Civics Desk
Government & process explainers
The Civics Desk is the editorial byline for evergreen explainers about Texas government, elections, public records, and civic procedure. Coverage is written for readers who want plain-English guidance grounded in official sources.
Recent Articles
- Legislature
Texas Gold and Silver Legal Tender Law: What HB 1056 Does Sept. 1
HB 1056 recognizes qualifying gold and silver specie as legal tender in Texas beginning September 1, 2026, but no business or individual is required to accept it. Here is what the law actually changes — and what waits until 2027.
- Government
Texas Law Enforcement: Who does what?
Texas has city police, elected sheriffs and constables, state troopers, Texas Rangers, school-district police, university police and game wardens. Here is who each works for, where they usually operate, and what makes their authority different.
- Legislature
The Powers of the Texas Governor Explained
Texas has one of the most constitutionally limited governors in the country — and one of the most politically powerful. Here's what the office can do with appointments, vetoes, special sessions, and the line-item veto.
- Legislature
The Powers of the Texas Attorney General Explained
From multistate lawsuits and consumer protection to child-support enforcement and open-records opinions — what the elected Attorney General of Texas actually does, and the statutory limits of the office.
- Legislature
The Texas Open Meetings & Public Information Acts: Your Sunshine Rights
Every city council, school board, and commissioners court in Texas operates under sunshine laws. Here's how to read a posted agenda, file a public information request, and challenge a closed-door vote.
- Legislature
How a Bill Becomes Texas Law: A Citizen's Field Guide to the 88th Legislature
From filing in the House clerk's office to the Governor's desk — every committee, calendar, and conference step that shapes the bills you actually live under.
- Legislature
A Guide to Texas Constitutional Amendments and Why There Are So Many
Texas has amended its 1876 constitution more than 500 times. Here's how the two-thirds legislative vote and statewide ballot referendum work — and how to read the November propositions.
- Legislature
A Guide to Texas Political Terminology
Special session, sunset review, calendars committee, constitutional amendment, point of order — a plain-English glossary of the terms Austin reporters never define.
- Tax & Spending
What Local Governments Actually Control in Texas
Counties, cities, ISDs, MUDs, and emergency-services districts each levy their own tax — here's who decides what, and which line on your bill funds which service.
- Elections
The Texas Voter Registration Guide: Deadlines, ID Rules, and FAQs
Who can register, the 30-day deadline before each election, accepted photo ID, and how to update your address when you move counties — everything you need before you vote.
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