87th LegislatureEducationSEC Announces Unanimous Vote to Admit University of Texas
Isaiah Mitchell19 hours ago
Confirming known news, the SEC officially congratulated the University of Texas at Austin on its departure from the Big 12.
HomeTagDan Patrick | The Texan
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Committee Formed to Study UT Football Move, Legal Opinion Requested on Quorum Break, Suburban Democrat Draws a GOP Challenger
Brad JohnsonJuly 30, 2021
This week — the lieutenant governor forms a committee to study UT’s conference change, a lawmaker asks Paxton to weigh in on the quorum break, and a GOP staffer challenges a Democrat.
87th LegislatureState HouseState SenateAfter Restructuring State Employees Pension, Legislature’s 13th Check for Retired Teachers Stalled by Quorum Break
Brad JohnsonJuly 16, 2021
The legislature is bent on approving a 13th check for retired teachers but the bill's future is tentative due to the current lack of quorum in the state House.
87th LegislatureState SenateDan Patrick Calls to Lower Quorum Requirement to a Simple Majority After Democrat Walkout
Daniel FriendJuly 16, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants a simple majority instead of two-thirds of members to constitute a quorum in order to prevent future walkouts.
87th LegislatureCriminal JusticeState SenateTaxes & SpendingTexas Senate Moves Forward on Legislation While House Goes Without Quorum
Daniel FriendJuly 14, 2021
While some Senate Democrats also left Texas, the quorum that remained voted on a bonus TRST payment, the omnibus election bill, and bail reform.
87th LegislatureState HouseTexas GOP Lawmakers Blast Democratic Walkout, Seek to Secure Quorum
Daniel FriendJuly 12, 2021
Republican lawmakers blasted the quorum bust of House Democrats and say they will “use every resource available” to secure a quorum.
87th LegislatureIssuesState HouseState SenateElection Reform, Border Security, Transgender Sports Bill on Governor Abbott’s Special Session Agenda
Brad JohnsonJuly 7, 2021
The legislature will convene Thursday to begin working on the agenda list that Governor Abbott has laid out.
87th LegislatureElections 2022State SenateState Senator Jane Nelson Announces Retirement from Legislature
Daniel FriendJuly 6, 2021
The Denton County Senate district will be open in 2022 following Sen. Jane Nelson’s announced retirement from the legislature.
87th LegislatureIssuesState HouseState SenateTexas Legislature Will Reconvene This Week to Take Up Election Reform, Other Special Session Items
Brad JohnsonJuly 5, 2021
The keynote issue for the July special session will be the election reform legislation that died on the last night of the regular session.
FederalImmigration & BorderIssuesVice President Harris Lauds Administration’s ‘Extreme Progress’ on Immigration in Border Visit
Hayden SparksJuly 1, 2021
Some have balked at the vice president’s decision to visit El Paso, calling it anything from a “glorified photo-op” to a “political stunt.”
Criminal JusticeElections 2022FederalImmigration & BorderIssuesTrump Praises Abbott, Hints at Second Presidential Run in Hidalgo County Border Visit
Hayden SparksJune 30, 2021
With his unfinished border wall in the background, Trump also commended Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
87th LegislatureGunsState HouseState SenateHow Constitutional Carry Made Its Way Through the Texas Legislature
Daniel FriendJune 28, 2021
A perfect storm of factors blew together for the Texas Legislature to pass the hallmark pro-Second Amendment legislation.
87th LegislatureGunsState HouseState SenateGov. Abbott Signs Second Amendment Sanctuary, Hotel Carry, Constitutional Carry Bills at Alamo Ceremony
Daniel FriendJune 17, 2021
Several new pro-Second Amendment bills including constitutional carry and making Texas a “Second Amendment sanctuary” will go into effect in September.
87th LegislatureCriminal JusticeElections 2022FederalImmigration & BorderIssuesState HouseState SenateTaxes & SpendingAbbott Launches Border Wall Fundraising Apparatus, Allocates at Least $250 Million in State Funds
Hayden SparksJune 16, 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott announced a fundraising campaign where individuals can contribute to the border wall project.
87th LegislatureCriminal JusticeFederalImmigration & BorderIssuesTexas Border Wall Construction Fund Will Be Open to Public Donations, Abbott Says
Hayden SparksJune 15, 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott has committed to announcing additional details regarding his proposed state border wall later this week.
Elections 2022FederalImmigration & BorderIssuesState SenatePatrick Backs Abbott’s Proposed Texas Border Wall: ‘It Is Now Imperative That Texas Takes Action’
Hayden SparksJune 14, 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott has committed to a border wall between Texas and Mexico as part of a “comprehensive border security plan.”
The Back MicThe Back Mic: GOP State Rep. Opposes Dan Patrick’s Re-Election, Abbott Tempers Legislative Funding Threat, Revival of Property Tax Break Floated
Brad JohnsonJune 11, 2021
This week — the lieutenant governor is criticized by a conservative House member, the governor tempers a veto threat, and the revival of a property tax abatement program is floated.
87th LegislatureState HouseTexas House Members Take Stock of Speaker Dade Phelan’s First Session
Brad JohnsonJune 7, 2021
Speaker Dade Phelan found himself in the crosshairs of his counterpart across the rotunda after priority legislation faltered at the last minute.
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Speaker Phelan Reviews the Session, Democrats Listed Who Didn’t Break Quorum, Morgan Luttrell Launches Bid for Congress
Brad JohnsonJune 4, 2021
This week — a look at Texas politics as the 87th Regular Legislative Session closes out.
87th LegislatureState HouseState SenateGov. Abbott to Call At Least Two Special Sessions for Texas Legislature in 2021
Brad JohnsonJune 3, 2021
Texas now has at least two special legislative sessions on the horizon.