Ft. Worth Senator Wendy Davis looks over a bill with her colleague Senator Robert Nichols of Jacksonville.

Senator Rodney Ellis laid out his plan to ban smoking in public places in Texas before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. He was joined by the bill's House sponsor, Rep. Myra Crownover.

(L-to-R) Jim Price, Charlie Yates and George Rollow of the Texian Legacy Association stand at attention during the reading of the Texas Declaration of Independence celebrating the 175th birthday of the Republic of Texas.

Houston Senator Dan Patrick takes the chair during session this week.

State Archivist John Anderson lays out the original pages of the Texas Declaration of Independence for viewing by members of the Senate. The document will be on public display in the de Zavala State Archives in Austin through April 21.

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst (right) thanks Terry Ayers (left) and John Tyler of the Texian Legacy Association for providing the honor guard escort for the Declaration of Independence as it was brought into the Senate Chamber.

During these tough budget times, even children start lobbying, as show here by Jacksonville Senator Robert Nichols.