Join us Dec. 10 in Austin and online to hear from lawmakers, Capitol insiders on 2027 legislative session priorities
By Texas Tribune Events Staff, The Texas Tribune
November 3, 2026
After months of traveling the state to hear from lawmakers about their priorities for their districts, The Texas Tribune is bringing the conversation to Austin for a daylong symposium previewing the 2027 legislative session. Hear from newly elected officials, veteran incumbents and other Capitol insiders on what’s ahead and what it will mean for Texans.
Texans are facing tremendous challenges, and after the new year, state lawmakers will finally have their chance to draft legislation that responds, or doesn’t, to the biggest issues of the day. How do those in the know see the state of things heading into the session?
Join us Dec. 10 at the UT Thompson Center in Austin or online for discussions throughout the day exploring lawmakers’ top priorities and what’s ahead for Texans.
Note: This daylong symposium will be livestreamed. Make note of schedule (below) for specific panel start times.
AGENDA
9 to 10 a.m. — Meet the New Members
We hear from some of the fresh crop of new lawmakers elected in November about their priorities and what they want to do differently.
10 to 11 a.m. — Data Centers, Grid and 765K
Data centers and the grid were dominant issues during the 2026 elections. How will they be regulated, and what impact will they have on the state economy?
11 to 11:15 a.m. — Break
11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. — Education
School funding, screens in classrooms, teacher pay and Education Savings Accounts will be dominant topics in 2027. We preview the upcoming debates.
12:15 to 1 p.m. — Lunch
1 to 2 p.m. — Reporter Roundtable
Texas’ top statehouse journalists discuss the personalities and politics that will dominate the 2027 session.
2 to 3 p.m. — Taxes, Budget and Spending
Will Texas cut property taxes again? Will lawmakers have less money to spend on their priorities? Breaking down the dollars and cents of the one bill the Legislature must pass.
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune. 