Lt. Governor David Dewhurst chats with a group representing Leadership Southeast Texas in town for a resolution.

Gov. Rick Perry shakes hands with Sen. Jeff Wentworth after signing his bill giving Texans the right to use force when faced with an intruder.

One of the Capitol car guards takes a break.

Senator John Whitmire (left) chats with Senator Glenn Hegar at the back brass rail in the Chamber.

Senator Craig Estes confers with a staffer about some amendments in the Chamber.

Senator Rodney Ellis (left) chats with his good friend Sen. Kirk Watson.

Freshman Senator Dan Patrick lays out his first bill of the session before the Senate.

Senators Kyle Janek (from left), Judith Zaffirini, Leticia Van de Putte, Royce West and Kevin Eltife jokingly vote no on the question of passage for freshman Senator Carlos Uresti's (holding mic) very first bill.