Porter Wilson, chief of staff for Senator Robert Duncan, explains the legislative process to a group of students in the Chamber.

Senator Robert Duncan of Lubbock hugs staffer Frances Wheat, who was honored by the Senate upon her retirement from Duncan's district office.

The back brass rail in the Senate Chamber is a hotspot for bill discussion and negotiation. Seen here are (L-to-R) Senator Kim Brimer, former Senator Kenneth Armbrister, Senator John Whitmire, and Senator Jeff Wentworth.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (right) discusses pending legislation with (L-to-R) Senators Carlos Uresti, Royce West, Eddie Lucio, Eliot Shapleigh, Judith Zaffirini, and Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa.

Senator Eddie Lucio (right) confers with his son, State Representative Eddie Lucio III.

Senators Leticia Van de Putte and Kyle Janek look over an amendment to a bill with the help of their staffs.

Senators Kirk Watson (center) Royce West (2nd from right) and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (3rd from right) welcome University of Texas representatives honoring outreach and social work programs at UT. They are joined by UT basketball standouts Kevin Durant and Katrina Robinson, former Longhorn and Detroit Lion's player Cory Redding, UT football coach Mack Brown, and university officials Dr. Michael Lauderdale and Ralph Wayne.

Senators Craig Estes and Florence Shapiro read Senate news coverage in the Chamber.

Senator Robert Nichols sits at his desk with his great-niece in the Chamber.

Fort Worth Senator Kim Brimer explains the finer points of one of his bills to fellow north Texas delegate Senator Jane Nelson of Lewisville.