Austin Senator Kirk Watson discusses policy with Senator Wendy Davis of Fort Worth.

Senator Chris Harris of Arlington (left) confers with Lubbock Senator Robert Duncan during session.

Senator Brian Birdwell of Granbury (right) looks over legislation with his colleague, Senator Craig Estes of Wichita Falls.

President Pro Tempore Senator Steve Ogden of Bryan greets Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw and her grandchildren in the Chamber.

McAllen Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa questions a witness at a committee meeting.

Senator Brian Birdwell of Granbury (left) grins as his colleagues give him a hard time as the freshmen Senator lays out his first bill. Freshman Senator José Rodriguez of El Paso (right) also presented his first bill to the full Senate this week.

Colleagues gather around freshman Senator Jose Rodriguez of El Paso before the final vote on his first bill. It is Senate tradition to tease a freshman Senator as they lay out the first bill of their career. Senate Dean John Whitmire of Houston says not only is it a good time, but it helps new Senators get over any stage fright they might have standing before the body for the first time.