1. Border Water: The Politics of U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Water Management, 1945-2015
By Stephen Paul Mumme
Chronicles the development of transnational water management between the United States and Mexico over a 70 year period, starting with The Water Treaty of 1944. Discusses the establishment of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) in 1945, environmental concerns due to pollution and increased salinization, and the impact on the international water border from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), as well as the 9/11 attacks. Addresses the various perspectives of the diplomatic process, the evolution of border water politics, and the importance of a binational relationship with Mexico.
University of Arizona Press, 2023, 414 pages
333.91009721 M962 2023

 

2. Final Results of Sunset Reviews, 2022-2023
By Sunset Advisory Commission
Summarizes actions taken by the 88th Legislature on 21 entities that were reviewed by the Sunset Commission. Includes the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), and a limited scope re-review of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Provides the Sunset bill number, authors, and final actions taken on each of the entities reviewed. Lists Sunset Review schedule for 2024-25.
Sunset Advisory Commission, 2023, 40 pages
S1500.8 AN79F 2023

 

3. The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet
By Jeff Goodell
Presents a comprehensive survey of the current and future effect of rising temperatures on humanity. Includes sections relating to the impact of heat on the human body and public health, its role in migration and inequality, and the catastrophic combination of drought and hot weather on agriculture. Warns that immediate action, like the reconstruction of cities, is necessary to reduce the effects of rising temperatures, particularly in air-conditioning dependent areas like Texas.
Little, Brown and Company, 2023, 385 pages
363.738 G648 2023

 

4. Lone Stars Rising: The Fifty People Who Turned Texas into the Fastest-Growing, Most Exciting, and, Sometimes, Most Exasperating State in the Country
By Texas Monthly, editors
Profiles 50 people who helped shape Texas into the state it is today. Reflects back at 50 years of Texas Monthly reporting and highlights the most significant and influential people within each decade starting with the 1970s. Includes Lieutenant Governors Bob Bullock, Bill Hobby, and Dan Patrick; Governors Rick Perry and Ann Richards; U.S. Representative Barbara Jordan; and President George W. Bush.
Texas Monthly, 2023, 239 pages
976.4 L847 2023

 

5. Texas Government in a Nutshell
By Randy Erben
Provides an overview of state government in Texas, including its foundation, structure, and how it functions. Focuses on the role of the executive branch and its interaction with the legislative and judicial branches. Covers the constitutional and statutory powers of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, and other officials and agencies. Delves into the legislative process, separation of powers, the state budget, agency rules, and litigation authority. Mentions former legislative and executive officials, as well as Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dade Phelan, and Governor Greg Abbott.
West Academic Publishing, 2023, 430 pages
320.476 ER65 2023

 

6. Unwired: Gaining Control over Addictive Technologies
By Gaia Bernstein
Suggests a blueprint for curbing technology addiction and overuse. Discusses the negative impact of addiction-inducing algorithms on users and the value of government intervention, drawing on lessons from the tobacco and junk food industries. Argues the moral responsibility and accountability for solutions should be on corporations and not individual users. Describes a grassroots movement in the U.S. pushing for action in courts and legislation along with international efforts for change.
Cambridge University Press, 2023, 233 pages
616.85 B535 2023

 

1. The Science of Gun Policy: A Critical Synthesis of Research Evidence on the Effects of Gun Policies in the United States
By Rosanna Smart, et al.
Examines what the scientific literature reveals about the likely impact of various gun laws. Analyzes the effects of eighteen types of state firearm policies on firearm deaths, violent crime, suicides, the gun industry, defensive gun use, and other outcomes. Presents a series of conclusions and recommendations relating to safe gun storage laws, stand your ground laws, permitless carry, background checks, minimum age of purchase, and other firearm policies. Note: This report is part of the RAND Corporation’s Gun Policy in America initiative.
RAND, 2023, 427 pages
363.33 SM636S 2023

 

2. The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic
By Stephen I. Vladeck
Analyzes the U.S. Supreme Court's increased usage of their emergency docket, also known as the shadow docket. Reviews the history of the Court's authority and the procedures for expediting emergency cases that do not require oral arguments and often result in unsigned and unexplained orders. Examines recent cases and policies addressed in the shadow docket, including COVID mandates, immigration, and abortion. Discusses the Court’s treatment of the case involving SB 8, 87th Legislature, R.S., the Texas Heartbeat Act.
Basic Books, 2023, 334 pages
347.73 V865 2023

 

3. Steeped in a Culture of Violence: Murder, Racial Injustice, and Other Violent Crimes in Texas, 1965-2020
By Brandon T. Jett and Kenneth W. Howell, editors
Compiles a collection of essays that examines the culture of violence in Texas along with the social and political responses to violent events from 1965 to 2020. Presents case studies of brutality against racial minorities, the LGBTQ community, and intimate partners, as well as gang violence and mass shootings. Offers insight regarding the underlying causes of violent crime and how to mitigate it.
Texas A&M University Press, 2023, 266 pages
364.152 J58ST 2023

 

4. We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America
By Roxanna Asgarian
Investigates the murder-suicide of the Hart family, consisting of Jennifer and Sarah Hart, as well as their six adopted children from Texas. Offers an in-depth examination regarding the lack of action concerning the child abuse allegations against the adoptive parents. Advocates for reform of the foster care system and addresses relevant federal and Texas foster care and child welfare laws.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2023, 297 pages
364.152 AS818W 2023

 

5. For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America
By Jonathan D. Cohen
Presents a history of state run lotteries since 1964 through late twentieth century American political, religious, and economical perspectives. Posits that the rise of state lotteries in the modern era arose from the allure of tax-free revenue to state legislatures. Examines the role of advertising on promoting the industry to communities in lower income and African American neighborhoods.
Oxford University Press, 2022, 281 pages
795.3 C678F 2022

 

6. Impeached: The Removal of Texas Governor James E. Ferguson
By Jessica Brannon-Wranosky and Bruce A. Glasrud, editors
Collects a series of essays exploring the historical context of the 1917 impeachment of Governor James E. "Pa" Ferguson, including his relationships with The University of Texas, prohibition, women’s suffrage, and the Texas Press. Reflects on the role of the Texas legislature and the impact of the impeachment on Texas state politics over the following century. Presents contextualized primary source documents such as Ferguson's Texas Farm Tenant Law, annotated by scholars to allow a better understanding of the ideas and groups surrounding the impeachment of Ferguson.
Texas A&M University Press, 2017, 202 pages
342.764 B735I 2017

 

1. Major Issues of the 87th Legislature
By House Research Organization
Presents a selection of bills, arranged by subject, from the 87th Legislature that became law and some that did not. Includes bills from the regular and three called special sessions. Provides summaries of the legislation and arguments offered for and against each measure as it was debated.
House Research Organization, 2023, 165 pages
L1801.9 ST94 87-7

 

2. Sharpening the Legal Mind: How to Think Like a Lawyer
By William Powers Jr.
Explains how lawyers analyze the cases and controversies that come before the courts. Presents an introduction to the academic study of the law, including the philosophy of law and the intellectual history of legal thought. Addresses the relationship of legislatures to judges and the courts.
University of Texas Press, 2023, 224 pages
349.7309 P888SH 2023

 

3. Tax Exemptions and Tax Incidence: A Report to the Governor and the 88th Legislature
By Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Addresses Texas tax exemptions available to payers of sales, franchise, motor vehicle sales, oil production, and natural gas production taxes, as well as property taxes levied by Texas school districts. Provides estimates of the value of each exemption, exclusion, discount, deduction, special accounting method, credit, refund, and special appraisal, based on revenue projections derived from the updated 2022-23 Certification Revenue Estimate report.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2023, 77 pages
C2600.8 T199 2023

 

4. Topics for the 88th Legislature
By House Research Organization
Highlights prominent issues lawmakers may consider during the 88th Texas Legislature. Summarizes a variety of topics including property tax relief, border security initiatives, school choice, rural health care, and how to allocate an expected budget surplus.
House Research Organization, 2023, 12 pages
L1801.9 ST94 88-1

 

5. Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking
By Mehdi Hasan
Discusses the art of rhetoric and argumentation. Provides advice on understanding audiences, debate basics, and persuading opponents. Presents strategies for how to win an argument and how to avoid potential pitfalls. Analyzes real-life examples of arguments ranging from everyday discussions to televised political debates, breaking down what did and did not work.
Henry Holt and Company, 2023, 317 pages
303.342 H344W 2023

 

6. Laboratories Against Democracy: How National Parties Transformed State Politics
By Jacob M. Grumbach
Describes American federalism in context with the current political landscape of shifting policymaking to the state level within the political parties and activist groups. Argues that this shift and an increase in party polarization has resulted in policy differences between states in areas such as health care, reproductive rights, and climate change. Contends the foundations of democracy are backsliding after examining new data on state policy, public opinion, and campaign finance.
Princeton University Press, 2022, 261 pages
320.973 G887L 2022

 

7. The U.S. Criminal Justice System in the Pandemic Era and Beyond: Taking Stock of Efforts to Maintain Safety and Justice Through the COVID-19 Pandemic and Prepare for Future Challenges
By Brian A. Jackson, et al.
Examines the challenges and risks faced by the U.S. criminal justice system during the COVID-19 pandemic and the national protest movement triggered by the death of George Floyd. Details the innovative and collaborative responses of law enforcement, court systems, and corrections agencies. Summarizes the justice system’s swift adaptation to the pandemic in a multitude of areas, including staffing systems, physical infrastructure, health and safety, and “virtual” communications. Recommends practices and broad policy changes for each sector of the system.
RAND Corporation, 2021, 303 pages
364.973 J12UN 2021

 

1. Biennial Revenue Estimate 2024-2025
By Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Projects the available revenue lawmakers have for state programs and services through the remainder of the 2023 fiscal year and the upcoming 2024-25 biennium. Includes summary tables, revenue estimates, fund details (Schedules I-III), and an economic outlook for Texas.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2023, 99 pages
C2600.3 R322 2024-25

 

2. Budget 101: A Guide to the Budget Process in Texas
By Senate Research Center
Provides a broad overview of the Texas biennial budget process, including the roles of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), the Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA), the State Auditor’s Office (SAO), and the Office of the Governor. Highlights how the general appropriations bill moves through the legislative process. Discusses how the budget is administered and the sources of state revenue that fund the budget.
Senate Research Center, 2023, 85 pages
L1803.8 B859B 2023

 

3. Public Utility Commission of Texas, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Office of Public Utility Counsel: Sunset Staff Report with Commission Decisions
By Sunset Advisory Commission
Presents the Sunset Commission’s decisions on statutory recommendations which will form the basis of the Sunset bill for the following entities: Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC). Includes modifications and new recommendations raised during the public hearing. Notes the Sunset review of these entities was moved up two years to monitor legislative changes made in response to Winter Storm Uri’s impact on the Texas electric grid.
Sunset Advisory Commission, 2023, 122 pages
S1500.8 P96UD 2023

 

4. Sources of Revenue: A History of State Taxes and Fees in Texas, 1972-2022
By Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Details the history and current status of Texas revenue sources back to 1972. Profiles major state taxes and fees collected by presenting information on when they were enacted as well as their administration, rate and base changes, allocations, and statutory authority. Includes tables of legislative sessions and their associated major tax, fee, revenue-related bills, and taxes that have been repealed or abolished since 1972.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2023, 274 pages
C2600.8 SO85 2023

 

5. What's Prison For? Punishment and Rehabilitation in the Age of Mass Incarceration
By Bill Keller
Examines the American prison system and mass incarceration through the experiences of inmates and corrections officials throughout the nation. Argues for prison reform and supports programs that provide rehabilitative assistance for reintroduction to society. Presents examples and data from U.S. prisons with innovative programs as well as European prison models.
Columbia Global Reports, 2022, 159 pages
365 KK29W 2022

 

6. Marijuana Federalism: Uncle Sam and Mary Jane
By Jonathan H. Adler, editor
Reviews states’ efforts to legalize marijuana across the United States. Examines the relationship between state and federal regulations of marijuana, including issues that arise when state and federal policies differ. Addresses the effects that different policies and laws have on areas such as law enforcement and banking. Provides a brief review of cannabis support in Texas during the 2018 elections.
Brookings Institution Press, 2020, 195 pages
362.29 AD237M 2020

 

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

 

1. Hope and Hard Truth: A Life in Texas Politics
By Mary Beth Rogers
Presents the political and personal memoir of Mary Beth Rogers, campaign manager and chief of staff for Governor Ann Richards. Provides an insider's account of the political intrigue and legislative maneuvering during Richards' administration, including insurance reform and state government reorganization initiatives. Reflects on maintaining a family life while working in politics.
University of Texas Press, 2022, 230 pages
976.4 R724H 2022

 

2. Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System
By M. Chris Fabricant
Argues that forensic science in the U.S. legal system is unregulated and often leads to wrongful convictions. Describes the history and use of disproven forensic techniques, including bite marks and arson investigations, in criminal cases which were later overturned or judged to have led to wrongful executions. Highlights the wrongful conviction case of Steven Chaney, which led to the Texas Forensic Science Commission recommending in a 2016 report that bitemark comparison not be admitted in criminal cases in Texas.
Akashic Books, 2022, 359 pages
364.089 F126J 2022

 

3. Lockdown Drills: Connecting Research and Best Practices for School Administrators, Teachers, and Parents
By Jaclyn Schildkraut and Amanda B. Nickerson
Details the role of lockdown drills as a school safety measure and provides guidance for planning and conducting them according to best practices. Presents historical precedent for using such drills and research findings on their effectiveness, as well as common arguments for and against their use. Includes 50-state survey of laws relating to annual drill requirements for lockdowns or other emergencies.
MIT Press, 2022, 213 pages
371.7 SCH334L 2022

 

4. Phyllis Frye and the Fight for Transgender Rights
By Michael G. Long and Shea Tuttle
Examines the life of Judge Phyllis Frye, founder of the first national organization devoted to shaping transgender law and the first openly transgender judge appointed in the U.S. Describes her early life, previous career as an engineer, dismissal from her alma mater Texas A&M University, family life, faith, and her years of LGBTQ+ activism.
Texas A&M University Press, 2022, 309 pages
306.76 L848P 2022

 

5. Cryptocurrencies and Cryptoassets: Regulatory and Legal Issues
By Andrew Haynes and Peter Yeoh, editors
Provides an overview of cryptocurrencies, the supporting blockchain technology, and the associated opportunities and risks with this market. Presents in-depth examination and analysis, including tables of case law and statutes, of the legal and regulatory policies regarding cryptocurrency and cryptoassets in American, Asian, and European economies. Addresses why there is resistance to regulating digital currencies and what is considered the essentials of good regulation.
Informa Law from Routledge, 2020, 277 pages
343.032 H424C 2020

 

6. Lone Star Suburbs: Life on Texas Metropolitan Frontier
By Paul J. P. Sandul and M. Scott Sosebee, editiors
Compiles a series of essays on the history of Texas suburbs and the influence of suburban areas on Texas culture and land use policies. Includes topics on environmental activism, increasing racial diversity, the development of urban expressways, and cities' decisions to incorporate, expand, or annex. Mentions HB 13, 58th Legislature, R.S., known as the Municipal Annexation Act of 1963.
University of Oklahoma Press, 2019, 250 pages
307.764 SA194L 2019

 

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our May 2022 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 or contact the library at 512-463-1252.