The state’s 85th Legislature convenes officially for the first time Tuesday. Sherri Greenberg, fellow of the Max Sherman Chair in State and Local Government at The University of Texas, helps break down everything you need to know to start the 2017 legislative session as well as a refresher on issues from two years ago—the last time state lawmakers met. By the numbers 25 freshman lawmakers to be sworn into office 20 Republican senators (same as last session) 95 Republican House reps (-4 from last session) Big contests Republicans versus Democrats House versus Senate Traditionalists/moderates versus far right Local control versus preemptive action Rural versus urban Topics of debate State budget Voter ID laws School finance School vouchers School choice Foster care Abortion “Bathroom bill” Issues that could be resurrected Statewide texting ban State-mandated college tuition rates Property tax reform Medicaid reform Plastic bag bans Ride-hailing regulations Fracking restrictions