1. A Visitor's Guide to the Texas Legislature
By Texas Legislative Council
Provides a brief overview of the Texas Legislature and its purpose in state government. Describes the legislative process, the role of lawmakers in the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate, and the function of key figures in each chamber. Includes accessible bill-to-law flowcharts, a legislative glossary, and photographs of legislators in action.
Texas Legislative Council, 2023, 27 pages
L1400.5 V831G 2023

 

2. No Longer Welcome: The Epidemic of Expulsion from Early Childhood Education?
By Katherine M. Zinsser
Presents research on the prevalence and consequences of the expulsion of young children from early childhood education programs. Discusses the systemic issues that can lead to such expulsions, including adverse childhood experiences, a fragmented and expensive childcare system, and the emotional toll on educators from low pay and high student-to-teacher ratios. Warns that a post-COVID child-care system may be ripe for a spike in exclusionary discipline.
Oxford University Press, 2023, 174 pages
371.5 Z78N 2023

 

3. Can Legal Weed Win?: The Blunt Realities of Cannabis Economics
By Robin Goldstein and Daniel Sumner
Explores the history of the cannabis industry, with emphasis on legal developments over the last quarter century. Posits that in many cases licensing requirements, regulations, and taxes have hampered plans to replace the black market for marijuana with legal channels. Suggests how cannabis-related businesses can thrive and the possible futures of legal and illegal cannabis markets. Points out that the demand for cannabis in Texas, where medical use is limited and recreational use is prohibited, has increased sales across the state line in Oklahoma.
University of California Press, 2022, 211 pages
338.1 G624C 2022

 

4. Social Media, Freedom of Speech, and the Future of our Democracy
By Lee C. Bollinger and Geoffrey R. Stone, editors
Compiles a series of essays by legal experts addressing the issue of "bad" speech on the internet, such as hate speech, disinformation, and incitement to violence. Suggests policies to protect First Amendment rights while lessening the harm caused by "bad" speech online, including modifications to 47 U.S. Code § 230 - Protection for Private Blocking and Screening of Offensive Material. Includes an introductory essay outlining the current legal landscape on the regulation of social media.
Oxford University Press, 2022, 404 pages
342.730853 B692SO 2022

 

5. Women Across Time = Mujeres a Través del Tiempo: Sixteen Influential South Texas Women
By Susan L. Roberson, editor
Profiles the sixteen South Texas women represented in the public mural Mujeres a Través del Tiempo (Women Across Time) by Arnold Gonzáles Sr. housed on the campus of Texas A&M University–Kingsville. Examines the lives of ranchers, educators, politicians, artists, and others who served the community. Includes biographies of Former Representative Frances 'Sissy' Farenthold and Former Representative Irma Rangel.
Texas A&M University Press, 2022, 233 pages
976.4 R638W 2022

 

6. Electrify: An Optimist's Playbook for our Clean Energy Future
By Saul Griffith
Discusses the importance of shifting the United States from fossil-fuel to clean energy. Proposes adapting the national grid infrastructure to run on renewable sources, and updating houses and business with incentives similar to the Rural Electrification Act. Presents a plan with a combination of economics, politics, and engineering. Provides statistics and data from various states around the country to support the theory.
The MIT Press, 2021, 269 pages
333.793 G853EL 2021