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Current Articles & Research Resources, December 13

Dec 13

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. 

  • Review federal provisions related to compassionate use of investigational drugs. (Congressional Research Service, November 27, 2018)
  • Consider the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 7, 2018)
  • Read about how Americans access the news. (Pew Research Center, December 3, 2018)
  • Follow the Texas Highway Patrol on social media. (Texas Department of Public Safety, December 11, 2018)

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

  • "Under seize." By Mark Walsh. ABA Journal: The Lawyer's Magazine, December 2018, pp. 20-21. Highlights case before the United States Supreme Court, Timbs v. Indiana, which questions whether the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against excessive fines prohibits states and local governments from imposing excessive fines, fees, and civil forfeitures. Related information at: http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/timbs-v-indiana/.
  • "Education outlook for the 2019 legislative session." By Jennifer Mitchell. ATPE News (Association of Texas Professional Educators), Winter 2018, pp. 16-18.
    Details legislative priorities of the Association of Texas Professional Educators [ATPE] for the 86th legislative session. Addresses school finance, healthcare, pension benefits, compensation, and privatization.
  • "School finance by the numbers." ATPE News (Association of Texas Professional Educators), Winter 2018, pp. 20-21.
    Examines how the school finance system in Texas is affecting educators, students, and taxpayers. Includes statistics on state versus property taxpayer funding, per-student funding, teacher salaries, and more.
  • "An immigration patchwork in the states: How partisanship, regionalism, and shifting priorities impact state immigration laws." By Ramón Cristobal and Teresa Cardinal Brown. Bipartisan Policy Center, November 2018, pp. 1-30 (Note Length).
    Presents an overview of state immigration legislation from 2005–2017, with identification and driver's licenses, budgets, and enforcement as the top three categories of state laws enacted. Explores the effects of partisanship, regional disparities, and local economic factors in the consideration of state immigration legislation.
  • "Lecturer who called police on student wasn't biased but needs training, U. of Texas at San Antonio says." By Emma Pettit. Chronicle of Higher Education, November 23, 2018, p. A19.
    Details a recent incident at the University of Texas at San Antonio in which a lecturer called police to remove a black student from her class. Reports racial bias was not found in this situation, but the incident shows room for improvement around issues of diversity and inclusivity.
  • "'Deal-closing' fund too slow to attract new companies, site selector says." By Bill Hethcock. Dallas Business Journal, November 30, 2018, p. 3.
    Discusses corporate site selectors' assessment of the Texas Enterprise Fund incentive process and timetable.
  • "In patient safety efforts, pharmacists gain new prominence." By Rebecca Gale. Health Affairs, November 2018, pp. 1726-1729.
    Details how states could expand the role pharmacists play in working with patients and medication management. Points out that pharmacists could be on the front lines of improving patients' adherence to prescriptions, with opioids as a key example.
  • "Alternative state-level financing for hepatitis C treatment — The 'Netflix' model." By Mark R. Trusheim, William M. Cassidy, and Peter B. Bach. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), November 20, 2018, pp. 1977-1978.
    Considers the logistics of states making subscription-based arrangements with pharmaceutical corporations to pay for hepatitis C [HCV] treatment for the state's residents. Notes that this Netflix-type arrangement raises regulatory questions but could facilitate important public health gains.
  • "Pillars of fire." By Kevin D. Williamson. National Review, December 3, 2018, pp. 27-30.
    Profiles the oil and gas industry around Midland–Odessa. Considers the problems associated with a shortage of appropriate infrastructure and employees.
  • "Urban cowboys." By Michael Hendrix. National Review, December 3, 2018, pp. 19-20.
    Explains 2018 election results indicate that Texas cities are getting bluer and suburbs are turning purple, while rural areas are getting "redder and emptier." Suggests a Republican aim for future election success might be to keep "Texas attractive for red flight from blue states."
  • "Steel tariffs complicate Permian pipeline buildout." By Natalie Regoli. Oil and Gas Journal, November 5, 2018, pp. 68-71.
    Presents information about how the recent steel and aluminum tariffs are affecting oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin.
  • "Public schools for private gain: The declining American commitment to serving the public good." By David Labaree. Phi Delta Kappan, November 2018, pp. 8-13.
    Explores the progression in thinking of American education's mission from the view of building a better community (public good) to a means for private advancement in pursuit of better jobs (private good). Argues this change has caused society to back away from a social commitment to "other people's children."
  • "Pay up or stay put." By Rebecca Pirius. State Legislatures, November/December 2018, pp. 38-39.
    Reports on several recent state legislative efforts to tackle financial inequities associated with pretrial detention.
  • "Going the distance: Preparing for the 86th Texas Legislative Session is like training for a marathon." By Celeste Embrey. Texas Banking, December 2018, pp. 8-11.
    Previews the 86th Legislature from a banking industry perspective and includes the Texas Bankers Association 2019 legislative agenda.
  • "Parks in peril." By Joe Nick Patoski. Texas Observer, Dec/Jan 2018-19, pp. 12-19.
    Argues that Texas state parks are overburdened and deteriorating due to a variety of factors, including underfunding, an explosion in park visitors, development, and natural disasters. Addresses the Legislature's history of diminished support for the state's parks and what needs to be done to save them from ruin.

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 December 13, 2018 at 3:15 PM and has received 1020 views. Print this entry.

Interim Reports to the 86th Legislature

Dec 13

posted by TexasLRL in 85th Session, Interim reports

We have received interim reports to the 86th Legislature from the following committees:

Looking for another report? The LRL's Legislative Reports database contains interim committee charges, reports, and other substantive legislative studies published in the House and Senate Journals back to 1846. You may search by committee list, committee name, charge text, or subject. The LRL will continue to add interim reports to the 86th Legislature to our database as we receive them.

This entry was posted on December 13, 2018 at 11:07 AM and has received 2468 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, December 6

Dec 6

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 long-term Social Security projections. (Congressional Budget Office, December 2018)
  • Review economic data by region in Texas. (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2018)
  • Consider factors that influenced how voters cast their ballots. (Pew Research Center, November 29, 2018)
  • Explore the world's greatest places, including Austin's own public library. (TIME, ©2018)

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

  • "Budget drivers: The forces driving state spending." Fiscal Notes, November 2018, pp. 1-12.
    Describes the structure of the General Appropriations Act, the four classifications of state revenue, and limits on state spending. Examines cost drivers in the state budget, primarily in three areas: education, health care, and transportation.
  • "A medical school for the community." By Jessica Bylander. Health Affairs, November 2018, pp. 1732-1735.
    Tells the story of the formation of University of Texas at Austin's Dell Medical School, noting Senator Kirk Watson's role in promoting its funding. Describes how the school reaches out to Austin's poorest residents and its innovative condition-specific bundled payment model.
  • "How many seniors live in poverty?" By Juliette Cubanski, et al. Internet Resource, November 2018, pp. 1-18.
    Analyzes data on poverty rates among older adults in the United States, comparing results using the official poverty measure and the Supplemental Poverty Measure [SPM]. Notes that based on the SPM, at least fifteen percent of people ages 65 and older live in poverty in nine states, including Texas.
  • "Curbing surprise medical bills can be a window into cost control." By Andrew B. Bindman. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), November 27, 2018, pp. 2065-2066.
    Describes the problem of surprise medical bills and notes that some states have passed laws to protect patients. Points out that setting a limit on what both patients and insurers pay health care providers and facilities for out-of-network services could help combat hospitals' anti-competitive practices and result in lower costs for patients.
  • "Millennials under the microscope: Who they are, and how they'll change America." By William H. Frey. Milken Institute Review, 4th Quarter 2018, pp. 64-83.
    Analyzes the demographics of the millennial generation, including size and diversity, language, immigration status, education, homeownership, financial security, and residence in large metropolitan areas. Focuses on the importance of the racial and ethnic diversity of millennials.
  • "The economic forecast for Texas." By M. Ray Perryman. Perryman Report and Texas Letter, Vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 1-3, 6.
    Presents the state's economic forecast for the 2017 to 2022 period. Projects Texas will outpace the nation over the next five years, continuing its upward trend.
  • "Putting the public back into public accountability." By Derek Gottlieb and Jack Schneider. Phi Delta Kappan, November 2018, pp. 29-32.
    Concludes current school accountability systems fail to meaningfully engage the public. Proposes an evaluation system should include the public in defining a broad set of education aims, conducting evaluations, and charting a course for needed improvements.
  • "Utilities and the smart city: Building better communities." By Susan Partain and Paul Ciampoli. Public Power, November/December 2018, pp. 16-23.
    Provides examples of public power utilities that are helping lead smart city projects to help improve their communities, including CPS Energy in San Antonio.
  • "A gamble on sports." By Jackson Brainerd. State Legislatures, November/December 2018, pp. 42-44.
    Discusses policy concerns relating to state legalization and regulation of sports betting.
  • "Texas growers testify, stress need for eminent domain reform." By Jennifer Dorsett. Texas Agriculture, November 2, 2018, p. 18.
    Discusses the Texas Farm Bureau's legislative agenda for the 86th Legislature, which calls for reforms to how eminent domain proceedings are conducted between private companies and landowners.
  • "How population, economic growth will impact eminent domain law." By Luke Ellis and Justin Hodge. Texas Lawyer, December 2018, pp. 18, 20.
    Discusses the challenges presented in balancing the government's need to expand public infrastructure with the need to protect property rights. Illustrates how a shared border with Mexico, a thriving oil and gas economy, and population growth are creating eminent domain issues in federal and state courts.
  • "CPS Energy launches solar energy and battery storage project." Texas Public Power, October 2018, pp. 1, 8.
    Details CPS Energy's latest project involving battery storage, which received a grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to help pay for some of the costs. Related information at: https://www.cpsenergy.com/flexiblepath and https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/terp/
    ntig.html    .

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 December 6, 2018 at 3:15 PM and has received 1040 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of December 10, 2018

Dec 5

posted by TexasLRL in 85th Session, Interim hearings

Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

 

For recent posts on Interim Hearings, see Interim Hearing Resources on the LRL homepage. The "Recent Entries" list on the left provides quick access to interim hearings posts from previous weeks.

 

December 10

Senate Committee on Business & Commerce 

Topic: Update from appropriate agencies, industry stakeholders and consumer groups related to market competition, consolidation practices and federal orders affecting the Texas health insurance marketplace

Topic: Texas Department of Insurance update on Hurricane Harvey related property and casualty insurance claims data analysis

 

December 12

Staff presentation and public testimony:

 

December 13

Commission decisions:

Staff presentation and public testimony:

This entry was posted on December 5, 2018 at 3:00 PM and has received 1337 views. Print this entry.

Updated Exhibit: Legislator/Artist

Dec 4

posted by TexasLRL in LRL news, Members of the Legislature

Learn about the creative side of some Texas legislators in our recently updated "Legislator/Artist" exhibit. 

 

See a painting by Sen. Craig Estes (77th–85th Legislatures) and drawings—on Texas legislature subjects—by Reps. Neil Caldwell (56th–64th Legislatures) and Louis H. Scholl (34th–35th Legislatures).

 

Know of any other legislators, past or present, who have artistic talents? Let us know so we can add their work to our display!

 

Cover image ("Jack passed his court bill") by Rep. Neil Caldwell. Reproduced from Inside the Texas Legislature with State Representative Neil Caldwell, 1969.

This entry was posted on December 4, 2018 at 2:15 PM and has received 1393 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, November 29

Nov 29

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 the unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. (Pew Research Center, November 27, 2018)
  • Explore the state of the current U.S. military. (The Heritage Foundation, ©2019)
  • Read about how the connotations of the word "political" have changed over time. (OUPblog, November 23, 2018)
  • Examine how shifting economic activity affects the prosperity of different communities and regions. (The Hamilton Project, September 2018)

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

  • "Public flagships are offering more middle-income scholarships. What gives?" By Chris Quintana. Chronicle of Higher Education, November 9, 2018, p. A32.
    Highlights financial-aid packages from public flagship universities aimed at students from middle-income families. Mentions the University of Texas at Austin has expanded income limits for students eligible for financial aid.
  • "Rowlett condemnation case tests post-Kelo statute." By Janet Elliott. Dallas Business Journal, November 9, 2018, p. 9.
    Reports on a pending case before the Texas Supreme Court, KMS Retail Rowlett, LP v. City of Rowlett, Texas, which examines the limitations placed on the use of eminent domain codified in Texas Government Code § 2206.001. Related information at: http://www.search.txcourts.gov/Case.aspx?cn=17-0850&coa=cossup and https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2206.htm#2206.001.
  • "Farming in America: Tough row to hoe." Economist, November 10th-16th, 2018, pp. 67-69.
    Examines the impact of President Trump's trade policy on American agriculture. Expects farm incomes to drop by thirteen percent this year, as more than a fifth of agricultural exports face new tariffs.
  • "Post-Wayfair options for states." By Joseph Bishop-Henchman, Hannah Walker, and Denise Grabe. Journal of MultiState Taxation and Incentives, November/December 2018, pp. 6-19, 46, 48.
    Describes the effect of the United States Supreme Court's decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair on state Internet sales tax laws and presents a "Wayfair checklist" and policy choices for state legislators. Characterizes Texas as a "steady yellow light" state, meaning it should only proceed after making legislative changes, including joining the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement [SSUTA]. Related information at: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/17pdf/17-494_j4el.pdf.
  • "Would state-based single-payer health insurance cure what ails?" By Simon F. Haeder. Milken Institute Review, 4th Quarter 2018, pp. 43-53.
    Describes the characteristics and cost savings of a single-payer health insurance system, as well as the potential for single-payer to develop in the states amid the limits of federalism and the complexity of the health insurance market.
  • "Firearm homicides and suicides in major metropolitan areas — United States, 2012–2013 and 2015–2016." By Scott R. Kegler, Linda L. Dahlberg, and James A. Mercy. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), November 9, 2018, pp. 1-5.
    Reports that firearm homicide rates in large metro areas and the national rate overall began increasing in the years examined, and firearm suicide rates have continued to increase in large metro areas and the nation overall.
  • "Employee contributions to public pension plans (2018)." National Association of State Retirement Administrators, October 2018, pp. 1-12.
    Examines employee contribution plan designs across states, policies, and recent trends. Includes a table of employee contribution rates by state, including Employees Retirement System of Texas and Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
  • "Education as reeducation." By Frederick M. Hess and Grant Addison. National Review, November 12, 2018, pp. 48, 50, 52.
    Argues school reform groups, such as UnboundEd, have turned to ideological agendas and left-wing activism. Suggests a focus on implicit bias has turned school reform from a unifying pursuit to a divisive exercise.
  • "Too much democracy." By Yascha Mounk. New Yorker, November 12, 2018, pp. 46, 48-51.
    Considers the findings in a new book, Responsible Parties: Saving Democracy from Itself, which suggests strong political parties would do better than activists in developing a long-term view aimed at rational policy choices instead of irresponsible promises. Points out the book's recommendations ignore large social and economic trends which might be more important.
  • "Preparation for capable citizenship: The schools' primary responsibility." By Michael A. Rebell. Phi Delta Kappan, November 2018, pp. 18-23.
    Points out the highest courts in a majority of states have stated that "preparation for capable citizenship" is a primary purpose of the education clause in state constitutions. Argues schools must create environments that respect pluralism and individualism while instructing in civic knowledge and skills and providing participatory experiences.
  • "50% less energy in transportation by 2050: Alliance to Save Energy 50 x 50 Commission: Reinventing U.S. mobility." Public Utilities Fortnightly, November 1, 2018, pp. 76-81.
    Features a discussion on the Alliance to Save Energy's 50 x 50 Commission and their recent report, which compiles a set of consensus recommendations for policymakers and the private sector to reduce transportation-related energy use 50 percent by 2050. Report at: https://www.ase.org/sites/ase.org/files/ase-50x50-full_policyreport-final.pdf.
  • "Could plastic driver's licenses become a thing of the past?" By Jenni Bergal. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), November 20, 2018, pp. 1-6.
    Reports several states have started digital driver's license programs while other states are studying or testing digital licenses. Discusses Louisiana's program, the first to make digital licenses available. Notes concerns about privacy and data security risks.
  • "Reflections of Hurricane Harvey: One year later." By Jessica Hovel. Texas Builder, November/December 2018, pp. 12-18.
    Describes Hurricane Harvey rebuilding from a construction industry perspective, as well as infrastructure funding and flood mitigation in Houston and along the Texas Gulf Coast.
  • "Evening out the scale." By Joey Berlin. Texas Medicine, November 2018, pp. 44-46.
    Describes the lack of transparency that can lead to surprise medical bills, also referred to as balance billing. Explains the Texas Medical Association's plans to advocate in the next legislative session for more accountability from insurers, while preserving physicians' right to bill for their services.
  • "FCC order could remove public power pole attachment exemption." By Paul Ciampoli. Texas Public Power, October 2018, pp. 3, 6, 9.
    Explains a recent declaratory ruling and order from the Federal Communications Commission [FCC] addressing 5G infrastructure and other advanced wireless services, which could affect the oversight of electric utility pole attachments. Considers the potential impact of this ruling and order. Related information at: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-18-133A1.pdf.

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 November 29, 2018 at 3:15 PM and has received 1270 views. Print this entry.

New & Noteworthy: November 2018

Nov 27

posted by TexasLRL in New & Noteworthy

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the seven titles from our November 2018 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. Capitalism in America: A History
By Alan Greenspan and Adrian Wooldridge
Traces American history through the lens of capitalism and its influence on the development of the United States, as interpreted by Alan Greenspan, former chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, and Adrian Wooldridge, the Economist's political editor. Employs three organizing themes in considering economic history: productivity, creative destruction (displacing previously productive assets and their associated jobs with newer technologies and their jobs), and politics. Argues that entitlement and financial system reforms are necessary to restore America's "fading dynamism."
Penguin Press, 2018, 2018. 450 pages.
330.973 G853C 2018


 

 

2. The Embattled Vote in America: From the Founding to the Present
By Allan J. Lichtman
Delves into the history and politics of the vote in America from the drafting of the Constitution to present day. Argues that when the Founding Fathers gave control over elections to individual states, they made a critical error that resulted in restrictive consequences for minorities, women, and democracy throughout American history. Addresses voting rights, voter ID laws, voter purges, gerrymandering, and more.
Harvard University Press, 2018. 257 pages.
324.6 L617E 2018


 

 

3. The Injustice Never Leaves You: Anti-Mexican Violence in Texas
By Monica Munoz Martinez
Sheds light on the neglected history of anti-Mexican violence in the 1910s Texas-Mexico borderlands. Describes specific incidents and provides insight into collaboration among authorities and vigilantes to incite violence and cover up crimes. Includes an examination of Rep. José T. Canales' 1919 efforts to bring criminal charges against several Texas Rangers for their mistreatment of Mexican Americans. Calls for continued efforts to recover histories of racial violence and for a public reckoning with violence.
Harvard University Press, 2018. 300 pages.
323.1168 M366I 2018


 

 

4. Managed Migrations: Growers, Farmworkers, and Border Enforcement in the Twentieth Century
By Cristina Salinas
Examines the relationship between immigration laws/policies and agricultural laborers and farmers in Texas during the 1940s and 1950s. Explores how the migration of Mexican workers was handled on a local level by the border patrol, farm owners, and Mexicans working the fields. Argues that these groups, not necessarily the federal government, set up the framework for border enforcement policies.
University of Texas Press, 2018. 208 pages.
325 SA33M 2018


 

 

5. Interim Report: 2017 Hurricane Harvey Response to the 86th Legislature
By Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs
Highlights the committee's investigative work on interim charges relating to flood planning and response. Addresses the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, jurisdictional challenges during flooding events, funding for flood mitigation and prevention projects, and the creation of a proactive state flood plan. Includes committee testimony and policy recommendations.
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs, 2018. 140 pages.
Online at: https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/interim/85/Ag86r.pdf
L1836.85 AG86R


 

 

6. Texas Considers Policy Responses to Opioid Crisis
By House Research Organization
Analyzes the current status of opioid abuse and addiction in the country, emphasizing the increase in opioid-related overdose deaths. Summarizes basic facts on current treatments, interventions, and prevention strategies. Reviews policies that may be considered by lawmakers in the 86th Legislature to aid in the reduction of opioid-related misuse, overdoses, and deaths.
House Research Organization, 2018. 11 pages.
Online at: https://hro.house.texas.gov/pdf/focus/opioids.pdf
L1801.9 ST94 85-9


 

 

7. U.S. Immigration: A Primer for State Policy Makers
By Anne Morse
Presents an overview of current immigration and refugee policy in the United States. Examines the role of states and developments in state immigration legislation. Concludes with a discussion of the fiscal and economic impact of immigration. Includes a list of federal actions on immigration for 2017–2018.
National Conference of State Legislatures, 2018. 32 pages.
Online at: http://www.ncsl.org/Portals/1/Documents/immig/2018_Immigration_Primer_32492.pdf
331.67 N213I 2018

This entry was posted on November 27, 2018 at 3:15 PM and has received 1214 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of November 26, 2018

Nov 20

posted by TexasLRL in 85th Session, Interim hearings

Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

 

For recent posts on Interim Hearings, see Interim Hearing Resources on the LRL homepage. The "Recent Entries" list on the left provides quick access to interim hearings posts from previous weeks.

November 27

Senate Committee on Education 

Charge: Mandate relief/innovation: Education Code, cost-drivers, unnecessary mandates, reduction/elimination of inefficiencies, policies or opportunities targeted to improving student outcomes, and better utilization of taxpayer resources

Charge: Monitor SB 22 and SB 7, 85th Legislature, R.S.

 

 

November 28

Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform (Conroe)

Charge: Effective tax rate and rollback tax rate calculations

Charge: Appraisal review boards (ARBs)

Charge: Replacing property tax with sales tax or other consumption tax revenue

 

November 30

Topic: Determine and adopt a sufficient balance to maintain in the Economic Stabilization Fund

This entry was posted on November 20, 2018 at 2:30 PM and has received 1340 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, November 15

Nov 15

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. 

  • Review hate crime statistics from 2017. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fall 2018)
  • Consider whether and how electric scooters should be regulated. (Stateline, November 13, 2018)
  • Explore new activity guidelines for Americans. (JAMA, November 12, 2018)
  • Read about the "age wave" and the expectation that more Americans than ever will be living with Alzheimer's disease. (National Conference of State Legislatures, November 2018)

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

  • "Bracing for the blitz." By Liz Hayes. Church & State, November 2018, pp. 8-10.
    Describes the Religious Right's new state-based strategy, "Project Blitz," the movement's effort to push religious values legislation through twenty model bills. Points out the Project Blitz model bills and number of similar state proposals considered in 2018.
  • "The American economy: What goes up." Economist, November 3rd-9th, 2018, pp. 67-68.
    Examines factors that threaten economic growth, including a downturn in the housing market due to construction labor shortages, uncertainty about the trade environment, and speculation that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.
  • "Is America's next generation of voters ready for the job?" By Alyson Klein. Education Week, October 31, 2018, pp. 1, 12-13.
    Discusses results of a survey conducted of 18- and 19-year-olds who have not voted in an election. Presents a profile of the typical respondent who plans to vote for the first time.
  • "High school attrition improves by two points." By Roy L. Johnson. IDRA Newsletter (Intercultural Development Research Association), October 2018, pp. 1-2.
    Summarizes the latest Public School Attrition Study results, noting the attrition rate improved two points over last year but that Hispanic and black students were two times more likely to leave school before graduating than white students.
  • "SNAP helps almost 1.4 million low-income veterans, including thousands in every state." By Brynne Keith-Jennings and Lexin Cai. Internet Resource, Updated November 8, 2018, pp. 1-5.
    Shows that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP], formerly known as food stamps, makes a crucial difference for veterans who may be unemployed, working in low-wage jobs, or disabled. Estimates 97,000 veterans in Texas received SNAP benefits in 2015-2017.
  • "Coercing women's behavior: How a mandatory viewing law changes patients' preabortion ultrasound viewing practices." By Katrina Kimport, Nicole E. Johns, and Ushma D. Upadhyay. Journal of Health Politics, Policy, and Law, December 2018, pp. 941-960.
    Uses Wisconsin as a case study in examining the effect of mandatory ultrasound viewing law on the viewing behavior of women seeking abortion care. Reports that the presence of the law affected patients' viewing decision making, with a disproportionate impact on the viewing behavior of black women compared with white women.
  • "Separated." By Sarah Stillman. New Yorker, November 5, 2018, pp. 42-53.
    Reports that more than a quarter of a million children in the United States have a mother in jail and that Oklahoma has the highest rate of women's incarceration in the nation. Profiles the work of Still She Rises, a Tulsa-based public defender office, working exclusively with mothers in the criminal justice system.
  • "Geometry v. gerrymandering." By Moon Duchin. Scientific American, November 2018, pp. 48-53.
    Discusses ways mathematicians can approach redistricting and whether they may uncover gerrymandering via statistical methods.
  • "Front line: Using primary care to prevent suicide." By Sean Price. Texas Medicine, November 2018, pp. 16-21.
    Considers how primary care physicians can identify and help patients who are at risk for suicide. Notes the nationwide shortage of psychiatrists and points out recent legislative reforms designed to improve mental health care in Texas, such as expanded access to telemedicine.
  • "Too big a step?" By Joey Berlin. Texas Medicine, November 2018, pp. 30-33.
    Urges Medicare to reverse "fail first" (also called "step therapy") drug program, which requires physicians and patients to prove certain drugs will not work for them before the health plan will pay for the next "step" up. Commends SB680, 85th Legislature, R.S., for helping physicians quickly override insurers' step therapy protocols.
  • "Treading water." By Charles E. Gilliland. Tierra Grande, October 2018, pp. 20-21.
    Discusses the status of the Waters of the United States rule [WOTUS], which was adopted in 2015. Reports the rule has been challenged, blocked, and revised due to the vocal opposition by landowners, who consider it an unprecedented expansion of land use control.

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 November 15, 2018 at 3:15 PM and has received 1230 views. Print this entry.

Preview of the 86th Legislature

Nov 13

posted by TexasLRL in Members of the Legislature, 86th Session

Below you'll find a preview of the 86th Texas Legislature. New and returning members will be sworn in on January 8, 2019, the opening day of the regular session.

 

Membership statistics for previous sessions are available on the library's Member statistics page.

 

Summary of the 86th Legislature

Party House Senate Overall
Democrat 66 12 78
Republican 83 19 102
Total 149 31 180

 

Gender House Senate Overall
Women 34 9 43
Men 115 22 137
Total 149 31 180

 

Members not returning to the 86th Texas Legislature

 
Not Returning Replacement
Sen. Konni Burton (R) Beverly Powell (D)
Sen. Craig Estes (R) Pat Fallon (R)
Sen. Sylvia Garcia (D) Carol Alvarado (D)
Sen. Don Huffines (R) Nathan Johnson (D)
Sen. Van Taylor (R) Angela Paxton (R)
Sen. Carlos Uresti (D) Pete Flores (R)
Rep. Rodney Anderson (R) Thresa "Terry" Meza (D)
Rep. Roberto Alonzo (D) Jessica González (D)
Rep. Carol Alvarado (D) Christina Morales (D)
Rep. Diana Arévalo (D) Trey Martinez Fischer (D)
Rep. Cindy Burkett (R) Rhetta Andrews Bowers (D)
Rep. Byron Cook (R) Cody Harris (R)
Rep. Scott Cosper (R) Brad Buckley (R)
Rep. Tony Dale (R) John H Bucy III (D)
Rep. Dawnna Dukes (D) Sheryl Cole (D)
Rep. Gary Elkins (R) Jon E. Rosenthal (D)
Rep. Wayne Faircloth (R) Mayes Middleton (R)
Rep. Pat Fallon (R) Jared Patterson (R)
Rep. Helen Giddings (D) Carl Sherman (D)
Rep. Larry Gonzales (R) James Talarico (D)
Rep. Lance Gooden (R) Keith Bell (R)
Rep. Jason Isaac (R) Erin Zwiener (D)
Rep. Mark Keough (R) Steve Toth (R)
Rep. Linda Koop (R) Ana-Maria Ramos (D)
Rep. Jodie Laubenberg (R) Candy Noble (R)
Rep. René Oliveira (D) Alex Dominguez (D)
Rep. Larry Phillips (R) Reggie Smith (R)
Rep. Joe Pickett (D) Art Fierro (D)
Rep. Matt Rinaldi (R) Julie Johnson (D)
Rep. Justin Rodriguez (D) Ray Lopez (D)
Rep. Kevin Roberts (R) E. Sam Harless (R)
Rep. Mike Schofield (R) Gina Calanni (D)
Rep. Leighton Schubert (R) Ben Leman (R)
Rep. Ron Simmons (R) Michelle Beckley (D)
Rep. Joe Straus (R) Steve Allison (R)
Rep. Tomas Uresti (D) Leo Pacheco (D)
Rep. Jason Villalba (R) John Turner (D)
Rep. Paul Workman (R) Vikki Goodwin (D)

 

Photos of incoming legislators sourced from their respective campaign websites. Post updated 3/13/19 to reflect the results of the HD 125 special election to fill Rep. Justin Rodriguez's seat; updated 3/6/19 to reflect the results of the HD 145 special election to fill Sen. Alvarado's seat; updated 1/30/19 to reflect the results of the HD 79 special election to fill Rep. Pickett's seat; updated 1/8/19 to reflect the scheduled February 12 special election to fill the HD 125 seat vacated by Rep. Justin Rodriguez; updated 12/18/18 and 12/27/18 to reflect the indicated resignation of Rep. Joe Pickett (HD 79) and the scheduled January 29 special elections to fill the HD 145 (formerly held by Carol Alvarado) and HD 79 seats; updated 12/12/18 to reflect the results of the Senate District 6 special election to fill U.S. Representative-elect Sylvia Garcia's vacated seat.

This entry was posted on November 13, 2018 at 2:30 PM and has received 3060 views. Print this entry.

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