This week is National Library Week. Across the U.S., libraries will be celebrating their role as valuable information service providers to the community.  As our way of celebrating, we've provided a little LRL history below. The LRL is proud to serve members of the Texas Legislature, state agencies, and the public.

 

The Legislative Reference Library's current location on the second floor of the State Capitol has been in continuous use as a library since 1889. Designated a library in the original architectural plans for the Capitol, the space was first occupied by the Texas Supreme Court Library, and later, in 1907, by the State Library, which in 1909 began offering "legislative reference and information" to the Legislature. In 1962, the State Library moved into its own building to the east of the Capitol, and in 1969, the Legislative Reference Library became an independent legislative agency.

The LRL continues to serve members of the Texas Legislature from its location in the north wing of the Capitol between the House and Senate chambers. As part of the 1990s Capitol renovation, the library was identified as a significant space within the Capitol for its historical and architectural importance, and was selected to receive an adaptive historical room treatment. The library is open to the public, so please drop by and visit us during National Library Week or any time you are in the area.

 

The State Library, c. 1915.
Photo courtesy of the Texas State Preservation Board.

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Bills in the News

In this occasional post, we feature topics receiving widespread media coverage, tips for finding bills filed during the 84th legislative session, and related resources.

 

Bills in the News: E-cigarettes and Vaping

 

Bill search

 

Search for bills related to e-cigarettes and vaping on the Texas Legislature Online:

 

Try the phrase "vapor product" with the Word/Phrase radio button selected.

 

Much of the proposed legislation relating to e-cigarettes and vapor products, such as liquid substances containing nicotine, would amend current law related to cigarettes and other tobacco products. Try searching for bills with the subject "Tobacco Products."

Resources

• "House Committee Considers E-Cigarette Ban for Minors," Texas Tribune, March 24, 2015
• American Lung Association Statement on E-Cigarettes, American Lung Association, updated March, 2015
• Alternative Nicotine Products: Electronic Cigarettes, National Conference of State Legislatures, February 26, 2015
• "Ban of E-cigarette Sale to Minors Advances in Senate," The Dallas Morning News, February 25, 2015
• "More than 16 million children live in states where they can buy e-cigarettes legally," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 11, 2014
• "More than a quarter-million youth who had never smoked a cigarette used e-cigarettes in 2013," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 25, 2014

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