For 140 days during every odd-numbered year, the Texas legislature meets and determines laws, rules, regulations and restrictions that will affect the life of every Texan. Here is how you can keep up with is going on in Austin under the dome.
Visit your legislators at the Capitol
Take a note from state lobbyists and pay a visit to your representatives in person. First, find out who represents you here. Then, look at maps to find out where your House Representative and Senator offices are located. Lawmakers are typically in their Capitol office from Monday afternoons until Thursday evenings.
You can view a full map of the capitol building here. Of note: The cafeteria is located on the first floor of the extension building, along with the open air rotunda and a large portion of lawmakers' offices.
Staircases are available to the immediate right and left of the rotunda, but if you have a long way to go, it may be worthwhile to take an elevator located just north of the stairs.
Watch the proceedings in the House and Senate from the Capitol
Even though the legislature is in session for 140 days, the House and Senate are not always active. Check the House and Senate websites to see if the chambers are adjourned. If either is in session, you can watch from their viewing galleries found on the third floor of the Capitol building. The House is to the west, and the Senate is to the east. While you are there, use the Senate and House seating charts to easily find your legislators.
Watch the proceedings online or follow along on social media
If you cannot make it to Austin, you can always go online to watch any of the proceedings, both in the chambers and in committee hearings. House broadcasts can be viewed here. The Senate video feed can be found here. And if you cannot tune in online, follow legislative happenings via social media, with the hashtag #txlege. Community Impact will also be covering the session using #CITxLege.
