Legislative Reference Library

Current Articles list for January 06, 2022

The Legislative Reference Library produces a weekly list of current journal articles for members of the legislative community. New lists are available most Thursdays at 3pm. The most recent list is below.

"Millions more Americans now have the right to vote in non-English languages." By Gabe Osterhout and Lantz McGinnis-Brown. The Conversation, December 21, 2021, pp. 1-3
Reports on the U.S. Census Bureau's recently released 2021 determinations of jurisdictions that are required to provide minority language assistance to voters during elections under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act. Provides a brief history of this provision of federal law. Includes information about Texas.
See:https://theconversation.c ...
Related information at:https://www.census.gov/pr ...
Related information at:https://www.govinfo.gov/c ...


"Primary election filing period snafu." By Jim Allison. County Progress, December 2021, pp. 6, 42
Analyzes the effect of SB 13, 87th Legislature, 2nd C.S., on primary election filing dates.
See:https://dashboard.mazsyst ...


"Addressing the opioid crisis." By Joel Sams. CSG Capitol Ideas, Issue 5 2021, pp. 10-13
Provides an overview of the recent opioid litigation settlements and how state and local governments will spend the funds. Includes five principles to guide opioid settlement spending.

"Great digital expectations." By Joel Sams. CSG Capitol Ideas, Issue 5 2021, pp. 16-19
Highlights new technologies to enhance citizen access to government services. Interviews the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Director of Strategic Services about the surge in technology deployment in Texas during the pandemic, new digital government strategies such as the new Texas by Texas (TxT) mobile app, and the increase in tech-related bills in the Legislature.

"Internal migration: Movers and shakers." Economist, December 18th-31st, 2021, pp. 21-22, 24
Discusses the social and political consequences of population gains and losses. Speculates growing states like Texas and Florida will have an economic advantage.
See:https://www.economist.com ...


"Shaping the next generation of energy." By Emily Burleson. Houston Business Journal, December 10-16, 2021, pp. 32-34
Recaps a virtual panel discussion with energy experts on the state of energy innovation and its impact on energy infrastructure.

"How years of policy choices enabled microschooling to thrive in Arizona." By Michael McShane. Issue Brief (Manhattan Institute), December 2021, pp. 1-12
Explains how Arizona's commitment to school diversification and choice fostered the emergence and growth of microschooling — small schools that educate five to fifteen students.
See:https://media4.manhattan- ...


"Marijuana taxes: Federal and state updates." By Christopher R. Jones and Yuyun A. Sejati. Journal of State Taxation, Winter 2021, pp. 21-26
Presents an update on federal and state tax issues surrounding the marijuana industry, including eight states that have newly legalized recreational marijuana (Arizona, Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, and Virginia). Includes a 50-state reference guide of marijuana tax laws.

"FERC Order 841 & energy storage resources." By Thomas Kagerer. Texas Environmental Law Journal, Summer 2021, pp. 285-323 (Note Length)
Discusses energy storage resources (ESRs), including current technologies and potential benefits and applications to the electric grid. Examines Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 841, the final rule addressing electric storage in Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) and Independent System Operator (ISO) markets.
Related information at:https://www.ferc.gov/medi ...


"COVID-19 drives spike in deaths in Texas prisons and jails." By Margarita Bronshteyn, Elaine Ayo, and Eva Ruth Moravec. Texas Justice Initiative, December 21, 2021, p. 1
Reports that 2020 was the deadliest year on record for people incarcerated in Texas prisons and jails. Compiles data from the Texas Criminal Justice System and watchdog groups to analyze information on prison deaths and possible causes.
See:https://texasjusticeiniti ...

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