May 20, 2013    

Karen Brooks Harper    

A bill that would outlaw the use of cell phones by drivers anywhere on school property – with a few exceptions – during hours when the school zone is in effect has just gone to the governor.

The bill by Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, seeks to broaden the protections offered by legislation passed in an earlier session by Rep. Dan Branch, which prohibits cell phone use by drivers passing through school zones.

May 20, 2013    

Karen Brooks Harper    

The House just passed a $175 million tuition revenue bond bill that would go toward building new buildings and repairing old ones on college campuses.

The last time the House passed a tuition revenue bond bill was in 2006.

May 19, 2013    

Updated: May 20, 2013     

Claire Cardona    

AUSTIN — Despite the escalating cost of college, only 59 percent of Texas students earn degrees in six years, and even fewer finish in four.

The shining ideal of a four-year college experience is increasingly out of reach for many nontraditional students. That has consequences for the state, including rising costs, and for students, with financial aid dollars spread thinner and more debt they must incur along the way.

A handful of bills that Gov. Rick Perry backs, such as tying state funds to graduation rates, would try to address the issue. But with just one week left to force bills through the Legislature, major changes are unlikely.

May 17, 2013    

Editorial    

When it comes to the University of Texas, political party allegiance is no match for the ferocity of Longhorn loyalty.

The overwhelming support in both the Texas House and Senate for Senate Bill 15 illustrates that pretty starkly. The measure would change the rules for appointing regents to the governing board of state university systems. Perhaps more significantly, the bill would prevent regents from unilaterally firing university presidents.

May 16, 2013    

Tim Eaton and Mike Ward    

The likelihood of a special legislative session during the summer appeared to grow Thursday, as lawmakers began predicting they will return to Austin in June to address the politically touchy issue of redistricting.

If they come back to affirm the court-drawn legislative district boundaries, as many members predicted, other hot-button issues could also be added to the agenda including: allowing concealed weapons inside college campus buildings; defining common carrier status in pipeline eminent domain disputes; funding windstorm insurance; passing a fetal pain bill banning abortion after the 20th week, and even giving tax cuts.

May 15, 2013    

Christy Hoppe    

AUSTIN — Texas voters will have to continue imposing term limits the old-fashioned way — in general elections.

The House soundly defeated a move Wednesday to restrict the governor and statewide officeholders to two consecutive terms. The proposed constitutional amendment, which would have been decided by voters in November, crashed on a 61-80 vote — miles short of the 100 votes necessary.

May 15, 2013    

Reeve Hamilton    

Updated, May 15, 2:40 p.m.:

After the Senate concurred with amendments in the House, a bill adding restrictions and requirements for regents of the state's university systems is on its way to the governor's desk.

All regents are appointed by Gov. Rick Perry. It remains to be seen if he will allow a bill limiting the power of his appointees to become law or if he will make use of his veto powers.

May 14, 2013    

Jennifer R. Lloyd    

The Texas House gave preliminary approval Monday to a bill whose purpose, according to its House sponsor, Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, is to "clean up" higher education governance.

Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, chairman of the Senate Higher Education committee, had filed the measure during February's ruckus over whether University of Texas System regents had micromanaged or attacked the character of UT Austin President Bill Powers — allegations denied by UT Regents chairman Gene Powell.

May 14, 2013    

Jennifer R. Lloyd    

The Texas House approved a bill Tuesday whose purpose, according to sponsor Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, is to "clean up" higher education governance.

Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, chairman of the Senate Higher Education committee, had filed the measure during February's ruckus over whether University of Texas System regents had micromanaged or attacked the character of UT-Austin President Bill Powers — allegations denied by UT Regents Chairman Gene Powell.

May 14, 2013    

Jim Vertuno    

Texas lawmakers moved to assert more control over state higher education on Monday when the House voted to require that most university regents be appointed while lawmakers are in session, and limit their powers to fire campus presidents.

University system regents are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Lawmakers have become upset with University of Texas regents appointed by Gov. Rick Perry after some board members tried to oust Austin campus President Bill Powers and now want to rein in the regents' powers.