GOVERNMENT | The Texas Tribune

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content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content index"> <header class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/government/">GOVERNMENT</a><a class="subsection_toggle"><i class="icon-caret-down"></i></a></h1><ul class="subsection_menu"><li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/government/governors-office/">Governor's Office</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/government/legislature/">Legislature</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/government/state-agencies/">State Agencies</a></li></ul><script> $(window).load(function () { $('.subsection_toggle').click(function(e){ e.preventDefault(); $('.subsection_menu').slideToggle('fast', function() {}); }); }); </script></header> <section class="topstory grid"> <article class=""> <div class="media large"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/heyday-raw-milk-advocates-house-oks-expanded-sales/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/21/TxTrib-dairy-017_JPG_474x1000_q100.JPG" alt="Livestock from Licon Dairy, on Feb. 19, 2013, outside of Fort Hancock, Texas, in Hudspeth County. The dairy farm had 42 acres and approximately 40 heifers."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/21/TxTrib-dairy-017_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="Livestock from Licon Dairy, on Feb. 19, 2013, outside of Fort Hancock, Texas, in Hudspeth County. The dairy farm had 42 acres and approximately 40 heifers." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Ivan Pierre Aguirre </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Livestock from Licon Dairy, on Feb. 19, 2013, outside of Fort Hancock, Texas, in Hudspeth County. The dairy farm had 42 acres and approximately 40 heifers.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/heyday-raw-milk-advocates-house-oks-expanded-sales/">Heyday for Raw Milk Advocates as House OKs Expanded Sales</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 May 2015 17:43:31 -0500" title="2015-05-07 17:43"> May 7, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>Texas consumers could soon be able to buy raw milk at farmers' markets and receive such deliveries straight from the dairy under legislation tentatively approved by the House on Thursday. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/heyday-raw-milk-advocates-house-oks-expanded-sales/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> <aside class="related"> <header class="smallcaps"> <h2>Related</h2> </header> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/21/lawmakers-push-consumer-access-raw-milk/">Lawmakers Push for Consumer Access to Raw Milk</a></li> </ul> </aside> </div> </article> </section> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> <article class=" item_1"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/senate-gives-thumbs-limited-medical-marijuana/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Medical-Marijuana_png_231x1000_q100.png" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Medical-Marijuana_png_800x1000_q100.png" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/senate-gives-thumbs-limited-medical-marijuana/">Senate Gives High Sign to Limited Medical Marijuana</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 May 2015 14:16:42 -0500" title="2015-05-07 14:16"> May 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/senate-gives-thumbs-limited-medical-marijuana/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Epilepsy patients in Texas would have access to medicinal oils containing a therapeutic component found in marijuana under legislation the state Senate passed Thursday.  </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/senate-gives-thumbs-limited-medical-marijuana/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/fletcher-leave-house-harris-county-sheriffs-race/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/04/0504_House613_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="House sponsor State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, stands among House members during the consideration of a point of order on HB 972 a campus carry bill on May 4, 2013."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/04/0504_House613_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="House sponsor State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, stands among House members during the consideration of a point of order on HB 972 a campus carry bill on May 4, 2013." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemrmich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">House sponsor State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, stands among House members during the consideration of a point of order on HB 972 a campus carry bill on May 4, 2013.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/fletcher-leave-house-harris-county-sheriffs-race/">State Rep. Fletcher to Leave Post in Bid to Be Harris County Sheriff</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 May 2015 12:02:53 -0500" title="2015-05-07 12:02"> May 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/fletcher-leave-house-harris-county-sheriffs-race/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Republican state Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/allen-fletcher/">Allen Fletcher</a><span> of Cypress confirmed on Thursday that he will abandon his House seat for a bid to replace Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, who is running for mayor of Houston.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/fletcher-leave-house-harris-county-sheriffs-race/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/UP9A1191_1_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/UP9A1191_1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/">Video: A Conversation With John Sharp</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 May 2015 09:50:08 -0500" title="2015-05-07 09:50"> May 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Full video of my 5/7 conversation with John Sharp, the chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="show-for-medium-down"> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/senate-gives-thumbs-limited-medical-marijuana/">Senate Gives High Sign to Limited Medical Marijuana</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 May 2015 14:16:42 -0500" title="2015-05-07 14:16"> May 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/senate-gives-thumbs-limited-medical-marijuana/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/senate-gives-thumbs-limited-medical-marijuana/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Medical-Marijuana_png_150x1000_q100.png" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Medical-Marijuana_png_800x1000_q100.png" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Epilepsy patients in Texas would have access to medicinal oils containing a therapeutic component found in marijuana under legislation the state Senate passed Thursday.  </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/senate-gives-thumbs-limited-medical-marijuana/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/fletcher-leave-house-harris-county-sheriffs-race/">State Rep. Fletcher to Leave Post in Bid to Be Harris County Sheriff</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 May 2015 12:02:53 -0500" title="2015-05-07 12:02"> May 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/fletcher-leave-house-harris-county-sheriffs-race/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/fletcher-leave-house-harris-county-sheriffs-race/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/04/0504_House613_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="House sponsor State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, stands among House members during the consideration of a point of order on HB 972 a campus carry bill on May 4, 2013."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/04/0504_House613_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="House sponsor State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, stands among House members during the consideration of a point of order on HB 972 a campus carry bill on May 4, 2013." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemrmich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">House sponsor State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, stands among House members during the consideration of a point of order on HB 972 a campus carry bill on May 4, 2013.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Republican state Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/allen-fletcher/">Allen Fletcher</a><span> of Cypress confirmed on Thursday that he will abandon his House seat for a bid to replace Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, who is running for mayor of Houston.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/fletcher-leave-house-harris-county-sheriffs-race/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/">Video: A Conversation With John Sharp</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 May 2015 09:50:08 -0500" title="2015-05-07 09:50"> May 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/UP9A1191_1_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/UP9A1191_1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Full video of my 5/7 conversation with John Sharp, the chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 gap hide-for-medium-down left_rail"> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab data"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Data</h1> <h2> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/government-employee-salaries/">Government Salary Database Updated</a> </h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, Noah Seger and Gerald Rich </li><li><time datetime="Tue, 9 Oct 2012 06:00:00 -0500" title="2012-10-09 06:00"> Oct. 9, 2012 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/government-employee-salaries/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Capitol-Money-SalarayUpdate_1_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Capitol-Money-SalarayUpdate_1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / Steven Leggett</cite> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/"><span>+</span> More Data</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <aside class="ad_container sidebar_block"> <div class="sponsor_image_holder"> <div class="ad adunit tablet standard" data-dimensions="300x250" data-adunit="TexasTribune_Content_Home_BTF_LeftRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/protections-breastfeeding-moms-face-senate-opposit/">Protections for Breast-Feeding Mothers Face Opposition in Senate</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-07 06:00"> May 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/protections-breastfeeding-moms-face-senate-opposit/comments/"><span class="value">38</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/protections-breastfeeding-moms-face-senate-opposit/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/17/TXT-Clinic-CCR009_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Patients wait to be seen at the People's Community Clinic in Austin, which provides state-subsidized women's health services to low-income women, in July 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/17/TXT-Clinic-CCR009_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Patients wait to be seen at the People's Community Clinic in Austin, which provides state-subsidized women's health services to low-income women, in July 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Callie Richmond</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Patients wait to be seen at the People's Community Clinic in Austin, which provides state-subsidized women's health services to low-income women, in July 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A measure to provide workplace protections for female teachers who need to pump breast milk while at work is picking up opposition in the Senate.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/protections-breastfeeding-moms-face-senate-opposit/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/texans-congress-aim-abolish-crude-oil-export-ban/">Texans in Congress Taking the Lead in Bid to End Crude Oil Export Ban</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 May 2015 05:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-07 05:00"> May 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/texans-congress-aim-abolish-crude-oil-export-ban/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/texans-congress-aim-abolish-crude-oil-export-ban/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/06/CuellarBartonMacCaul_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, Joe Barton, R-Ennis, and Michael McCaul, R-Austin."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/06/CuellarBartonMacCaul_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, Joe Barton, R-Ennis, and Michael McCaul, R-Austin." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich / Jennifer Whitney</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, Joe Barton, R-Ennis, and Michael McCaul, R-Austin.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Three members of the Texas congressional delegation have high hopes that after 40 years, the federal government will eliminate a ban on American crude oil on the international market.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/texans-congress-aim-abolish-crude-oil-export-ban/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-committee-takes-hate-crimes-anti-sodomy-law/">Hate Crimes, Sodomy Law Before House Panel</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 May 2015 19:59:45 -0500" title="2015-05-06 19:59"> May 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-committee-takes-hate-crimes-anti-sodomy-law/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-committee-takes-hate-crimes-anti-sodomy-law/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/19/GayGavel_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/19/GayGavel_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Texas lawmakers Wednesday considered extending hate crime protections to transgender people and repealing the state’s anti-sodomy law, which remains on the books even though it's been found unconstitutional.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-committee-takes-hate-crimes-anti-sodomy-law/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/pot-legalization-bill-headed-house/">Pot Legalization Bill Clears House Panel</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 May 2015 19:11:22 -0500" title="2015-05-06 19:11"> May 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/pot-legalization-bill-headed-house/comments/"><span class="value">55</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/pot-legalization-bill-headed-house/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/07/Marijuana-Capitol-2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/07/Marijuana-Capitol-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>State Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/david-simpson/">David Simpson</a>'s proposal to legalize marijuana in Texas moved closer to a full House after it was approved by a House committee Wednesday evening.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/pot-legalization-bill-headed-house/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 hide-for-medium-down mid_rail"> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/personal-finance-statements-non-elected-officials/">A Smorgasbord of Disclosure, Online for the First Time</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-06 06:00"> May 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/personal-finance-statements-non-elected-officials/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/personal-finance-statements-non-elected-officials/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/05/Bidness-FinancialDisclosure-2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/05/Bidness-FinancialDisclosure-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A state lawmaker is pushing to make all financial disclosure statements filed with the Texas Ethics Commission available online so the public can easily find them. In that spirit, the Tribune presents the disclosures filed by scores of state agency heads, regents and others that you can't get online now.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/personal-finance-statements-non-elected-officials/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/analysis-good-as-it-gets-when-it-comes-to-budget/">Analysis: For Legislators, an Extra Incentive to Finish State Budget</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-06 06:00"> May 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/analysis-good-as-it-gets-when-it-comes-to-budget/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/analysis-good-as-it-gets-when-it-comes-to-budget/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/12/_S3R7679HegarCU_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Comptroller Glenn Hegar says his revenue estimate to divvy up for the 2016-17 budget will be about $113 billion."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/12/_S3R7679HegarCU_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Comptroller Glenn Hegar says his revenue estimate to divvy up for the 2016-17 budget will be about $113 billion." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Comptroller Glenn Hegar says his revenue estimate to divvy up for the 2016-17 budget will be about $113 billion.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>If state budget writers can't get a deal on the budget during the regular session, they'll have to come back to finish. And with the state economy slowing down, going into overtime could mean less money for tax breaks and state programs.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/analysis-good-as-it-gets-when-it-comes-to-budget/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/perry-changes-position-export-import-bank/">Ahead of Likely 2016 Run, Perry Reverses Position on Export-Import Bank</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 5 May 2015 22:15:18 -0500" title="2015-05-05 22:15"> May 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/perry-changes-position-export-import-bank/comments/"><span class="value">16</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/perry-changes-position-export-import-bank/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/25/Perry_IA_Freedom_Summit_2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks at the Iowa Freedom Summit in Des Moines on Jan. 24, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/25/Perry_IA_Freedom_Summit_2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks at the Iowa Freedom Summit in Des Moines on Jan. 24, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Rebecca Miller</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks at the Iowa Freedom Summit in Des Moines on Jan. 24, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Former Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a> announced late Tuesday he no longer supports the Export-Import Bank, reversing his position on an issue that has become a litmus test for Republican presidential candidates. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/perry-changes-position-export-import-bank/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/senate-passes-bill-allow-more-offenders-seal-crimi/">Senate OKs Sealing More Criminal Records</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 5 May 2015 15:04:03 -0500" title="2015-05-05 15:04"> May 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/senate-passes-bill-allow-more-offenders-seal-crimi/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/senate-passes-bill-allow-more-offenders-seal-crimi/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/12/BDA_3468_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, then a state representative, at a committee hearing on May 12, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/12/BDA_3468_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, then a state representative, at a committee hearing on May 12, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, then a state representative, at a committee hearing on May 12, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The criminal records of one-time offenders who stay out of trouble would be sealed and hidden from the public under a bill that cleared the Senate Tuesday. Supporters call it a second chance, but critics fear unknowing employers will pay the price. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/senate-passes-bill-allow-more-offenders-seal-crimi/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/senate-approves-abortion-ban-health-plans/">Senate Gives First OK to Bill Banning Insurers From Covering Abortion</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 5 May 2015 13:04:11 -0500" title="2015-05-05 13:04"> May 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/senate-approves-abortion-ban-health-plans/comments/"><span class="value">67</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/senate-approves-abortion-ban-health-plans/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Taylor12CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Then-state Rep. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, is shown on the second-to-last day of the first-called special session during the 82nd Legislature on June 27, 2011. Taylor was elected to the Texas Senate in 2012."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Taylor12CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Then-state Rep. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, is shown on the second-to-last day of the first-called special session during the 82nd Legislature on June 27, 2011. Taylor was elected to the Texas Senate in 2012." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Then-state Rep. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, is shown on the second-to-last day of the first-called special session during the 82nd Legislature on June 27, 2011. Taylor was elected to the Texas Senate in 2012.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p dir="ltr"><span>The Texas Senate on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a measure that would prohibit health insurers from covering abortion.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/senate-approves-abortion-ban-health-plans/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/rural-critics-bullet-train-get-organized/">Rural Critics Organize to Stop Private Bullet Train</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 5 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-05 06:00"> May 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/rural-critics-bullet-train-get-organized/comments/"><span class="value">96</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/rural-critics-bullet-train-get-organized/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/20/TexTrib-Train-022_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Japan Central's N700 high speed train, the same train that a private firm wants to bring to Texas."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/20/TexTrib-Train-022_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Japan Central's N700 high speed train, the same train that a private firm wants to bring to Texas." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: JR Central</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Japan Central's N700 high speed train, the same train that a private firm wants to bring to Texas.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Dallas and Houston leaders may want a super-fast train connecting their cities, but folks in between aren't as sold on the idea. Some have formed Texans Against High-Speed Rail, and they're hiring lobbyists and courting allies in a bid to kill the plan.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/rural-critics-bullet-train-get-organized/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 show-for-medium-down"> <ul class="mobile_headlines"> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/protections-breastfeeding-moms-face-senate-opposit/">Protections for Breast-Feeding Mothers Face Opposition in Senate</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/texans-congress-aim-abolish-crude-oil-export-ban/">Texans in Congress Taking the Lead in Bid to End Crude Oil Export Ban</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-committee-takes-hate-crimes-anti-sodomy-law/">Hate Crimes, Sodomy Law Before House Panel</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/pot-legalization-bill-headed-house/">Pot Legalization Bill Clears House Panel</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/texas-court-ruling-could-undermine-major-state-tax/">Court Ruling Could Undermine Major Taxes</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/abortion-ban-health-plans-heads-house/">Bill Banning Insurance Coverage for Most Abortions Heads to House</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-closes-loophole-and-limits-payday-telemarket/">House Closes Loophole, Limits Payday Lender Telemarketing</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-rejects-tax-break-pricey-boats/">House Rejects Tax Break for Pricey Boats</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/texas-unlikely-ban-powdered-alcohol/">Texas Unlikely to Ban Powdered Alcohol This Session</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/analysis-who-behind-curtain/">Analysis: Who is That Behind the Curtain?</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/personal-finance-statements-non-elected-officials/">A Smorgasbord of Disclosure, Online for the First Time</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/analysis-good-as-it-gets-when-it-comes-to-budget/">Analysis: For Legislators, an Extra Incentive to Finish State Budget</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/perry-changes-position-export-import-bank/">Ahead of Likely 2016 Run, Perry Reverses Position on Export-Import Bank</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/senate-passes-bill-allow-more-offenders-seal-crimi/">Senate OKs Sealing More Criminal Records</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/senate-approves-abortion-ban-health-plans/">Senate Gives First OK to Bill Banning Insurers From Covering Abortion</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/05/rural-critics-bullet-train-get-organized/">Rural Critics Organize to Stop Private Bullet Train</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class=" cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <aside id="" class="featurebox "> <header class="featurebox-header"> <h1><span>Trib</span>pedia</h1> </header> <div class="featurebox-content "> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/1997-memorial-day-massacre/">1997 Memorial Day Massacre</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2011-budget-shortfall/">2011 Budget Shortfall</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2013-house-speaker-race/">2013 House Speaker Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2015-speakers-race/">The 2015 Speaker's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2015-speakers-race/">The 2015 Speaker's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2016-presidential-election/">2016 Presidential Election</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/82nd-legislative-session/">82nd Legislative Session</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/82nd-session-transcripts/">82nd Session Transcripts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/83rd-legislative-session/">83rd Legislative Session</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/previewing-the-84th-legislature/">Previewing the 84th Legislature</a></li> <li><a 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data-adunit="TexasTribune_Content_Home_BTF_RightRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab video"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Video</h1> <h2><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/">Video: A Conversation With John Sharp</a></h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 May 2015 09:50:08 -0500" title="2015-05-07 09:50"> May 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2015/05/07/video-a-conversation-with-john-sharp/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/UP9A1191_1_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/UP9A1191_1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/texas-court-ruling-could-undermine-major-state-tax/">Court Ruling Could Undermine Major Taxes</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 May 2015 18:31:05 -0500" title="2015-05-06 18:31"> May 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/texas-court-ruling-could-undermine-major-state-tax/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/texas-court-ruling-could-undermine-major-state-tax/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/29/HegarGlenn044CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Republican Comptroller candidate Glenn Hegar speaks with Evan Smith at TribLive on May 29, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/29/HegarGlenn044CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Republican Comptroller candidate Glenn Hegar speaks with Evan Smith at TribLive on May 29, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Republican Comptroller candidate Glenn Hegar speaks with Evan Smith at TribLive on May 29, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A tax case started by a chain of movie theaters could cut billions from the state's franchise tax, and could affect the sales tax, too, state Comptroller <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/glenn-hegar/">Glenn Hegar</a> said Wednesday. The 3rd Court of Appeals ruled against the state late last week.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/texas-court-ruling-could-undermine-major-state-tax/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/abortion-ban-health-plans-heads-house/">Bill Banning Insurance Coverage for Most Abortions Heads to House</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 May 2015 16:12:38 -0500" title="2015-05-06 16:12"> May 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/abortion-ban-health-plans-heads-house/comments/"><span class="value">19</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/abortion-ban-health-plans-heads-house/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TexasHealthCare_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TexasHealthCare_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p dir="ltr">After an unsuccessful attempt to include an exception for rape and incest, a measure to ban abortion coverage from health insurance plans cleared the Texas Senate on Wednesday.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/abortion-ban-health-plans-heads-house/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-closes-loophole-and-limits-payday-telemarket/">House Closes Loophole, Limits Payday Lender Telemarketing</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 May 2015 15:04:15 -0500" title="2015-05-06 15:04"> May 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-closes-loophole-and-limits-payday-telemarket/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-closes-loophole-and-limits-payday-telemarket/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HS1880Turner_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Arlington, and other representatives on the House floor during budget debate March 31, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HS1880Turner_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Arlington, and other representatives on the House floor during budget debate March 31, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Arlington, and other representatives on the House floor during budget debate March 31, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Legislation passed by the House on Wednesday will prohibit payday lenders and auto title loan businesses from placing telemarketing calls to Texans on the "do not call" list. The measure now heads to the Senate. </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-closes-loophole-and-limits-payday-telemarket/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-rejects-tax-break-pricey-boats/">House Rejects Tax Break for Pricey Boats</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 May 2015 14:27:54 -0500" title="2015-05-06 14:27"> May 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-rejects-tax-break-pricey-boats/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-rejects-tax-break-pricey-boats/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/26/TxTrib-HealthCareSymposium146_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="State Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, at a Texas Tribune symposium in April, 2013"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/26/TxTrib-HealthCareSymposium146_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="State Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, at a Texas Tribune symposium in April, 2013" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Tamir Kalifa </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, at a Texas Tribune symposium in April, 2013</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Lawmakers have soundly rejected a bill to</span><span> cap the state sales tax on certain boat purchases worth more than $250,000. S<span>tate Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-bonnen/">Greg Bonnen</a><span>, R-Friendswood, said his measure was about helping the struggling recreational marine industry.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/house-rejects-tax-break-pricey-boats/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/texas-unlikely-ban-powdered-alcohol/">Texas Unlikely to Ban Powdered Alcohol This Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 May 2015 13:57:42 -0500" title="2015-05-06 13:57"> May 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/texas-unlikely-ban-powdered-alcohol/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/texas-unlikely-ban-powdered-alcohol/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/FourLoko_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/FourLoko_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Despite warning that powdered alcohol could lead to a spike in underage drinking that would “make the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/30/powdered-alcohol-ban-sent-full-house/">darkest days</a> of the Four Loko era look tame,” a lawmaker on Wednesday pulled back his measure to outlaw the product in Texas.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/texas-unlikely-ban-powdered-alcohol/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/analysis-who-behind-curtain/">Analysis: Who is That Behind the Curtain?</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 May 2015 12:17:56 -0500" title="2015-05-06 12:17"> May 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/analysis-who-behind-curtain/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/analysis-who-behind-curtain/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/10/IMG_9736_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150508020652/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/10/IMG_9736_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The unfolding story about surreptitious taping of officeholders at the Texas Capitol is going to end predictably: You'll know who did the filming — but not who paid for it.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150508020652/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/06/analysis-who-behind-curtain/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a 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