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Current Articles & Research Resources, February 28

Feb 28

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community. 

  • Consider how the state's oil and gas industry affects transportation infrastructure. (Texas A&M Transportation Institute, February 6, 2019)
  • Read about federal mail and wire fraud statutes. (Congressional Research Service, February 11, 2019)
  • Find where to dispose of prescription drugs. (Google, February 21, 2019)
  • See which Texas counties are included in the recent federal disaster declaration related to last year's flooding and storms. (The White House, February 25, 2019)

Members of the Texas legislative community may request the articles below here or by calling 512-463-1252. 

  • "Better state budget, policy decisions can improve health." By Jennifer Sullivan. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, February 21, 2019, pp. 1-23.
    Discusses how states can invest in programs to affect the "social determinants of health" – health programs, education, the environment, transit, and infrastructure – apart from health care policy. Outlines the role of race/ethnicity and income in health outcomes.
  • "One border crisis averted?" By Henry Gass. Christian Science Monitor, February 11, 2019, pp. 16-17.
    Highlights the proactive approach El Paso Water's Edmund Archuleta has taken to improve water conservation. Discusses the successful program he implemented with his counterpart in Juárez to share data and information to conserve the Hueco Bolson aquifer.
  • "Buoyed by strong economies, most states spend more on higher ed." By Eric Kelderman. Chronicle of Higher Education, February 8, 2019, p. A25.
    Reports state spending on higher education grew almost four percent in fiscal year 2018-19 according to the "Grapevine" survey compiled by the Center for the Study of Education Policy at Illinois State University and the State Higher Education Executive Officers.
  • "What's the future of transportation funding?" By Paul K. Harral. Fort Worth Business Press, February 18-24, 2019, pp. 36-38.
    Summarizes panel discussion on transportation funding from the Northeast Tarrant Transportation Summit from February 8, 2019.
  • "Access to e-prescriptions and related technologies before and after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria." By Jaime Y. Smith and Max M. Sow. Health Affairs, February 2019, pp. 205-211.
    Finds that while e-prescribing and medication history transactions decreased considerably during the major 2017 hurricanes, transaction volumes returned to normal levels in the days immediately following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Notes that e-prescribing in Puerto Rico took much longer to return to baseline levels, demonstrating the importance of infrastructure to maintain accessibility of electronic health records [EHRs] in a disaster.
  • "Hospital prices grew substantially faster than physician prices for hospital-based care in 2007-14." By Zack Cooper, et al. Health Affairs, February 2019, pp. 184-189.
    Reports that for inpatient care, hospital prices grew 42 percent from 2007-2014, while physician prices grew 18 percent; for hospital-based outpatient care, hospital prices grew 25 percent, while physician prices grew 6 percent. Suggests several approaches policymakers could take to address hospital price growth.
  • "Should physicians recommend replacing opioids with cannabis?" By Keith Humphreys and Richard Saltz. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), February 19, 2019, pp. 639-640.
    Considers the efficacy of cannabis for chronic pain and for opioid use disorder and the risks of cannabis use. Argues that if cannabis is to become recommended medicine, it should be held to medical standards.
  • "Opportunity Zone investments: The new emerald city of tax law." By Steven Berman and Louis Weller. Journal of MultiState Taxation and Incentives, February 2019, pp. 6-21.
    Describes Opportunity Zones, the federal economic development program included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, to encourage investment and economic growth in economically distressed or disadvantaged communities.
  • "The connected city: A platform for city planners, citizens, and utilities." By Richelle Elberg and Eric Woods. Public Utilities Fortnightly, February 11, 2019, pp. 31-33.
    Describes different applications in the planning or deployment of 4G/5G networks within communities.
  • "Crank up the A/C, crank up the cost: States consider 'surge pricing' for power." By Rebecca Beitsch. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), February 19, 2019, pp. 1-5.
    Reports several states are experimenting with time-of-use pricing, increasing electricity rates during peak hours. Notes critics' concerns about how surge pricing will impact senior citizens and low-income people enrolled in electric bill assistance programs.
  • "Changing tunes?" By Dax Gonzalez. Texas Lone Star (Texas Association of School Boards), January/February 2019, pp. 8-11.
    Examines why the 86th legislative session is expected to be different from the 85th session and how education legislation could be affected. Addresses property taxes, vouchers, special education services, school security, and Hurricane Harvey.
  • "Bypassing the middle man." By Joey Berlin. Texas Medicine, February 2019, pp. 28-31.
    Considers the arguments for and against allowing physicians to dispense medication in their offices. Points out that Texas is one of four states that, for the most part, bans physicians from dispensing medications. Cites SB546, 82nd Legislature, R.S., as past effort to allow physicians to dispense medication.

The Legislative Reference Library compiles this weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. Professional librarians review and select articles from more than 300 periodicals, including public policy journals, specialized industry periodicals, news magazines, and state agency publications. Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles using our online form.

This entry was posted on February 28, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1132 views. Print this entry.

Bills in the News: Teacher Retirement & Teacher Pay

Feb 27

posted by TexasLRL in Bills in the News, 86th Session

In this occasional post, we feature topics receiving widespread media coverage, tips for finding bills filed during the 86th legislative session, and related resources.

 

Proposed legislation that would make changes to the Teacher Retirement System can be found under "Retirement Systems--Teachers (I0726)."

 

The Texas Classroom Teachers Association and the Texas Retired Teachers Association have resources available online about how pending legislation would affect the Teacher Retirement System. Both organizations have toll-free numbers:

Texas Classroom Teachers Association: 888-879-8282

Texas Retired Teachers Association: 800-880-1650

 

The Legislative Reference Library is unable to interpret, give legal advice, or calculate how legislation may affect individual retirement accounts.

 

Legislation related to teacher salaries can be found using a search of a combination of subjects:

 

 

 

To search these two subjects together, use the Texas Legislature Online Bill Search and click on "Select subject criteria."

 

When you type in the "Search" box, the alphabetical list will automatically scroll. Select the two subjects from the list and click on the right arrow button to move them into the "Selected:" pane.
 

After clicking "OK," you will return to the search screen. Make sure the "And" radio button is selected. Click the "Search" box located at the far top right of the screen to generate a list of bills related to teacher pay.
 

The list generated will have links to the bills and an option to export the results to PDF format.

 

This entry was posted on February 27, 2019 at 9:00 AM and has received 1647 views. Print this entry.

Bill Statistics at the 45th Day of Session, 86th Legislature

Feb 22

posted by TexasLRL in Legislation, Bill statistics, Legislative process, 86th Session

Thursday, February 21 marked the 45th day of the 86th Regular Session. That means we're 3/4 of the way to the 60-day bill filing deadline, which is Friday, March 8, 2019. For those who are curious, here is a look at bill statistics in comparison to a similar period last session.

 

Bills and Joint Resolutions
85th Regular Session

 

(Nov. 14, 2016-Feb. 23, 2017)
86th Regular Session

 

(Nov. 12, 2018-Feb. 21, 2019)
House filed 2,396 2,277
Senate filed 1,094 973
Total filed 3,490 3,250
House referred to committee 1,024 818
Senate referred to committee 814 612
Total referred to committee 1,838 1,430
House scheduled for hearing 3 15
Senate scheduled for hearing 32 5
Total scheduled for hearing 35 20
House reported out of committee 2 0
Senate reported out of committee 23 4
Total reported out of committee 25 4

 

This entry was posted on February 22, 2019 at 10:10 AM and has received 2237 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, February 21

Feb 21

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community. 

  • Track how canceled hearings during the partial federal government shutdown affected the workload of immigration courts. (Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, Syracuse University, February 19, 2019)
  • Consider ways to address internet privacy and consumer protection related to internet privacy concerns. (U.S. Government Accountability Office, January 2019)
  • See state-by-state legislation intended to streamline the deploy of 5G mobile technology. (National Conference of State Legislatures, February 15, 2019)
  • Read about programs in some states that incorporate professional foster parents into their foster care systems to provide care to special needs children. (Stateline, February 20, 2019)

Members of the Texas legislative community may request the articles below here or by calling 512-463-1252. 

  • "Texas Enterprise Fund under the microscope." By Daniel Salazar. Austin Business Journal, February 8, 2019, p. 12.
    Highlights recent study that raises transparency concerns regarding the Texas Enterprise Fund, the state's economic development incentive program.
  • "How states use funds under the TANF block grant." By Liz Schott, Ife Floyd, and Ashley Burnside. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Updated February 19, 2019, pp. 1-20.
    Finds states spent only about half of their Temporary Assistance to Needy Families [TANF] funds in fiscal year 2017 on the core welfare reform areas of basic assistance, child care for low-income families, and work supports. Includes several state tables on TANF spending and includes Texas in a discussion of black families' experience with basic assistance.
  • "The labour market: True colours." Economist, February 16th-22nd, 2019, pp. 62-63.
    Explains how occupational segregation affects earnings and the gender pay gap.
  • "The safety-net: The Arkansas experiment." Economist, February 16th-22nd, 2019, pp. 23-24.
    Examines the preliminary results of Arkansas' experiment imposing extensive work requirements on Medicaid recipients. Notes 18,000 people lost their health insurance, due in part to widespread confusion over program requirements and lack of Internet access to submit reports that could only be filed online.
  • "Are states poised to tackle outdated K-12 funding formulas?" By Daarel Burnette II. Education Week, February 13, 2019, pp. 22-23.
    Argues the political climate is right for states to revamp their outdated and inefficient school funding formulas. Highlights the plans of eight states, including Texas, for improving their school funding systems.
  • "Teachers missing out on flood of K-12 cash." By Daarel Burnette II. Education Week, January 23, 2019, pp. 1, 17.
    Addresses states' efforts to fund teacher pay increases and the challenges encountered. Reports funding is often siphoned away to competing priorities at the district level. Highlights recent teacher salary legislation in Texas.
  • "The best cyber offense is a good cyber defense." By Jackie Benton. Fiscal Notes, February 2019, p. 1.
    Examines training of cybersecurity specialists. Notes eighteen colleges and universities in Texas, including The University of Texas at El Paso, The University of Texas at Dallas, and Texas A&M University - San Antonio, have partnered with the National Security Agency to be national centers for cyber defense education.
  • "Texas' public pensions: Growing liabilities could affect state finances." By Spencer Grubbs and Amanda Williams. Fiscal Notes, February 2019, pp. 1, 3-7.
    Examines how government pension plans work in general and compares defined benefit [DB], defined contribution [DC], and hybrid plans, with survey of hybrid retirement plans in other states. Discusses the financial health and funded ratios of the seven statewide public pension systems in Texas, specifically the Teacher Retirement System and Employees Retirement System.
  • "Opportunity Zones: A different zone opportunity." By Diane Lupke. Journal of MultiState Taxation and Incentives, February 2019, pp. 22-23, 44.
    Compares the new federal Opportunity Zones program, established in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, with previous zone-style programs and investment vehicles. Looks at early investor activity in Opportunity Zones in Louisville, Kentucky, and the state of Indiana.
  • "Pay attention to this little-noticed opioid lawsuit in Oklahoma." By Christine Vestal. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), February 14, 2019, pp. 1-9.
    Highlights Oklahoma lawsuit alleging drug companies misrepresented the benefits and addictive qualities of opioid drugs. Suggests the Oklahoma case, scheduled for trial in May 2019, could precipitate a settlement in the consolidated national lawsuit set for trial in October.
  • "Not all that is lawful is beneficial: The unintended consequences of ignoring legislative intent." By Jack Walker and Reid Martin. Texas Lawyer, March 2019, pp. 20, 22, 24.
    Points out the lack of clarity in the statutory construction of Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 74.153, standards of proof in cases involving emergency medical care, part of the Texas Medical Liability Act. Related information at: http://www.txcourts.gov/media/1443046/170256.pdf.
  • "All together now." By Sean Price. Texas Medicine, February 2019, pp. 22-27.
    Considers how major healthcare mergers, like that proposed by Baylor Scott & White Health and Memorial Hermann, reshape how Texas physicians practice. Asserts that Texas has some of the nation's strictest laws against the corporate practice of medicine, but that the enforcement of these laws has been eroding.
  • "Physician-lawmakers outline priorities for 2019 legislature." By David Doolittle. Texas Medicine, February 2019, pp. 12-13.
    Summarizes topics addressed by Reps. John Zerwas and Tom Oliverson at the Texas Medical Association's Advocacy Retreat, such as better access to mental health care in schools, reducing maternal deaths, and surprise billing.

The Legislative Reference Library compiles this weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. Professional librarians review and select articles from more than 300 periodicals, including public policy journals, specialized industry periodicals, news magazines, and state agency publications. Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles using our online form.

This entry was posted on February 21, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 994 views. Print this entry.

New & Noteworthy: February 2019

Feb 20

posted by TexasLRL in New & Noteworthy

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting books by or about African Americans from our collection. Below are the eight titles from our February 2019 New & Noteworthy list. 

Check out and delivery of New & Noteworthy titles is available to legislative staff in Capitol and District offices. To arrange check out and delivery of any of these items, you can submit an online request through the New & Noteworthy page on our website, contact the library at 512-463-1252, or use our PDF request form.

 

1. What Do You Do With a Voice Like That? : The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan
By Chris Barton
Introduces Congresswoman and former Texas Senator Barbara Jordan to young audiences in a beautifully illustrated picture book. Chronicles Congresswoman Jordan's life, from childhood to her roles as a people's advocate, politician, and teacher. Celebrates the life of a remarkable African American woman who fought for justice and equality with a bold, confident, and extraordinary voice.
Beach Lane Books, 2018. 44 pages.
YOUNGTEXANS1


 

 

2. Minority Civil Rights and the Texas Legislature
By Secretary of Senate and Senate Engrossing & Enrolling
Surveys the history of racial intolerance toward minorities and the evolution of civil rights in Texas. Details how African American and Hispanic representation in the Texas Legislature has changed through the years. Profiles Texas lawmakers and leaders and their contributions to racial equality. Includes a selection of contemporary and historic photographs and artwork.
Senate Publications and Printing, 2018. 22 pages.
Online at: https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/SIRSI/MinorityCivilRightsandtheTexasLegislature.pdf
L1803.8 M667 2018


 

 

3. Takeover: Race, Education, and American Democracy
By Domingo Morel
Considers state takeovers of local school districts, arguing that state legislatures that have done so are concerned not just with underperforming schools but also with the race, politics, and economics behind resource allocation to local entities. Uses Newark, New Jersey, and Central Falls, Rhode Island, as case studies and asserts that district takeovers often are a systematic political disempowerment of black and Latino communities.
Oxford University Press, 2018. 181 pages.
379.73 M814T 2018


 

 

4. African Americans in Texas: A Lasting Legacy
By Texas Historical Commission
Highlights African American culture, heritage, and contributions in Texas. Profiles historical locations, events, and important African American figures that have helped to define Texas' legacy.
Texas Historical Commission, 2016. 71 pages.
Online at: http://www.thc.texas.gov/public/upload/African-Americans-in-Texas-2016.pdf
H2000.5 AF83L 2016


 

 

 

 

5. Through Many Dangers, Toils and Snares: Black Leadership in Texas, 1868-1898
By Merline Pitre
Presents a third edition of Merline Pitre's in-depth examination of African American legislators in Texas after the Civil War, with an updated preface and extended appendices. Highlights Texas Senators Matthew Gaines and George T. Ruby, Texas Representatives Richard Allen and Robert Lloyd Smith, and Republican party leader Norris Wright Cuney. Includes rosters of black legislators of Texas, black legislators' committee assignments, black legislators who were delegates at Republican national conventions, a summary of the background of Texas black politicians (1868-1900), a roster of 20th century black legislators, and a 30-year comparison of 19th and 20th century legislators.
Texas A&M University Press, 2016. 296 pages.
976.4 P931T 2016


 

 

6. African Americans in South Texas History
By Bruce A. Glasrud, ed.
Examines the black experience in the racially and ethnically complex region of South Texas in thirteen essays. Covers more than 100 years, from slavery in the 1850s, through the Jim Crow era, to desegregation in the 1960s. Includes essays highlighting particular communities and individuals, and weaves in labor, political, educational, and cultural issues.
Texas A & M University Press, 2011. 353 pages.
305.896 G463A 2011


 

 

7. Politics in the New South: Representation of African Americans in Southern State Legislatures
By Charles E. Menifield and Stephen D. Shaffer, ed.
Provides an in-depth study of African Americans in contemporary state legislatures in the South, including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas. Discusses the growing number of African American legislators, the evolution of the Black Caucus, and the elevation of African American legislators to leadership positions. Analyzes roll call data on key votes across legislative sessions from each of the states. Includes a chapter specifically on Texas, "Cohesiveness and Diversity among Black Members of the Texas State Legislature."
State University of New York Press, 2005. 229 pages.
328.75 M524P 2005


 

 

8. A Magnified Princes Shall Come Out of Egypt, Texas, and Fort Worth
By Reby Cary
Presents former Representative Reby Cary's work on the contributions of African Americans on U.S. history, culture, and politics from slavery to the beginning of the 21st century. Provides meticulously researched accounts of slaves, civil rights leaders, and black politicians to demonstrate the resilience of African Americans to rise above the racism and injustice that so often plague their communities. Highlights black leaders in Texas and Fort Worth.
Dorrance Publishing Co., 2002. 257 pages.
976.4531 C333M 2002

This entry was posted on February 20, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1035 views. Print this entry.

Texas Legislative Guides: 86th Regular Session

Feb 19

posted by TexasLRL in Legislative process, 86th Session

This post includes a list of guides published by Texas legislative agencies to assist you in following the legislative process. These guides will help you track and read a bill, understand the terminology used in the Texas Legislature, learn about issues facing the Legislature, and much more.

 

The Legislative Process in Texas, prepared by the Texas Legislative Council (2018).
Summarizes how legislation moves from introduced bill to signed law.

How a Bill Becomes Law: 86th Legislature, prepared by the House Research Organization (2019).
Details the legislative process, with an emphasis on the Texas House Rules (HR 4, 86R) and their influence on procedures.

Reading Statutes and Bills, prepared by the Texas Legislative Council.
Presents a basic overview of Texas statutes and bills, as well as tips for reading and understanding them. (Now an online source; previously was available as a PDF.)

Texas Legislative Glossary, prepared by the Texas Legislative Council.
Defines terms related to the legislative process in Texas. (Now an online source; previously was available as a PDF.)

Research Spotlight: Legislative Lexicon, prepared by the Senate Research Center (2019).
Provides definitions of words, terms, and phrases used in the Legislature.

Writing the State Budget: 86th Legislature, prepared by the House Research Organization (2019).

Outlines the budget writing process in Texas and defines key terms.

Budget 101: A Guide to the Budget Process in Texas, prepared by the Senate Research Center (2019).
Explains how the budget is developed in Texas; designed for new staff or those unfamiliar with the budget process.

Topics for the 86th Legislature, prepared by the House Research Organization (2018).
Highlights many of the issues the 86th Legislature may consider during its 2019 regular session.

 

 

 

 

This entry was posted on February 19, 2019 at 9:00 AM and has received 1847 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, February 14

Feb 14

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community. 

Members of the Texas legislative community may request the articles below here or by calling 512-463-1252. 

  • "Film incentives: Creatives worry rebates could keep shrinking." By Kimberly Reeves. Austin Business Journal, February 8, 2019, p. 6.
    Reviews the history of the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive program [TMIIIP], noting funds appropriated since 2010. Mentions concerns over HB432, 86th Legislature, which proposes to abolish TMIIIP and the Music, Film, Television, and Multimedia Office in the office of the governor.
  • "Rural hospital closures worry key lawmaker." By Kimberly Reeves. Austin Business Journal, February 1, 2019, p. 6.
    Discusses concerns over access to health care in rural areas. Includes comments by Senator Lois Kolkhorst, chairwoman of the Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
  • "Child support cooperation requirements in SNAP are unproven, costly, and put families at risk." By Elizabeth Wolkomir and Stacy Dean. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, February 7, 2019, pp. 1-15.
    Reviews potential new cooperation requirements between child support and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP, formerly food stamps] included in the new farm bill. Notes Texas research showing that more than four in ten mothers who do not receive formal or informal child support are survivors of emotional or physical abuse.
  • "Once a nation of joiners, Americans are now suspicious of those who join." By Henry Gass. Christian Science Monitor, February 4, 2019, pp. 14-15.
    Highlights two recent situations that show misunderstandings and fear of religious associations — objections to Dr. Shahid Shafi serving as vice chair of the Tarrant County Republican Party and questions about whether Brian Buescher, a United States District Court nominee, could separate his views as a member of the Knights of Columbus from his decision-making on the bench.
  • "Texas town pioneers ways to fight decline of rural high schools." By Henry Gass. Christian Science Monitor, February 4, 2019, p. 13.
    Highlights the early college and STEM programs that Roscoe Independent School District has incorporated into its educational offerings to keep the small rural school district viable and to give their students opportunities beyond graduation.
  • "Banishing blasphemy." By Rob Boston. Church & State, February 2019, pp. 10-13.
    Examines the history of blasphemy laws in America and Europe, noting many countries have repealed or are trying to repeal these laws. Points out attempts by several American states to revive blasphemy laws.
  • "Global trade: Gaming the rules." Economist, February 2nd-8th, 2019, pp. 60-61.
    Reports on the World Trade Organization's plans to negotiate new rules covering trade-related aspects of electronic commerce. Notes conflicts in how different countries define and govern e-commerce.
  • "Opioid prescribing rates in nonmetropolitan and metropolitan counties among primary care providers using an electronic health record system — United States, 2014–2017." By Macarena C. Garcia, et al. Internet Resource, January 18, 2019, pp. 1-6.
    Reports that the percentage of patients prescribed an opioid was higher in rural than in urban areas in a 2014-2017 reporting period. Recommends tailoring community health care practices and intervention programs to community characteristics.
  • "Will state waivers save, reform, or sabotage Obamacare?" By Stuart M. Butler. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), February 5, 2019, pp. 441-442.
    Considers the possible effects of new guidance from the Trump administration to states on how they can use Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act [ACA] to develop waivers. Asserts that Section 1332 allows states to make significant modifications to the ACA without new laws altering the act.
  • "In the eye of the law." By Louis Menand. New Yorker, February 4, 2019, pp. 18-22.
    Explores the history of racial discrimination and interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment through an examination of the United States Supreme Court opinion, Plessy v. Ferguson. Compares Steve Luxenberg's book, Separate: The Story of Plessy v. Ferguson, and America's Journey from Slavery to Segregation with other books highlighting this case.
  • "Reliability means business." By Alex Hofmann. Public Power, January/February 2019, p. 39.
    Lists metrics a public power utility should be able to articulate regarding the reliability of their system. Includes Austin Energy as an example.
  • "TPPA [Texas Public Power Association] members collaborate with PUC [Public Utilities Commission] on summer planning." Texas Public Power, January 2019, pp. 4-5.
    Reports on the current work of the Texas Public Power Association in anticipation of electric energy demand for the upcoming summer.

The Legislative Reference Library compiles this weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. Professional librarians review and select articles from more than 300 periodicals, including public policy journals, specialized industry periodicals, news magazines, and state agency publications. Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles using our online form.

This entry was posted on February 14, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 752 views. Print this entry.

Resource Highlight: Index to Sections Affected

Feb 12

posted by TexasLRL in Resource highlights, Research minute, Legislative process

Do you need to track bills by code or find out how a particular bill would change the statutes? Check out the LRL's Index to Sections Affected (ISAf). Librarians already have indexed more than 2,300 bills this session, and they are continually entering data for the 86th Legislature as bills are received throughout the day.

 

Search features include:

  • Search by the Code/Statute—e.g., Government Code, Ch. 824 (right)
  • Search by Bill—find all the code sections affected by a bill (especially helpful when looking at a Sunset bill or a large omnibus bill)
  • Limit search results by bill type (House or Senate, bill or resolution) and/or version (introduced, house and senate committee reports, engrossed, enrolled, vetoed, or any)
  • Link to the current statutes in your search results

ISAf additionally is helpful to determine the status of the law after a session has concluded and before the online statutes have been updated.

 

Also, you can subscribe to ISAf to receive updates in an RSS feed. 

 

This entry was posted on February 12, 2019 at 10:00 AM and has received 1850 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, February 7

Feb 7

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community. 

  • Examine school district funding in Texas. (Urban Institute, January 2019)
  • Consider findings that indicate the presence of heavy metals in popular fruit juices. (Consumer Reports, January 30, 2019)
  • Explore the Governor's proposed budget for the 2020-2021 biennium. (Office of the Texas Governor, February 2019)
  • See a list of state agencies that are under Sunset review for the 86th legislative session. (Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, accessed February 6, 2019)

Members of the Texas legislative community may request the articles below here or by calling 512-463-1252. 

  • "Trafficking survivors shed an unjust label: 'Criminal'." By Stacy Teicher Khadaroo. Christian Science Monitor, January 28, 2019, p. 10.
    Focuses on the changes taking place in criminal laws, such as prostitution charges and other trafficking- related crimes, so that the trafficking victim is not further harmed and punished.
  • "Why Central Americans trek north, despite crackdown at US border." By Whitney Eulich. Christian Science Monitor, January 28, 2019, pp. 32-33.
    Explains that migrants seeking asylum in the United States start the journey without correct information on their chances of being successful. Reports that most Central Americans would prefer to stay in their own country, have tried to relocate within their country, and cross borders only as a last resort.
  • "The Methuselah annuity." By Steven Malanga. City Journal (Manhattan Institute), February 4, 2019, pp. 1-3.
    Explains public employees' life expectancy and mortality rates are placing additional pressure on communities already struggling to meet pension obligations.
  • "New Texas Legislature means new casino bills." By Kimberly Reeves. Dallas Business Journal, January 25, 2019, p. 2.
    Reports on the history of gambling and casino bills introduced in past sessions and the likelihood of a gambling-related bill passing in the 86th legislative session. Mentions bills introduced by Representatives Harold Dutton and Joe Deshotel.
  • "Combating drones: A new dogfight." Economist, January 26th-February 1st, 2019, pp. 69-70.
    Addresses the dangers posed by close drone encounters and rogue drones used for criminal purposes. Evaluates the state of anti-drone technology.
  • "It's time to modernize the Endangered Species Act." By Bryson Wong. Public Power, January/February 2019, p. 37.
    Provides information about recent efforts in Congress to update the Endangered Species Act. See proposed rules at: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2018-07-25/pdf/2018-15810.pdf, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2018-07-25/pdf/2018-15811.pdf, and https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2018-07-25/pdf/2018-15812.pdf.
  • "Locally powered, locally staffed: Workforce for economic development." By Jessica Portner. Public Power, January/February 2019, pp. 30-36.
    Highlights public power utilities, including Austin Energy, that are engaging with their communities through training and education programs.
  • "The lingering stench of marijuana prohibition." By Jacob Sullum. Reason, March 2019, pp. 32-43.
    Discusses the lingering effect of marijuana convictions, even in states that have since legalized the marijuana for recreational use. Considers the expungement or sealing of these criminal records and highlights the variety of remedies offered by the states where the drug is now legal.
  • "The Census: Get ready to enumerate." By Patrick Potyondy. State Legislatures, January/February 2019, pp. 28-31.
    Points out key groups of people who have historically been undercounted in the Census. Notes even a one percent undercount can cost a state a seat in the United States House of Representatives and millions of dollars in federal funding.
  • "Municipal courts." By Sherry Statman. Texas Bar Journal, February 2019, pp. 104-105.
    Provides a primer on municipal courts and relates concerns regarding protections for indigent defendants. 
  • "Value judgement: Property tax ruling ushers in problems, opportunities." By Charles E. Gilliland. Tierra Grande, January 2019, pp. 26-28.
    Discusses implications of EXLP Leasing Inc. v. Galveston Central Appraisal, a 2018 Texas Supreme Court decision on property taxes. Speculates the ruling could lead to legislative measures that would undermine the integrity of the property tax base but also resolve long-standing issues relating to transportation and utility properties.

The Legislative Reference Library compiles this weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. Professional librarians review and select articles from more than 300 periodicals, including public policy journals, specialized industry periodicals, news magazines, and state agency publications. Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles using our online form.

This entry was posted on February 7, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 995 views. Print this entry.

Research Minute: Committee Resources

Feb 6

posted by TexasLRL in Resource highlights, Committees, Research minute, Legislative process

With Senate and House committees appointed and meetings underway, do you need to know more about a certain committee? The Library has many helpful resources in the Committees section of our website. You can...

 

 

This entry was posted on February 6, 2019 at 10:00 AM and has received 1134 views. Print this entry.

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