In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.
- Take advantage of Free Fishing Day in Texas. (Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, May 24, 2019)
- Learn about the different types of public lands in America. (Outside, May 22, 2019)
- Find sun protection tips to help lower the risk of skin cancer. (The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, May 9, 2019)
- Prevent vehicular heatstroke in children. (National Safety Council, ©2019)
- Consider pet safety during car travel. (American Veterinary Medical Association, ©2019)
Members of the Texas legislative community may request the articles below here or by calling 512-463-1252.
- "Autocorrect." By Jonathan Rauch. Atlantic Monthly, June 2019, pp. 11-14.
Highlights a project from Duke University's Reporters Lab that demonstrates the possibility of successful real-time, automated fact checking of political speeches and statements. - "Wall-to-wall turmoil." By Camila DeChalus. CQ Weekly, May 6, 2019, pp. 14-29.
Provides a report card on President Donald Trump's efforts to address immigration issues. Includes a policy-by-policy examination of how the administration has fared on the immigration agenda. - "Policing and technology: Files, not faces." Economist, May 25th-31st, 2019, pp. 27-28.
Comments on the growing public skepticism over the deployment of new technologies used by law enforcement officers, noting critics' concerns about the threats to privacy and civil liberties. Mentions San Francisco's ban on the use of facial-recognition systems. - "Emergency management in Texas: How the state prepares for the worst." By Spencer Grubbs. Fiscal Notes, May 2019, pp. 1, 3-6.
Explains the structure of emergency management response to natural disasters in Texas, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management [TDEM], Texas Emergency Management Council, the 24 Texas disaster districts, the State Operations Center, and the Comptroller's Statewide Procurement Division. Notes the legislative history of emergency management in the Texas Civil Protection Act of 1951 (HB784, 52nd Legislature) and the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 (HB2032, 64th Legislature). - "'Future-proofing' Texas against natural disaster: The state plans for the next storm." By Peggy Fikac. Fiscal Notes, May 2019, pp. 7-10.
Provides an overview of the historic flooding and economic impact of Hurricane Harvey. Discusses the storm resiliency recommendations in Eye of the Storm, the November 2018 report of the Governor's Commission to Rebuild Texas, and hurricane-related legislation in the 86th Legislature. - "Current proposals for Texas' investment in English learners still not enough." By Morgan Craven. IDRA Newsletter (Intercultural Development Research Association), April 2019, pp. 1-2, 6.
Considers funding for English learner students in HB3, 86th Legislature. Applauds the additional weight given to non-English learners but points out that most students are not in dual language programs and therefore would not qualify for the increased funding. - "The case for free trade." By Scott Lincicome. National Review, May 20, 2019, pp. 26-28.
Advocates for free trade, explaining trade and globalization have provided economic benefits to the American economy and national security. - "The economic forecast for Texas cities." By M. Ray Perryman. Perryman Report and Texas Letter, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 1-3, 6.
Highlights the short-term economic forecast for the state's largest metropolitan statistical areas [MSAs] during the 2018-2023 period. - "Economic implications for the United States of a North America without NAFTA or USMCA." By Christine McDaniel. Policy Brief (Mercatus Center, George Mason University), May 21, 2019, pp. 1-11.
Examines key economic implications for the United States in the absence of a North American trade agreement in the areas of market access for trade in goods, intellectual property rights, digital trade, e-commerce, and labor standards. - "Texas border economy." By James P. Gaines, et al. Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, May 22, 2019, pp. 1-20.
Presents a monthly view of the Texas–Mexico border economy, as well as economic indicators in border housing markets. Includes statistics on total resident population, construction values, employment and unemployment, imports and exports, housing sales, home inventory, home median prices, and housing affordability. - "Meet the teens who want to get vaccinated against their parents' wishes." By Jillian Keenan. Reason, June 2019, pp. 36-38.
Considers the question of when teenagers should have the right to make medical decisions for themselves, particularly related to vaccinations. Highlights laws in various states dealing with a variety of medical decisions by teenagers and when parental notification or consent is required. - "Neighbors suing over pig farms spur 'right-to-farm' push." By April Simpson. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), May 22, 2019, pp. 1-6.
Highlights right-to-farm bills that legislatures in at least nine states have considered or enacted this year. Notes critics' concerns that new laws infringe on landowners' property rights, removing their ability to file legitimate nuisance claims.
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.
