In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.

• See which college majors are at higher risk for unemployment. (Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, January 4, 2012)
• Consider the effects of long-term hardship in the labor market. (Center for Economic Policy and Research, January 2012)
• Find child nutrition programs by state. (United States Department of Agriculture, November 30, 2011)
• Explore legal immigration in the United States. (Migration Policy Institute, December 2011)
• Review new standards for limiting mercury and other toxic pollution from power plants. (United States Environmental Protection Agency, December 21, 2011)
• Read about state-level energy-related carbon dioxide emissions tracked over the last decade. (United States Energy Information Administration, January 9, 2012)
• Note that a federal court has rejected the Texas Legislature's claim to legislative privilege, and keep up with events pertaining to Perry v. Perez on the SCOTUSblog. (The Thicket, National Conference of State Legislatures, January 6, 2012 / Supreme Court of the United States blog, January 2012)

This entry was posted on January 12, 2012 at 3:15 PM and has received 998 views. Print this entry.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled Tuesday, January 10, 2012 that the provisions of Texas' "abortion sonogram law" (HB 15, 82nd R.S.) are constitutional and can be enforced. The ruling overturned an August 30, 2011 U.S. District Court ruling that blocked key provisions of the new law. Below you will find the legislation and key court documents associated with the case.HB 15, 82nd Regular Session: Relating to informed consent to an abortion.

June 13, 2011: Class action complaint:
Texas Medical Providers Performing Abortion Services, et al. v. David Lakey, Commissioner of Texas Department of State Health Services, et al.; Class action complaint (No. 1:11-cv-00486, abortion sonogram law, HB 15, 82nd Leg.).

June 30, 2011: Plaintiff's motion for injunction:
Texas Medical Providers Performing Abortion Services, et al. v. David Lakey, Commissioner of Texas Department of State Health Services, et al.; Plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction (No. 1:11-cv-00486, abortion sonogram law, HB 15, 82nd Leg.).

August 30, 2011: Court ruling (Judge Sam Sparks, U.S. District Court):
Texas Medical Providers Performing Abortion Services, et al. v. David Lakey (Commissioner of Texas Department of State Health Services), et al.; Order and Notice of Appeal by Attorney General (No. 1:11-cv-00486, abortion sonogram law, HB 15, 82nd Leg.).

September 28, 2011: Appeal by Texas Attorney General filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States:
David Lakey, Commissioner of Texas Department of State Health Services, et al. v. Texas Medical Providers Performing Abortion Services, et al.; Emergency application for stay of preliminary injunction pending appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Appendices and lower court rulings including 5th Circuit Sept. 28, 2011 (No. 11A335, abortion sonogram law, HB 15, 82nd Leg.).

This entry was posted on January 12, 2012 at 1:55 PM and has received 2995 views. Print this entry.