his favorite teams continue their title drought throughout his cognizant lifetime. In his free time, you may find Brad quoting Monty Python productions and trying to calculate the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow.
88th LegislatureRep. Tinderholt Takes Stock of Speakership Challenge, Unsuccessful Effort to Ban Democratic Chairs
Brad JohnsonJanuary 19, 2023
The challenger gained only one vote from the two that voted against Phelan two years ago, but drummed up quite the public notice.
88th LegislatureTaxes & Spending$289 Billion Draft 2024-25 Budget Released in Texas Legislature, $15 Billion Set Aside for Property Tax Relief
Brad JohnsonJanuary 18, 2023
This biennial budget must navigate something previous ones haven't: a historic pot of surplus dollars that far exceeds the spending cap.
88th LegislatureStatewide NewsTaxes & Spending$70k Homestead Exemption, $100k Business Exemption Detailed in Texas Inauguration Speeches
Brad JohnsonJanuary 17, 2023
Property tax reform is expected to feature during the Texas Legislature's discussions over the next five months.
88th LegislatureEducationStatewide NewsLt. Gov. Patrick Says He and Gov. Abbott Are ‘All In’ on School Choice
Brad JohnsonJanuary 17, 2023
Gov. Abbott has previously stated he expects to see a serious push for school choice during this legislative session.
88th LegislatureTaxes & SpendingTexas Senate Bill to Make Rural Telecom Fund Solvent, Remove Consumer Fee
Brad JohnsonJanuary 13, 2023
The legislation would alleviate the governor's concern that caused him to veto the 2021 bill.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Phelan on Democratic Chair Fight, Senate Election Drawing Listed, Freedom Caucus Adds Four Members
Brad JohnsonJanuary 13, 2023
This week — Speaker Phelan discusses Wednesday’s rules fight, the Senate districts up for election in 2024 and 2026 are listed, and the Texas Freedom Caucus announces new members.
88th LegislatureState HouseStatewide NewsTexas House Adopts Session Rules, Kills Proposals to Ban or Restrict Democratic Chairs
Brad JohnsonJanuary 11, 2023
Whereas last session members had to vote on proposals to ban Democrats from chairing committees, such record votes were avoided.
88th LegislatureFight Over Democrats as Texas Committee Chairs Will Come to a Head in House Rules Debate
Brad JohnsonJanuary 11, 2023
Last session, efforts to ban or curtail the appointment of Democrats as committee chairs failed by large margins.
88th LegislatureEnergyStatewide NewsGov. Abbott Backs Proposed ERCOT Market Redesign, Suggests Not Waiting for Legislature’s Input
Brad JohnsonJanuary 10, 2023
The governor's letter seemed unwilling to wait for the Legislature to deliberate a redesign plan during its next five months in session.
88th Legislature88th Regular Texas Legislative Session Begins in Austin
Brad JohnsonJanuary 10, 2023
For the 88th time in Texas' 178 years in the Union, the state Legislature will convene for a regular session.
88th LegislatureTaxes & SpendingProjected 2024-25 Texas Budget Surplus Now $32.7 Billion, Comptroller’s Update Estimates
Brad JohnsonJanuary 9, 2023
Disbursement of the surplus will be a main task for the Texas Legislature when it convenes for the new session, which begins Tuesday.