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Week in Review, August 29th

Aug 29

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.
  • See how states are handling the Miller v. Alabama decision about life without parole for juveniles. (Stateline, August 26, 2013)
  • Read about the Texas Supreme Court's acceptance of two same-sex divorce cases, slated for argument in November. (The Supreme Court of Texas Blog, August 23, 2013)
  • Search the Arizona v. California water litigation collection. (William A. Wise Law Library, University of Colorado Law School, accessed August 2013)
  • Review a state-by-state chart of laws related to older drivers. (Governors Highway Safety Association, August 2013)
  • Explore the relationship between the housing market crisis and the labor market crisis. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2013)

This entry was posted on August 29, 2013 at 3:15 PM and has received 746 views. Print this entry.

Legislative Resources and Staff Honored with NCSL Awards

Aug 28

posted by TexasLRL in LRL news

The Texas Legislative Reference Library and the Texas Senate Research Center have been recognized with Notable Document Awards by the National Conference of State Legislatures, Legislative Research Librarians staff section. More than forty documents from seventeen states were submitted for the award, with thirteen documents from eleven states receiving the honor. Texas was one of only two states to win two awards. The awards were announced at the 38th NCSL Legislative Summit in Atlanta, Georgia in August.
 

The Texas Legislative Reference Library's Pinterest page, recipient of the Notable Online Resource award, uses the unique format of boards and pins to highlight books, photographs, art and other items that bring the Texas Legislature and its history into view. From historical 'tidbits' about the Texas Legislature to a full exhibit of state symbols, the page highlights a range of helpful information.

The Senate Research Center's Budget 101: A Guide to the Budget Process in Texas received a Notable Document on Fiscal Policy award. A useful primer on the biennial budget process in Texas, the guide provides a step-by-step description of what happens to the budget during the legislative session, and discusses the different agencies and offices involved in the process. In addition, the publication contains information on the current two-year budget, including when it was passed, total funding, and how funds were distributed by function.
A full list of Notable Document Award Winners for 2013 is available here.
 
In other awards news, Mary Camp, Director of the Library, was the recipient of the Legislative Staff Achievement award for 2013. This award recognizes excellence in supporting the work of a state legislature and strengthening the legislative institution. Candidates are evaluated on a number of criteria, including their effectiveness at improving the legislative process, as well as their contributions to the work of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Congratulations, Mary!
 

This entry was posted on August 28, 2013 at 9:30 AM and has received 1117 views. Print this entry.

Week in Review, August 22nd

Aug 22

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.
  • Consider the effect of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on childhood poverty. (Economic Policy Institute, August 1, 2013)
  • Explore new laws in four states, including Texas, that would allow trained school employees or volunteers to be armed on public school campuses. (Stateline, August 11, 2013)
  • Examine variations in base premiums for individual health insurance coverage plans. (U.S. Government Accountability Office, July 23, 2013)
  • Check out a photographic exhibit of the Texas Capitol. (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, July 24, 2013)

This entry was posted on August 22, 2013 at 3:15 PM and has received 628 views. Print this entry.

Week in Review, August 15th

Aug 15

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.
  • Explore the possible economic impact of the Border Security, Economic Opportuniy, and Immigration Modernization Act. (Congressional Budget Office, June 18, 2013)
  • Read about childhood obesity and ways to curb it. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2013)
  • Review a survey of public pensions. (U.S. Census Bureau, Summer 2013)
  • Consider suggested reforms to the criminal justice system in the United States. (U.S. Department of Justice, August 2013)
 

This entry was posted on August 15, 2013 at 3:15 PM and has received 504 views. Print this entry.

Wrap-ups of the 83rd Legislature

Aug 13

posted by TexasLRL in Legislation, 83rd Session

Following each legislative session in Texas, organizations, state agencies, and other entities publish "wrap-ups" summarizing new laws and key legislative developments in areas such as education or the environment. Wrap-ups can range from a simple list of bills to a detailed report that includes background information and expert analysis.

 

At the library, we track legislative wrap-ups since they can be excellent research tools. Listed below is a short selection. More are available, and some are still being written. To find one on a topic that interests you, check the websites of organizations or state agencies that focus on the issue, or contact the library for assistance.

 

State Agencies:

 

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

 

Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services

 

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

 

Texas Education Agency

 

Texas Veterans Commission

 

 

Associations and Organizations:

 

Association of Rural Communities in Texas

 

League of Women Voters of Texas

 

Texas AgriLife  Extension Service – Texas Agriculture Law Blog

 

Texas Association of Community Colleges

 

Texas Association of Counties

 

Texans Care for Children

 

Texas District & County Attorneys Association (TDCAA)

 

Texas Humane Legislation Network

 

Texas Medical Association (TMA)

 

Texas Municipal League (TML)

 

Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association

 

TexasVox: The Voice of Public Citizen in Texas

This entry was posted on August 13, 2013 at 4:36 PM and has received 2737 views. Print this entry.

Week in Review, August 8th

Aug 8

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.
  • Explore how digital tools make a difference to the teaching and learning of writing skills. (National Writing Project / Pew Research Center, July 16, 2013)
  • Consider the accessibility of college textbooks. (U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 2013)
  • Read an analysis of the financial crisis of 2007-2009. (Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, July 2013)
  • Examine the effect of student loan debt on a borrower's lifetime wealth. (Demos, August 2013)

This entry was posted on August 8, 2013 at 3:15 PM and has received 701 views. Print this entry.

New Laws Effective September 1, 2013

Aug 7

posted by TexasLRL in Legislation

On September 1, 2013 provisions of 698 bills passed during the regular session of the 83rd Legislature will take effect.
 
Additionally, sections of bills passed during the 82nd R.S. and 82nd 1st C.S. in 2011 will take effect on September 1.
 
To keep up with new laws throughout the year, check the Library's list of bill effective dates.
 

This entry was posted on August 7, 2013 at 9:42 AM and has received 15927 views. Print this entry.

Week in Review, August 1st

Aug 1

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.
  • Explore gradual changes in state laws related to nurse practitioners' licensing and scope of practice. (Stateline, July 19, 2013)
  • Read about the recent increases of in-state college tuition. (Education Week, July 16, 2013)
  • Consider findings on Houston area teen drivers from a national study on teen drivers and teen driver distraction. (Toyota, July 24, 2013)
  • Check the status of the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, July 29, 2013)
  • See how many voting civil rights lawsuits have been filed over the last 5 years. (Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, Syracuse University, July 29, 2013)

This entry was posted on August 1, 2013 at 3:15 PM and has received 645 views. Print this entry.