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src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/common/images/logo.png" alt="The Texas Tribune"></a></h1> <time datetime="2015-05-01T18:40:30.851817">Friday, May 1, 2015</time> </div> </header> </div> <div class="wrapper content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content "> <header class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/transportation/">TRANSPORTATION</a></h1></header> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <section class="stories list"> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/01/panel-investigate-after-lawmaker-ejected-hearing/">Panel to Investigate After Lawmaker Ejected From Hearing</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 1 May 2015 10:27:42 -0500" title="2015-05-01 10:27"> May 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/01/panel-investigate-after-lawmaker-ejected-hearing/comments/"><span class="value">24</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/01/panel-investigate-after-lawmaker-ejected-hearing/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/27/Stickland_CU_TT_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, during the gun bill debate on April 17, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/27/Stickland_CU_TT_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, during the gun bill debate on April 17, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, during the gun bill debate on April 17, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The chairman of the House Committee on General Investigating and Ethics said he plans to investigate allegations that witnesses were signed up improperly to speak at a meeting from which state Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/jonathan-stickland/">Jonathan Stickland</a> was escorted out.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/01/panel-investigate-after-lawmaker-ejected-hearing/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-approves-use-sales-tax-highways/">House Approves Use of Sales Tax for Highways</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Apr 2015 17:55:14 -0500" title="2015-04-30 17:55"> April 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-approves-use-sales-tax-highways/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-approves-use-sales-tax-highways/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/07/UP9A6193_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Tribune Conversation with Sen. Robert Nichols R-Jacksonville and Rep. Joe Pickett D-El Paso on April 7th, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/07/UP9A6193_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Tribune Conversation with Sen. Robert Nichols R-Jacksonville and Rep. Joe Pickett D-El Paso on April 7th, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Tribune Conversation with Sen. Robert Nichols R-Jacksonville and Rep. Joe Pickett D-El Paso on April 7th, 2015</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The Texas House gave initial approval Thursday to a major boost in transportation funding from sales taxes, setting the stage for a showdown with the Senate over the best way to pay for Texas roads.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/house-approves-use-sales-tax-highways/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/lawmakers-call-end-controversial-driver-responsibi/">Lawmakers Call for End to Controversial Driver Responsibility Program</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/eva-hershaw/">Eva Hershaw</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:11:17 -0500" title="2015-04-30 12:11"> April 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/lawmakers-call-end-controversial-driver-responsibi/comments/"><span class="value">17</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/lawmakers-call-end-controversial-driver-responsibi/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/EllisCMS_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, speaks against the motion to adopt the Senate version of the state budget on May 4, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/EllisCMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, speaks against the motion to adopt the Senate version of the state budget on May 4, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, speaks against the motion to adopt the Senate version of the state budget on May 4, 2011.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Thursday called for the repeal of a state program that requires drivers convicted of certain traffic offenses to pay annual surcharges to keep their driver's licenses. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/30/lawmakers-call-end-controversial-driver-responsibi/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/24/house-senate-budget-comparison/">A Look at How House, Senate Budgets Compare</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 24 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-24 06:00"> April 24, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/24/house-senate-budget-comparison/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/24/house-senate-budget-comparison/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/13/house-senatebudget_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/13/house-senatebudget_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Emily Albracht and Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>This week, the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/22/straus-taps-house-team-budget-negotiations/" target="_blank">House</a> and the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/23/senate-announces-budget-negotiation-team/" target="_blank">Senate</a> named the members of a conference committee that will resolve the differences between the two chambers' budget plans. <span>Here’s a look at how the two proposals compare, with details on some areas where the plans diverge.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/24/house-senate-budget-comparison/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/22/self-driving-car-bill-stalled-google-carmakers/">Self-Driving Car Bill Stalled by Google, Carmakers</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 22 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-22 06:00"> April 22, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/22/self-driving-car-bill-stalled-google-carmakers/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/22/self-driving-car-bill-stalled-google-carmakers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/SelfDriving_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/SelfDriving_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Scott Schrantz</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Both Google and an industry group representing major auto manufacturers have come out against a bill from <span>state Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rodney-ellis/">Rodney Ellis</a><span>, D-Houston, to create a pilot program to monitor and encourage testing of self-driving cars in Texas.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/22/self-driving-car-bill-stalled-google-carmakers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/17/kolkhorst-bullet-train-opposition-not-odds-past-st/">Kolkhorst Aide: Bullet Train Position Not at Odds With Former Stance</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 17 Apr 2015 15:54:36 -0500" title="2015-04-17 15:54"> April 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/17/kolkhorst-bullet-train-opposition-not-odds-past-st/comments/"><span class="value">21</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/17/kolkhorst-bullet-train-opposition-not-odds-past-st/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/_KCA0788_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Rep. Lois Kolkhorst R-Brenham, speaks during HB5 debate on June 15th, 2011"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/_KCA0788_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Rep. Lois Kolkhorst R-Brenham, speaks during HB5 debate on June 15th, 2011" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Rep. Lois Kolkhorst R-Brenham, speaks during HB5 debate on June 15th, 2011</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>State Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/lois-kolkhorst/">Lois Kolkhorst</a>, who is leading opposition to a company's efforts to build a high-speed rail line, was once part of a group that supported private sector development of high-speed rail. An aide says <span>she is not uniformly opposed to high-speed rail.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/17/kolkhorst-bullet-train-opposition-not-odds-past-st/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/uber-lyft-back-house-headlights/">Uber, Lyft Back in House Headlights</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 14 Apr 2015 15:49:19 -0500" title="2015-04-14 15:49"> April 14, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/uber-lyft-back-house-headlights/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/uber-lyft-back-house-headlights/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Another round of sparring between Texas cities and car service companies Lyft and Uber played out on Tuesday, when a panel of Texas lawmakers considered </span><span>letting cities regulate Lyft and Uber the same way they regulate cab companies.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/uber-lyft-back-house-headlights/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/video-the-future-of-transportation/">Video: The Future of Transportation</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:19:23 -0500" title="2015-04-14 14:19"> April 14, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/video-the-future-of-transportation/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/TT-Transportation2015_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/TT-Transportation2015_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>On 4/10, I talked about the future of transportation policy in Texas with Deirdre Delisi, former chair of the Texas Transportation Commission</span><span>; Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins; former U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk; and state Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/larry-phillips/">Larry Phillips</a>, R-Sherman</span><span>.</span><span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/14/video-the-future-of-transportation/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/tesla-makes-sales-pitch-house-panel/">Tesla Makes Sales Pitch to House Panel</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 13 Apr 2015 20:20:57 -0500" title="2015-04-13 20:20"> April 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/tesla-makes-sales-pitch-house-panel/comments/"><span class="value">14</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/tesla-makes-sales-pitch-house-panel/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A0772_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A0772_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Tesla vehicle on display outside the Texas Capitol on January 15th, 2015</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>At a packed committee hearing Monday evening, advocates for Tesla Motors told a panel of Texas House members that it was time to bring state laws into the 21</span><span>st</span><span> century and let the company sell its luxury electric cars in Texas.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/tesla-makes-sales-pitch-house-panel/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/background-checks-drive-uber-lyft-debate/">Background Checks Drive Uber Debate</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 9 Apr 2015 11:57:21 -0500" title="2015-04-09 11:57"> April 9, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/background-checks-drive-uber-lyft-debate/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/background-checks-drive-uber-lyft-debate/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/09/Uber-Lyft-Hybrid_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Uber and Lyft, two San Francisco-based transportation networking companies, have launched services in several Texas cities.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>One week after an Uber driver in Houston was charged with sexually assaulting a passenger, a panel of Texas lawmakers on Thursday considered a bill critics say will open the door for more criminals to slip past driver background checks.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/background-checks-drive-uber-lyft-debate/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/bill-targeting-bullet-train-project-moves-senate-f/">Senate Bill Targeting Bullet Train Project Advances</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 8 Apr 2015 18:06:21 -0500" title="2015-04-08 18:06"> April 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/bill-targeting-bullet-train-project-moves-senate-f/comments/"><span class="value">70</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/bill-targeting-bullet-train-project-moves-senate-f/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/08/15/train-hispeed-upload_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="The Japanese Shinkansen is a high-speed trail used by JR Central in Japan. A private company is planning to build a rail line between Dallas and Houston using the same trains."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/08/15/train-hispeed-upload_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="The Japanese Shinkansen is a high-speed trail used by JR Central in Japan. A private company is planning to build a rail line between Dallas and Houston using the same trains." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Norihiro Kataoka</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">The Japanese Shinkansen is a high-speed trail used by JR Central in Japan. A private company is planning to build a rail line between Dallas and Houston using the same trains.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>On a 5-4 vote, the Senate Transportation Committee approved a bill Wednesday that <span>would hobble a private company’s plan to build a $12 billion high-speed rail line from Dallas to Houston.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/bill-targeting-bullet-train-project-moves-senate-f/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-nichols-and-pickett-on-high-speed-rail/">Video: Nichols and Pickett on High-Speed Rail</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 10:55:34 -0500" title="2015-04-07 10:55"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-nichols-and-pickett-on-high-speed-rail/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-nichols-and-pickett-on-high-speed-rail/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A6195_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A6195_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>At our 4/7 conversation, </span><span>state Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/robert-nichols/">Robert Nichols</a><span>, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joe-pickett/">Joe Pickett</a><span>, D-El Paso — the chairmen, respectively, of the Senate and House Transportation Committees — took a dim view of the prospects for high-speed rail.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-nichols-and-pickett-on-high-speed-rail/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-nichols-and-pickett-on-road-funding/">Video: Nichols and Pickett on Road Funding</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 10:48:01 -0500" title="2015-04-07 10:48"> April 7, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-nichols-and-pickett-on-road-funding/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A6227_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A6227_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>At our 4/7 conversation, </span><span>state Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/robert-nichols/">Robert Nichols</a><span>, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joe-pickett/">Joe Pickett</a><span>, D-El Paso — the chairmen, respectively, of the Senate and House Transportation Committees — talked about their preferred methods of transportation funding.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-nichols-and-pickett-on-road-funding/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-nichols-and-pickett-on-tolls/">Video: Nichols and Pickett on Tolls</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 10:40:46 -0500" title="2015-04-07 10:40"> April 7, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-nichols-and-pickett-on-tolls/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/UP9A6193_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/UP9A6193_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>At our 4/7 conversation, <span>state Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/robert-nichols/">Robert Nichols</a><span>, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joe-pickett/">Joe Pickett</a><span>, D-El Paso — the chairmen, respectively, of the Senate and House Transportation Committees — discussed the state's reliance on toll roads.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-nichols-and-pickett-on-tolls/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/">Video: A Conversation With Nichols and Pickett</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 7 Apr 2015 09:27:38 -0500" title="2015-04-07 09:27"> April 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/ttevent_Nichols_and_Pickett_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/ttevent_Nichols_and_Pickett_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Full video of my 4/7 conversation with state Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/robert-nichols/">Robert Nichols</a>, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joe-pickett/">Joe Pickett</a>, D-El Paso — the chairmen, respectively, of the Senate and House Transportation Committees.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/07/video-a-conversation-with-nichols-and-pickett/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/">House Budget Debate to Tackle Hot-Button Issues</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 31 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-03-31 06:00"> March 31, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Bob_FloorHouse_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Bob_FloorHouse_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Planning to follow the House's budget debate today? Better clear your schedule. The chamber is set to debate 354 amendments, which are likely to stir debate on issues like abortion, border security, school vouchers and more.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/25/texas-house-texting-while-driving/">Texas House OKs Ban on Texting While Driving</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/bobby-blanchard/">Bobby Blanchard</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Mar 2015 13:37:32 -0500" title="2015-03-25 13:37"> March 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/25/texas-house-texting-while-driving/comments/"><span class="value">28</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/25/texas-house-texting-while-driving/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/25/Xleg1115Craddick_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, after the passage of a statewide texting-while-driving ban on March 25, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/25/Xleg1115Craddick_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, after the passage of a statewide texting-while-driving ban on March 25, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, after the passage of a statewide texting-while-driving ban on March 25, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas House <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_700795054">on Wednesday</span> tentatively approved a statewide ban on texting while driving, a measure that made it all the way to Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a>'s desk in 2011 before getting vetoed. </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/25/texas-house-texting-while-driving/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/republicans-call-end-toll-roads-capital-rally/">Lawmakers Call for End to Toll Roads at Capitol Rally</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:15:40 -0500" title="2015-03-23 13:15"> March 23, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/republicans-call-end-toll-roads-capital-rally/comments/"><span class="value">35</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/republicans-call-end-toll-roads-capital-rally/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/23/UP9A5068_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas, speaks during an anti-toll road rally at the Texas Capitol on March 23, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/23/UP9A5068_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas, speaks during an anti-toll road rally at the Texas Capitol on March 23, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas, speaks during an anti-toll road rally at the Texas Capitol on March 23, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>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. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/republicans-call-end-toll-roads-capital-rally/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/22/legislature-tolls-facing-strong-opposition/">In Legislature, Toll Roads Facing Strong Opposition</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 22 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-03-22 06:00"> March 22, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/22/legislature-tolls-facing-strong-opposition/comments/"><span class="value">40</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/22/legislature-tolls-facing-strong-opposition/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/Capitol-OutofBusiness_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/Capitol-OutofBusiness_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>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<span> tap the brakes on new toll road projects, or undo the state’s current tolling system entirely.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/22/legislature-tolls-facing-strong-opposition/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/19/lawmakers-hope-steer-self-driving-car-bills-abbott/">Lawmakers Hope to Steer Self-Driving Car Bills to Abbott's Desk</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 19 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-03-19 06:00"> March 19, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/19/lawmakers-hope-steer-self-driving-car-bills-abbott/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/19/lawmakers-hope-steer-self-driving-car-bills-abbott/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/SelfDriving_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150501234030/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/SelfDriving_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Scott Schrantz</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Three lawmakers have filed bills aimed at encouraging the use of self-driving technology in Texas while allowing for some government oversight.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150501234030/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/19/lawmakers-hope-steer-self-driving-car-bills-abbott/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </section> <nav class="pagination"> <ul class="pagination"><li class="disabled"><span class="disabled prev"><span>&lsaquo;</span> previous</span></li><li><span class="current page">1</span></li><li><a href="?page=2" class="page">2</a></li><li><a href="?page=3" class="page">3</a></li><li><a href="?page=4" class="page">4</a></li><li><a class="disabled">…</a></li><li><a href="?page=15" class="page">15</a></li><li><a href="?page=16" class="page">16</a></li><li><a href="?page=17" class="page">17</a></li><li><a href="?page=18" class="page">18</a></li><li class="last"><a href="?page=2" class="next">next <span>&rsaquo;</span></a></li></ul> </nav> </div> <div class=" rail cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <section class="trib_newsletter"> <form 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