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Legislative Reference Library of Texas
your partner in legislative research

Week in Review, September 1

Sep 1

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.
  • Explore the transformation effort of the Texas Health and Human Services System. (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, August 19, 2016)
  • Consider the legal avenues for contesting results of a presidential election. (Congressional Research Service, August 26, 2016)
  • Protect your dogs from xylitol-containing products. (Preventive Vet, ©2016)
  • Read about shortfalls in state-run pension systems. (The Pew Charitable Trusts, August 2016)
 

This entry was posted on September 1, 2016 at 3:15 PM and has received 504 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings - Week of September 5, 2016

Aug 30

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 84th Session

Interim Hearings - Week of September 5

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.

 

September 7

House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues    

Charge 1: Youth recruited into human trafficking, pipeline from foster care

 

Charge 2: Data collection and sharing practices between Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), and local juvenile probation departments

Charge 3: Early education and parenting support and education programs, implementation of HB 2630, 84th Legislature, R.S.

Charge 4: Juvenile justice regionalization planning and implementation of SB 1630, 84th Legislature, R.S.

Charge 5: Juvenile justice penalties and sanctions determined by or disallowed by age of the juvenile

 

Charge 6: Family Code's treatment of grandparents in the parent-child relationship, changes to address the growing population of grandparents

Charge 7: Legislative oversight and monitoring of agencies

 

This entry was posted on August 30, 2016 at 11:12 AM and has received 1166 views. Print this entry.

New Laws Effective September 1, 2016

Aug 30

posted by TexasLRL in Legislation

The following bills take effect September 1, 2016. To see a full list of bill effective dates from the 84th Legislature (2015), please see the Library's Effective Dates for Bills page.
  • HB 735
    Relating to the collection of information regarding the number of alternatively fueled vehicles registered in this state.
  • HB 2154
    Relating to the functions and operation of the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
    *This Act takes effect September 1, 2015, except Section 21 takes effect September 1, 2016.
  • HB 2718
    Relating to a program to allow faith- and community-based organizations to offer supplemental assistance to certain recipients of public assistance.
  • HB 2804
    Relating to evaluation of public school performance.
    *This Act takes effect immediately, except Section 3 takes effect September 1, 2015, Section 4 takes effect September 1, 2016, and Section 5 takes effect September 1, 2017.
  • SB 195
    Relating to prescriptions for certain controlled substances, access to information about those prescriptions, and the duties of prescribers and other entities registered with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration; authorizing fees.
    *This Act takes effect September 1, 2016, except Sections 481.003(a), 481.076(c), 481.0761(a), (e), and (f), and 481.352, Health and Safety Code, as amended by this Act, and Section 481.0761(g), Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, take effect immediately.
  • SB 200
    Relating to the continuation and functions of the Health and Human Services Commission and the provision of health and human services in this state.
    *This Act takes effect September 1, 2015, except Article 3 takes effect January 1, 2016, excluding Sections 3.02(b) and 3.42, which take effect September 1, 2015; Sections 1.23(a), (b), and (c) take effect September 1, 2016; and Sections 1.16 through 1.19 and 1.23(d) and (e) take effect September 1, 2017.
  • SB 206
    Relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of Family and Protective Services and procedures applicable to suits affecting the parent-child relationship, investigations of child abuse and neglect, and conservatorship of a child; affecting fee amounts and authorizing an administrative penalty.
    *This Act takes effect September 1, 2015, except Section 69 of this Act has no effect and Sections 42.050(d) and 42.052(f-1), Human Resources Code, as added by this Act, take effect September 1, 2016.
  • SB 208
    Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Workforce Commission.
    *This Act takes effect September 1, 2015, except Sections 4, 6, 7, 8, and 19 take effect September 1, 2016, and Section 26 has no effect.
  • SB 304
    Relating to certain violations committed by long-term care facilities, including violations that constitute the abuse and neglect of residents.
    *This Act takes effect immediately, except Sections 242.061(a-2) and (a-3), Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, take effect September 1, 2016.
  • SB 1496
    Relating to background checks conducted by the Department of Family and Protective Services for certain child-care providers.
  • SB 1512
    Relating to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
 
 

This entry was posted on August 30, 2016 at 9:05 AM and has received 8553 views. Print this entry.

Week in Review, August 25

Aug 25

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.
  • Read a joint report issued by the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force and Department of State Health Services. (Texas Department of State Health Services, July 2016)
  • Review hand sanitation laws in 7 states related to animal contact exhibits, like petting zoos. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 16, 2016)
  • Examine public college outcomes for loan-bearing students. (Third Way, August 11, 2016)
  • Consider the effects of the 2008 recession on small business financing. (Mercatus Working Paper, August 2016)
 

This entry was posted on August 25, 2016 at 3:15 PM and has received 808 views. Print this entry.

New & Noteworthy List for August 2016

Aug 25

posted by TexasLRL in New & Noteworthy

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the six titles from our August 2016 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 of any of these items, you can submit an online request through the New & Noteworthy page on our website, or contact the library at 512-463-1252.

 

1. The Con of the Con-Con: The Case Against the States Amending the U.S. Constitution By Andy Biggs
Presents the arguments of a conservative, seven-term member of the Arizona Legislature as to why an Article V Constitutional Convention is not the answer to America's problems. Discusses proponents' reasons for a "con-con" and presents the author's counter arguments. Suggests citizens must be better informed before the time is appropriate for this method of change.
Free Man Press, 2015. 171 pages.
342.73 B484 2015


 

 

2. The Rise and Fall of Violent Crime in America By Barry Latzer
Details the rise of crime in America from the end of the second World War through the end of the twentieth century, examining circumstances and social issues that may have been a factor. Studies the effect of "tough on crime" legislation, increased numbers of police, revamped court systems, and other changes implemented in the late 1990s, when crime levels began to drop. Compares cultural versus structural perspectives on what has caused violent crime to rise and fall over the last 70 years.
Encounter Books, 2016. 404 pages.
364.150973 L359R 2016


 

 

3. The Texas Legacy Project: Stories of Courage and Conservation By David Todd
Depicts the extraordinary efforts by veteran conservationists and ordinary citizens to preserve the natural legacy and resources of Texas - both land and wildlife and their effect on public health. Includes interviews with former state legislators Babe Schwartz, Carlos Truan, and Sissy Farenthold.
Texas A&M University Press, 2010. 278 pages.
333.72092 T566 2010


 

 

4. Race and the Houston Police Department, 1930-1990: A Change Did Come By Dwight Watson
Provides a historical picture of the Houston Police Department (HPD) and race relations over a 60 year period. Illustrates how traditional attitudes towards race limited the development of the HPD until external factors, including the civil rights movement, modernization, annexation, and court-ordered political reapportionment, forced the Houston police department to change.
Texas A&M University Press, 2005. 208 pages.
363.2 W332R 2005


 

 

5. Adele Briscoe Looscan: Daughter of the Republic By Laura Lyons McLemore
Presents the biography of Adele Briscoe Looscan, the daughter of a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, who was a highly respected clubwoman, writer, and leader in Texas. Recounts her service with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) and her role as the first female president of the Texas State Historical Association. Highlights her contributions to the preservation of historic landmarks, curriculum development in public schools, and Texas history.
TCU Press, 2016. 265 pages.
976.405092 M224A 2016


 

 

6. Women of the Range: Women's Roles in the Texas Beef Cattle Industry By Elizabeth Maret
Describes past and present contributions of women as owners and managers in the Texas cattle industry, often as an unpaid labor force. Discusses the role women played in the modernization of the industry and as "keepers of the land."
Texas A&M University Press, 1993. 152 pages.
331.4 M335W 1993

 

 

This entry was posted on August 25, 2016 at 9:05 AM and has received 780 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings - Week of August 29, 2016

Aug 22

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 84th Session

Interim Hearings - Week of August 29

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.

 

August 29 Top

House Committee on County Affairs 

Charge: County cybersecurity policies

 

Charge: Legislative oversight and monitoring of agencies, including Child Protective Services, 1115 Transformation Waiver, and criminal justice programs in Bexar County

 

August 30 Top

House Committee on Transportation

Topic: TxDOT Rail Division

Topic: TxDOT Rural Transit Division

Topic: TxDOT General Aviation Division

Topic: TxDOT HB 2612 report

Topic: TxDOT on utility relocation

Topic: Presentation from TTI on Transportation Network Companies

House Select Committee on Transportation Planning

Topic: Update from TxDOT working group on project selection criteria, rules and policies for project prioritization and selection, and funding categories

August 31 Top

House Committee on Urban Affairs

Charge 1: Demographic trends in Texas for affordable housing and senior housing 

Charge 2: Gentrification's effect on affordable housing 

Charge 3: Guidelines for the appraisal of Affordable Housing Properties financed with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) 

Charge 4: Current Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs preservation programs for rural rental housing 

 

 

This entry was posted on August 22, 2016 at 12:33 PM and has received 1511 views. Print this entry.

Dates of Interest for the 85th Regular Session

Aug 19

posted by TexasLRL in 85th Session, Legislative process

What are the key deadlines for the 85th Regular Session? Official deadlines will be set when the House and Senate adopt their rules, but until then, the Texas Legislative Council Drafting Manual provides a perpetual calendar (shown below) that can be useful. According to the Manual:

 

Bill pre-filing begins:  Nov 14, 2016

 

1st day of session:  Jan 10, 2017

 

60-day bill filing deadline:  Mar 10, 2017

 

Adjournment sine die:  May 29, 2017

 

Post-session 20-day deadline for governor to sign or veto:  June 18, 2017

 

Effective date (91st day after adjournment):  Aug 28, 2017

 

 

  Table can be viewed on pg. 135 of the Texas Legislative Council Drafting Manual. 

This entry was posted on August 19, 2016 at 4:50 PM and has received 20146 views. Print this entry.

Week in Review, August 18

Aug 18

posted by TexasLRL in Week in review

In this weekly post, we feature online articles and policy reports published recently, and other helpful research tools.
  • Explore economic policies in State of the State addresses from 44 state governors. (American Legislative Exchange Council, August 11, 2016)
  • Read the draft environmental impact statement for the Texas–Oklahoma passenger rail study. (Federal Railroad Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, available for public review and comment through August 29, 2016)
  • See district profiles of Texas House and Senate districts. (Texas Legislative Council, accessed August 17, 2016)
  • Review the Texas Education Agency's 2016 accountability ratings. (Texas Education Agency, August 15, 2016)
  • Consider the state of transportation network companies in Texas. (Texas A&M Transportation Institute, July 2016)
 

This entry was posted on August 18, 2016 at 3:15 PM and has received 612 views. Print this entry.

Back to School: New Legislation Relating to Public Schools

Aug 15

posted by TexasLRL in Legislation

With the beginning of school approaching, we thought it would be a good time to highlight public education bills passed by the 84th Legislature that apply in the 2016-2017 school year.
  • HB 4, Relating to prekindergarten, including a high quality prekindergarten grant program provided by public school districts.
Section 29.167(b), Education Code, requiring a prekindergarten teacher to have been awarded a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, applies beginning in the 2016-2017 school year.
  • HB 2293, Relating to the certification by the comptroller to the commissioner of education of the taxable value of property in each school district.
"The changes in reporting will not affect reporting requirements until the 2016-17 school year." Briefing Book on Public Education Legislation, 84th Texas Legislative Session, Texas Education Agency, July 2015
  • HB 2610, Relating to the minimum number of minutes of instruction for students to be provided by public school districts and the scheduling of the last day of school for students by public school districts.
"Beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, school districts and charter schools will be required to submit calendars showing the amount of time that school was held each day, along with any waiver minutes granted by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) through the summer data submission." House Bill 2610: Frequently Asked Questions, Version 4, Texas Education Agency, February 9, 2016
  • HB 2804, Relating to evaluation of public school performance.
Section 39.054(a), Education Code, Methods and Standards for Evaluating Performance, text of subsection effective on September 1, 2016, relating to school district and campus performance ratings. 
  • SB 507, Relating to the placement and use of video cameras in self-contained classrooms or other settings providing special education services.
Section 29.022, Education Code, Video Surveillance of Special Education Settings, applies beginning with the 2016-2017 school year.
 
For a more comprehensive list of education bills, search for bills in the 84th Legislature under the subjects of Education--Primary & Secondary on Texas Legislature Online.
 
Additional resources on public education legislation and interim committee charges include:
Cover image by flickr user Province of British Columbia.

This entry was posted on August 15, 2016 at 8:35 AM and has received 1227 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings - Week of August 22, 2016

Aug 12

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 84th Session

Interim Hearings - Week of August 22 

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.

Week of August 22

August 22 Top

House Committee on Land & Resource Management

Charge: Coastal erosion

Charge: Natural disaster preparedness and response 

August 23 Top

House Committee on Special Purpose Districts

Charge 1: Municipal Management Districts and/or Improvement Districts 

 

Charge 2: Legislative oversight and monitoring of agencies, including opportunities to streamline the purpose of multiple districts created within the same area, while maintaining the mission of special purpose districts

Charge: Occupational licensing

Charge: Regulatory functions across agencies and departments

Charge: Powdered alcohol and impact on underage drinking

Charge: Legislative oversight and monitoring of agencies

 

Senate Committee on Criminal Justice

Charge 7: Civil asset forfeiture laws

Topic: Bullying in Texas schools, cyberbullying in the digital age

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Charge: Tuition and fee waivers and exemptions, tuition set-asides, financial aid

August 24 Top

Charge 13: Review of current public education programs administered by the Texas Education Agency that are funded outside of the Foundation School Program

House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Topic 1: Maintaining military value of defense installations and communities

House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence

Charge 1: GPS monitoring in protective orders, family violence prevention

August 25 Top

Joint Interim Committee to Study Development of a Cruise Industry

Topic: Development and potential economic impact of a cruise industry on the Texas coast between Calhoun and Cameron counties

 

 

 

This entry was posted on August 12, 2016 at 3:47 PM and has received 1725 views. Print this entry.

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