88th LegislatureTexas House ‘Sends a Message’: Appraisal Cap Reduction, Expansion Proceeds to Senate
Brad JohnsonApril 13, 2023
After both chambers' plans passed overwhelmingly, the standoff between the House and the Senate is set to crescendo.
HomeTagChris Turner | The Texan
88th LegislatureState HouseStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingTexas House Approves $300 Billion Budget Draft After Expediting Amendment Process
Brad JohnsonApril 10, 2023
The budget now moves to the Senate, where the upper chamber will make its changes before the legislation must be reconciled in conference committee.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Procedural Misstep Jeopardizes Priority Bills, Activists Gather at Capitol, House Member Opposes Chamber’s Appraisal Plan
Brad JohnsonMarch 24, 2023
This week — an improper committee recess requires a procedural fix, protests and rallies descend upon the Capitol, and a House Democrat criticizes the chamber's property tax plan.
88th LegislatureStatewide NewsLocal Preemption Bill Draws Businesses, Municipalities, Unions in House Committee Hearing
Brad JohnsonMarch 16, 2023
After years of responding to individual ordinances, GOP legislators have an eye on passing a proactive preemption measure.
88th LegislatureState HouseState SenateProperty Tax Exemptions, Marijuana, Power Grid on Tarrant County Legislative Delegation Proposals
Kim RobertsJanuary 4, 2023
Tarrant County’s representatives in the Texas Legislature have held important chairmanships in past sessions and likely will again.
88th LegislatureElections 2022IssuesAbbott, Democrats Received Another $132,000 From Las Vegas Sands’ Pro-Casino PAC
Hayden SparksOctober 20, 2022
Commercial casinos are banned in Texas, but a political action committee funded by a Las Vegas corporation hopes to change that.
87th LegislatureElections 2022State Rep. Jasmine Crockett Faces Jane Hope Hamilton in Democratic Congressional Runoff
Hayden SparksMay 12, 2022
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson announced last year that she would not seek reelection after almost three decades in office.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Miller Softens Tone with Abbott, Roy Endorses in School Board Race, Democrat Caucus Chair Forgoes Another Term
Brad JohnsonApril 22, 2022
This week — Sid Miller softens his tone with Gov. Greg Abbott after a recent tiff, Chip Roy wades into a school board race, and the House Democratic Caucus chair will not seek reelection.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyCriminal JusticeGunsTexas Officials, Candidates React to Kyle Rittenhouse’s Full Acquittal in Wisconsin Self-defense Case
Hayden SparksNovember 22, 2021
A prominent Democrat in the Texas House lashed out at Gov. Greg Abbott after the governor tweeted about Rittenhouse’s acquittal.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyEducationTaxes & SpendingTexas Legislature Guarantees $3.3 Billion in Bonds for Public University Renovations
Isaiah MitchellOctober 19, 2021
The eleventh-hour bill authorizes public colleges to issue $3.3 billion worth of debt to finance building and renovation projects.
87th LegislatureState HouseTexas GOP Calls on Legislature to Strip Chairmanships from Quorum-Breaking Democrats
Brad JohnsonAugust 23, 2021
The Texas GOP has called on House Republican leadership to revoke chairmanships from truant Democrats and establish measures to prevent another quorum break.
87th LegislatureState HouseTexas House Democrats Struggle to Portray Unity After Quorum Break Ends
Daniel FriendAugust 20, 2021
House Democrats showed near-unified opposition to Republicans when they broke quorum in July, but now that unity is eroding.