Senator Rodney Ellis (right) cracks up his colleague Senator John Carona during session this week.

Senator Troy Fraser discusses concerns about a bill with Senator Florence Shapiro.

Senate Sergeant-at- Arms Rick DeLeon (far right) waits to deliver a stack of bills to Senate Parliamentarian Karina Casari-Davis.

(From left) Senators Mike Jackson, Troy Fraser, and Robert Nichols discuss a proposed amendment.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (left) and Senator Steve Ogden discuss some of the lighter parts of the state budget.

Missi Currier, who works for Lubbock Senator Robert Duncan, was delighted to meet Texas Tech basketball coach Bobby Knight on his visit to the Capitol.

Senate doormen take a break during a recess in one of the week's lengthy sessions.

Senate Doorman Austin Osborn holds a microphone for a reading of a Message from the House.