Austin Senator Kirk Watson (right) confers with Business and Commerce Committee Chair John Carona of Dallas at a meeting in the Senate Chamber.

Freshman Senator Brian Birdwell of Granbury listens to witness testimony at a committee meeting.

La Porte Senator Mike Jackson questions a witness at a joint committee meeting investigating the cause of rolling blackouts that struck the state on February 2.

Texas' longest serving Lt. Governor Bill Hobby (second from left) chats with current Senators before session.

Amarillo Senator Kel Seliger (left) talks with Houston Senator John Whitmire in the Senate Chamber. As its longest serving member, Whitmire is the current Dean of the Senate.

Senators Robert Duncan of Lubbock (left) and Tommy Williams of the Woodlands listen to San Antonio Senator Carlos Uresti (right) discuss legislation during session.

Senator Troy Fraser of Horseshoe Bay (left) confers with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden of Bryan.

Brownsville Senator Eddie Lucio and his legislative director Sara Gonzales consider a bill on the Senate floor.

Freshman Senator Jose Rodriguez of El Paso (left) talks with his colleague Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen.

Greenville Senator Bob Deuell asks questions during debate during Senate action this week.