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Texas Legislature 101: How bills become laws — and how you can participate in the process

Texas Legislature 101: How bills become laws — and how you can participate in the process

State representatives meet on the House floor at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 11, 2023. Photo by Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune

By The Texas Tribune

January 13, 2025

Here’s a rundown of how legislation moves through the Capitol, the ways lawmakers operate and who the power players are.

What is the Texas Legislature?

What are legislative sessions?

How does a bill become a law in Texas?

Bill filing

Committees

Floor debate

Chambers must agree

How is the state budget decided?

Who are the power players?

Historically, the speaker of the House has appointed committee chairs from both parties, but some Republicans and conservative groups have pushed back against that practice in recent years.

What’s the pace of the Texas Legislature?

How can I keep up with bills and meetings?

How can I lead change in the Legislature?

How can I participate in the legislative process?

 

CATEGORIES: STATE LEGISLATURE

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  • The Texas Tribune

    The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

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