The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our August 2024 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.

1. The Afterlife of Data: What Happens to Your Information When You Die and Why You Should Care
By Carl Öhman
Explores what should be done with the data related to online identities or "digital remains" left behind after a person dies. Discusses the ethical, political, and economic issues related to who owns and controls digital remains, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that emulates or "preserves" a deceased person. Addresses why and how we should manage, protect, and preserve digital remains in a manner that considers the living and the dead and not just profit.
University of Chicago Press, 2024, 199 pages
302.231 OH38 2024

 

 

2. Dismantling Mass Incarceration: A Handbook for Change
By Premal Dharia
Highlights the social and racial injustices inherent in the American criminal justice system and provides varied perspectives from advocates, experts, and the formerly incarcerated on how to confront the issue of mass incarceration. Compiles essays, anecdotes, and data analyses concerning reform of America’s prison system, with special emphases on police; prosecutors; public defenders; judges; prisons; and life after incarceration.
FSG Originals, 2024, 468 pages
365.70973 D533 2024

 

 

3. Statistics for Public Policy: A Practical Guide to Being Mostly Right (or at Least Respectably Wrong)
By Jeremy G. Weber
Provides guidance on how to use statistical information in a public policy setting. Presents seven core practices to bring clarity to statistics and data that will be useful for policymakers and aides. Covers understanding data and statistics, the importance of statistics in a policy setting, correlation and causality, creating informative tables, handling discrepancies, and more.
University of Chicago Press, 2024, 185 pages
300.151 W373 2024

 

 

4. The Political Determinants of Health
By Daniel E. Dawes
Analyzes the political determinants in health model and its role in advancing inequities in the U.S. healthcare system. Argues that by understanding the origins and the impact of three specific political determinants of health – voting, government, and policy – society will be better equipped to develop and implement actionable solutions to close the health gap. Includes discussion of the health equity movement, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and oppositional efforts to undermine more equitable and inclusive health care policies.
Johns Hopkins University Press, 2020, 216 pages
362.10973 D269 2020

 

 

5. Forgetting to Be Afraid: A Memoir
By Wendy Davis
Details the life and experiences of former State Senator Wendy Davis. Written by Davis, this memoir discusses her early life and family; her path to public service; and her work in the Texas Senate from 2009 to 2015. Highlights some of her main policy goals while in the Senate, such as payday loans, education, and SB 1636, 82nd Legislature, R.S., a bill on sexual-assault evidence. Mentions her filibuster from 2011 of SB 1811, 82nd Legislature, R.S. and the impact the bill had on education funding. Discusses in detail her thirteen-hour filibuster from June 25, 2013 of SB 5, 83rd Legislature, 1st C.S., an anti-abortion bill.
Blue Rider Press, 2014, 304 pages
328.764 D299F 2014

 

 

6. Let Her Speak: Transcript of Texas State Senator Wendy Davis's June 25, 2013, Filibuster of the Texas State Senate
By Wendy Davis
This is a transcription of the thirteen-hour filibuster by former State Senator Wendy Davis of SB 5, 83rd Legislature, 1st C.S. from June 25, 2013. It includes all discussions recorded on the Senate video during the filibuster.
Counterpath, 2013, 206 pages
362.1988 D261 2013

 

 

7. The Power of the Texas Governor: Connally to Bush
By Brian McCall
Examines the gubernatorial powers in Texas government with a focus on the period from 1963 to 2000. Profiles governors' campaigns, political actions, and legacies. Discusses the relationship between these governors and the Legislature. Details the broader political background that influenced policy decisions and governing successes and failures. Written by former State Representative Brian McCall, who served in the Texas Legislature from 1991 to 2010. Includes discussions of former Governors John Connally, Preston Smith, Dolph Briscoe, William P. Clements, Mark White, Ann Richards, and George W. Bush.
University of Texas Press, 2009, 163 pages
976.4063 M124P 2008

 

 

This entry was posted on August 19, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 449 views. Print this entry.

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.

• Read about a lawsuit related to General Motors collecting drivers’ private data. (Attorney General of Texas, August 13, 2024)
• See which law enforcement and government agencies have access to images of people’s faces. (Electronic Frontier Foundation, accessed August 14, 2024)
• Learn about a nasal spray recently approved as an anaphylaxis treatment. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration, August 9, 2024)
• Review a list of tech layoffs in 2024 so far. (TechCrunch, August 8, 2024)
• Consider global preparedness related to potential pandemics. (World Health Organization, June 2024)

Librarians review and select articles from more than 1,000 print and online sources to compile a weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. View this week's Current Articles.

Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles by using our online form or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on August 15, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 475 views. Print this entry.

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 20, 2024
  • House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
• August 21, 2024
  • House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

August 20, 2024
House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Charge: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

HB 90, relating to benefits for certain members of the Texas military forces and survivors of members of the Texas military forces;

HB 671, relating to a veteran suicide prevention campaign;

In addition to the above legislation, the Committee will also be considering the implementation of:

HB 1457, relating to required military informed care or military cultural competency training for certain personnel of entities that provide mental health services to veterans or veterans' families before award of a state agency grant;

HB 2951, relating to the establishment of a service dog pilot program for certain veterans;

SB 538, relating to the use of appropriated money by the Texas State Guard for recruiting and retention purposes;

Charge: Identification and Support of Texas Veterans: Identify barriers to identifying and verification of veteran status. Make recommendations to improve identification efforts to better engage and support the state’s veteran populations.

• How to Get Copies of Military Records,, USAGov, updated June 26, 2024
• How to Apply For a Veteran ID Card, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, updated March 5, 2024
• Request Military Service Records, National Archives, reviewed January 31, 2024
• Driver License and Identification Services for Veterans, Texas Department of Public Safety
• Military and Veteran IDs, USAGov
• Military Discharge Records (DD-214), County Clerk, Montgomery County, Texas

Texas Military Department

Charge: Recruitment and Retention: Investigate current strategies for attracting new members to include JROTC/ROTC expansion and retaining existing personnel. Assess current retention rates and identify factors leading to personnel turnover.

• Congress Expands Army JROTC Instructor Eligibility U.S. Army, June 7, 2024
• The Impact and Potential Expansion of the JROTC Program, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), February 14, 2024
• Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps: Actions Needed to Better Monitor Diversity Progress, U.S. Government Accountability Office, August 24, 2023
• The Impact of Army JROTC Participation on School and Career Outcomes, RAND Corporation, March 7, 2023
• Defense Primer: Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), Congressional Research Service, updated December 15, 2021
• Geographic and Demographic Representativeness of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, RAND Corporation, August 10, 2017

Charge: Benefits: Review the current benefits package offered to members of the Texas State and National Guard, focusing on aspects such as healthcare, education incentives, and family support programs.

• National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, last updated January 17, 2024
• Texas Army National Guard Education Benefits Handbook, FY 2024, Texas Military Department, September 2023
• Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (Goal 1: Develop Our People), Texas Military Department, June 1, 2022
• A Guide to Texas State Active Duty, Texas Military Department
• Pay and Benefits, Texas Military Department

Charge: Facilities and Armories: Evaluate the state of existing facilities and armories in terms of their capacity, safety, and suitability for current and future operational needs.

• Texas Military Preparedness Commission Biennial Report 2023-2024, Texas Military Preparedness Commission, Office of the Governor, 2024
• Governor’s Committee to Support the Military: 2022 Report, Office of the Governor, January 24, 2023
• An Audit Report on Facilities Management at the Texas Military Department, Texas State Auditor’s Office, August 2022
• Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (Schedule 1: Facilities Master Plan), Texas Military Department, June 1, 2022

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August 21, 2024
House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Charge: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation:

SB 422, relating to the authority of certain military service members to engage in a business or occupation in this state;

Charge: Professional License Portability for Military and Spouses:?Evaluate compliance statewide with the Section 19 of the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-333, 50 U.S.C. §4025a), concerning the portability of professional licenses of service members and spouses and make recommendations to ensure that service members and their spouses may, under appropriate circumstances, continue to practice under a license issued by another jurisdiction.

• 2025-2029 Strategic Plan: Leading Texas to a Brighter, Stronger Future (Occupational Licensing for Military Service Members and Spouses), Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation, June 1, 2024
• ‘A Victory For All Military Spouses’ in Court Fight Over Job License, Air Force Times, November 20, 2023
• TDLR Military Outreach, Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation, September 2023
• Justice Department Reinforces Federal Protections for Servicemembers and their Spouses in Letter to State Officials (Press Release), U.S. Department of Justice, July 13, 2023
• Information for Military Servicemembers, Veterans, and Spouses (Transfer a License From Another State), Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation
• License Recognition, U.S. Department of Labor
• Military Spouse Employment and Economic Opportunities, Military State Policy Source, U.S. Department of Defense
• Portability of Professional Licenses and Certificates for Servicemembers and Their Spouses (Fact sheet), Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice

Charge: Strength of Texas Military Bases:?Review the federal criteria for considering and recommending base closure or realignment and evaluate the strength of Texas Military Bases under the scoring system utilized by the U.S. Department of Defense. Make recommendations to mitigate the risk of realignments or closures of military installations in Texas.

• DoD Base Realignment and Closure, U.S. Department of Defense, April 2022
• Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC): Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service, April 25, 2019
• Military Base Realignments and Closures: More Guidance and Information Needed to Take Advantage of Opportunities to Consolidate Training, U.S. Government Accountability Office, February 18, 2016
• Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature (Topic 1: Maintaining the Military Value of Defense Communities and Installations), House Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs, December 2016
• 2014 Texas Military Value Task Force: Preparing For the Future (Timing of BRAC), Texas Military Preparedness Commission, 2014
• Military Bases: DOD Has Processes to Comply with Statutory Requirements for Closing or Realigning Installations, U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 2013
• Report to the President, Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, September 8, 2005

Charge: Charge: Recruitment and Retention:?Investigate current strategies for attracting new members to include JROTC/ROTC expansion and retaining existing personnel. Assess current retention rates and identify factors leading to personnel turnover.

• Congress Expands Army JROTC Instructor Eligibility U.S. Army, June 7, 2024
• The Impact and Potential Expansion of the JROTC Program, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), February 14, 2024
• Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps: Actions Needed to Better Monitor Diversity Progress, U.S. Government Accountability Office, August 24, 2023
• The Impact of Army JROTC Participation on School and Career Outcomes, RAND Corporation, March 7, 2023
• Defense Primer: Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), Congressional Research Service, updated December 15, 2021
• Geographic and Demographic Representativeness of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, RAND Corporation, August 10, 2017

Charge: Defense Research & Partnerships:?Review the role and contributions of the University of Texas San Antonio to the defense of the state and nation through defense research, especially with regard to security infrastructure, talent recruitment, and development of partnerships with the federal government.

• UTSA Internal Guide on Federal Engagements and Outreach, Office of Research, Economic Development, and Knowledge Enterprise, University of Texas at San Antonio, May 3, 2022
• Department of Defense Laboratories, Office of Research, University of Texas at San Antonio
• Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security, University of Texas at San Antonio
• Texas Cybersecurity Educational Programs Economic Snapshot: University of Texas at San Antonio, Office of the Texas Comptroller

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This entry was posted on August 14, 2024 at 2:40 PM and has received 516 views. Print this entry.

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.

• Consider which states have the most confrontational drivers. (Forbes Advisor, July 22, 2024)
• Explore a recently-created campaign finance legislation database. (National Conference of State Legislatures, updated June 28, 2024)
• Find state laws by topic related to various driver behaviors. (Governors Highway Safety Association, ©2024)
• Read about federal agricultural assistance available for production losses due to extreme heat. (Congressional Research Service, August 6, 2024)
• Track historical Ozone Action Days. (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, last modified March 19, 2024)

Librarians review and select articles from more than 1,000 print and online sources to compile a weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. View this week's Current Articles.

Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles by using our online form or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on August 8, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 901 views. Print this entry.

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 12, 2024
  • House Commitee on Public Education
• August 13, 2024
  • House Commitee on Agriculture & Livestock
  • House Commitee on Public Education
• August 14, 2024
  • Sunset Advisory Commission
• August 15, 2024
  • House Commitee on Homeland Security & Public Safety
• August 16, 2024
  • House Commitee on State Affairs

August 12, 2024
House Committee on Public Education
Charge: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

• HB 1605, relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee;
• HB 2209, relating to establishing the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program and creating an allotment and outcomes bonus under the Foundation School Program to support the program; and
• SB 2124, relating to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school.

Charge: Consider issues and matters to increase educational opportunities in Texas to ensure that students and families have increased options to attend a high-quality school, regardless of circumstance. Evaluate the use of education savings accounts in other states and make recommendations for a Texas program, including suggestions on eligibility and prioritization of applicants.

• The 123s of School Choice, 2024 Edition, EdChoice, June 27, 2024
• State Actions on Education Savings Accounts, National Conference of State Legislatures, updated May 3, 2024
• Research on School Vouchers Suggests Concerns Ahead for Education Savings Accounts, Brookings Institution, August 15, 2023
• Initial Interim Report to the Eighty-Eighth Texas Legislature (Charge 1 – Ensuring all Texas youths enjoy equal educational opportunity and the freedom to obtain a quality education, regardless of circumstance), House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment, August 2023
• School Choice in America: Programs & Eligibility, American Federation for Children

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August 13, 2024
House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock
Charge: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
HB 1750, relating to the applicability of certain city requirements to agricultural operations; and
HB 2308, relating to nuisance actions and other actions against agricultural operations.

Charge: Examine foreign ownership of farm-, timber-, and pastureland and agricultural processing facilities in Texas to determine whether Texas industries and supply chains are adequately protected from threats and disruptions and if further safeguards and restrictions on ownership are needed.

• Restricting Foreign Ownership of Land in Southern States, Council of State Governments Southern Office, May 28, 2024
• Foreign Investments in U.S. Agricultural Land: Enhancing Efforts to Collect, Track, and Share Key Information Could Better Identify National Security Risks, U.S. Government Accountability Office, January 18, 2024
• Official Findings of the Mississippi Study Committee on Foreign Purchase of Farmland (includes Texas statistics), Mississippi Study Committee on Foreign Purchase of Farmland, November 28, 2023
• Foreign Ownership and Holdings of U.S. Agricultural Land, Congressional Research Service, updated January 24, 2023
• Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) (Annual Reports), U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Resources at a Glance: Foreign Ownership of Ag Land (includes current and proposed statutes), National Agricultural Law Center

House Committee on Public Education
Charge: Examine the causes for and the impact to student outcomes of the increasing number of newly hired Texas teachers who are not certified by the State Board for Educator Certification. Make recommendations to enhance opportunities for uncertified teachers to become certified and strengthen parental rights and notifications.

• Amid Rising Number of Uncertified Teachers, Previous Classroom Experience Proves Vital in Texas, Texas Tech University, updated June 2024
• State Teacher Shortages: Teaching Positions Left Vacant or Filled by Teachers Without Full Certification, Learning Policy Institute, July 2023
• Teacher Employment, Attrition, and Hiring (Presentation), Texas Education Agency, April 2023
• Strengthening Pathways Into the Teaching Profession in Texas: Challenges and Opportunities, Learning Policy Institute, February 22, 2023
• Texas Classroom Teacher Certification 2022, Education Research Center, University of Houston, 2022

Charge: Evaluate opportunities to improve students’ foundational early literacy and numeracy outcomes in Pre-Kindergarten through the third grade. Study best practices for identifying students requiring reading and math intervention and providing evidence-based intervention strategies. Recommend changes and evaluate investments to increase the number of students achieving reading and math proficiency by the end of third grade.

• The Best Way to Teach Reading is Proven — What Mississippi, Colorado Get Right, George W. Bush Presidential Center, December 20, 2023
• What Texas’ Tumultuous History With Literacy Means for Its Children’s Future, George W. Bush Presidential Center, December 14, 2023
• An Investigation of Head Start Preschool Children’s Executive Function, Early Literacy, and Numeracy Learning in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Early Child Research Quarterly, April 6, 2023
• Improving Numeracy Skills in First Graders with Low Performance in Early Numeracy: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Remedial and Special Education, July 4, 2022
• Development of Numeracy and Literacy Skills in Early Childhood—A Longitudinal Study on the Roles of Home Environment and Familial Risk for Reading and Math Difficulties, Frontiers in Education, October 28, 2021

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August 14, 2024
Sunset Advisory Commission
Staff presentation and public testimony:

• Sabine River Authority
• Department of Information Resources
• Texas Lottery Commission

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August 15, 2024
House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety
Charge 1: Monitoring: Conduct active oversight of all associated rule making and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
HB 3290, relating to the next generation 9-1-1 service fund;
SB 602, relating to the law enforcement authority of federal border patrol agents.

Charge 3: Use of Less-Lethal Devices in Law Enforcement: Study the use of less-lethal devices in law enforcement encounters, including recent incidents, and their potential to reduce the risk of death or injury to officers and suspects. Consider methods to increase the use of less-lethal devices for the safety and benefit of all parties.

• Texas National Guard Is Shooting Pepper Balls to Deter Migrants at the Border, Texas Tribune, June 18, 2024
• Law Enforcement: DHS Should Strengthen Use of Force Data Collection and Analysis, U.S. Government Accountability Office, July 24, 2023
• General Order #600-17, Subject: Use of Force, Chief of Police, Houston Police Department, March 4, 2022
• The Language of Less-Lethal Weapons, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), April 12, 2022
• Redefining Resistance and Considering Alternatives, City of Austin, April 2021
• Refining the Role of Less-Lethal Technologies: Critical Thinking, Communications, and Tactics Are Essential in Defusing Critical Incidents, Police Executive Research Forum, February 2020
• Less-Lethal Weaponry, Post-Traumatic Stress, and their Impact on Officer Safety and Wellness, U.S. Department of Justice, November 2018

Charge 4: Communications Interoperability: Study the communications challenges of first responders and emergency personnel. Make recommendations, considering the need for a cross-agency communications upgrade or statewide interoperability plan, to increase reliable, available, and modern communications for public safety and emergency response purposes in communities across the state.

• Next Generation Computing and Communication Hub for First Responders in Smart Cities, Sensors, April 8, 2024
• Feature Article: First Responders Need to Know They’ll Be Heard, Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, January 18, 2024
• PSCR (Public Safety Communications Research) Usability Results Tool: Voices of First Responders, National Institute of Standards and Technology, last updated January 2023
• 2023 Public Safety Communications Survey, Verizon Frontline, 2023
• Emergency Communications (plans, resources, and training to support emergency communications for first responders), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
• Texas, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), U.S. Department of Commerce

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August 16, 2024
House Committee on State Affairs
Charge: Review TWIA Funding: Review current state policy as it relates to the operation and funding of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), including state agency capacity to effectively oversee TWIA. Evaluate the ability of state agencies and instrumentalities to secure the seacoast region's ability to produce energy and advance science and technology, including the role of reinsurance in maintaining economic security and ways to reduce the burden of reinsurance purchases on energy production and scientific and technological advances, while maintaining adequate coverage for policyholders.

• What Drives Wind and Flood Insurance?, Tierra Grande, Texas A&M University, Summer 2024
• Annual Report June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, June 1, 2024
• Biennial Report to the 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, August 16, 2022
• Alamo Re Ltd. (Series 2024-1) (TWIA catastrophe bond), Artemis Catastrophe Bond and Insurance-linked Securities Deal Directory, Artemis
• Funding 101, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association

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This entry was posted on August 7, 2024 at 2:15 PM and has received 1018 views. Print this entry.

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.

• See when the Texas sales tax holiday is for 2024. (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, July 25, 2024)
• Check on water quality at Texas beaches. (Texas General Land Office, accessed July 31, 2024)
• Track broadband coverage in your area. (Federal Communications Commission, accessed July 31, 2024)
• Consider data privacy and the law. (Cyber & Data Security Lab Working Paper, posted July 18, 2024)

Librarians review and select articles from more than 1,000 print and online sources to compile a weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. View this week's Current Articles.

Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles by using our online form or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on August 1, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 551 views. Print this entry.

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.

• Read about a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on social media and First Amendment rights. (Electronic Frontier Foundation, July 22, 2024)
• Review state government spending. (U.S. Census Bureau, July 18, 2024)
• Find weekly fishing reports from all areas of Texas. (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, issued weekly)
• Explore the Airline Customer Service Dashboard. (U.S. Department of Transportation, updated May 31, 2024)

Librarians review and select articles from more than 1,000 print and online sources to compile a weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. View this week's Current Articles.

Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles by using our online form or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on July 25, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 378 views. Print this entry.

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.

• July 29, 2024
  • Senate Special Commitee on Hurricane & Tropical Storm Prep, Recovery, & Electricity
• July 31, 2024
  • House Committee on State Affairs
  • House Select Commitee on Youth Health & Safety

July 29, 2024
Senate Special Committee on Hurricane & Tropical Storm Prep, Recovery, & Electricity
Topic: Review the state and electric utility companies' preparedness and response to hurricanes and tropical storms.

• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Announces the Creation of the Senate Special Committee on Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparedness, Recovery, and Electricity, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, July 17, 2024
• Letter to Jason P. Wells, President and Chief Executive Officer, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (RE: Directing CenterPoint Energy, Inc. to provide specific information to the Office of the Governor by July 31, 2024), Governor Greg Abbott, July 16, 2024
• Letter to Thomas J. Gleeson, Chairman, Public Utility Commission of Texas (RE: Directing PUC to undertake a rigorous study to determine the causes of the repeated and ongoing failures in the Greater Houston Area after severe weather events), Governor Greg Abbott, July 14, 2024
• Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc.’s Supplement to Emergency Report Filed July 27, 2020 (Hurricane and Tropical Storm Hanna), Electric Reliability Council of Texas, July 30, 2020
• Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc.’s Emergency Report (Hurricane and Tropical Storm Hanna), Electric Reliability Council of Texas, July 27, 2020
• Texas Senate Interim Report 2018 (Charge 1 – Infrastructure Security and Energy Restoration Post Weather Events, Charge 5 – Free Market Electricity, Charge 9 – Grid Reliability), Senate Committee on Business & Commerce, December 3, 2018
• Hurricane Harvey Event Analysis Report, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, May 18, 2018
• Study Regarding the Provision of Electricity During a Natural Disaster or Emergency, Public Utility Commission of Texas, November 1, 2009
• PUC Interchange Filer, Public Utility Commission of Texas
  • Filings for 56822: Investigation of Emergency Preparedness and Response by Utilities in Houston and Surrounding Communities, updated July 22, 2024
  • Filings for 56793: Issues Related to the Disaster Resulting from Hurricane Beryl, updated July 18, 2024
  • Filings for 39339: Reports of Storm Hardening, updated May 1, 2024
  • Filings for 32182: PUC Investigation of Methods to Improve Electric and Telecom Infrastructure that will Minimize Long Term Outages and Restoration Costs Associated with Gulf Hurricanes, updated October 24, 2022
  • Filings for 51223: Issues Related to the Disaster Resulting from Hurricane Laura, updated September 10, 2020
  • Filings for 47552: Issues Related to the Disaster Resulting from Hurricane Harvey, updated December 17, 2018
  • Filings for 32003: PUC Proceeding to Review Policies and Procedures Related to Exceptional Storm Damage Costs Caused by Hurricane Rita, updated December 5, 2012
  • Filings for 31793: Issues Related to the Disaster Resulting from Hurricane Rita, updated November 9, 2012
  • Filings for 31611: Issues Related to the Disaster Resulting from Hurricane Katrina, updated October 11, 2012
  • Filings for 36375: Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Deployment of Utility Infrastructure Upgrades and Storm Hardening Programs, updated October 25, 2011
  • Filings for 36150: Issues Related to the Disaster Resulting from Ike, updated January 16, 2009

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July 31, 2024
House Committee on State Affairs
Charge: Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

HB 9, relating to the development and funding of broadband and telecommunications services;

HB 2555, relating to transmission and distribution system resiliency planning by and cost recovery for electric utilities;

HB 5174, relating to the establishment and administration of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium;

SB 1699, relating to electricity service in the ERCOT power region, including the participation of aggregated distributed energy resources in the ERCOT market;

SB 2627, relating to funding mechanisms to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities; and

In addition to the above legislation, the Committee will also be considering the implementation of:

HB 1500, relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region; increasing an administrative penalty.

Charge: Assessing utility preparedness, response, and recovery protocols, as well as reviewing recent performance in addressing severe weather events.

• Application of CenterPoint Energy LLC for Approval of its Transmission and Distribution System Resiliency Plan, CenterPoint Energy LLC, April 29, 2024
• Weather-related Power Outages Rising, Climate Central, April 23, 2024
• ERCOT and the Future of Electric Reliability in Texas, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, 2024
• Approaching a Tipping Point for the Electric Grid, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, November 20, 2023
• Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc.’s Report of Emergency Event, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, September 13, 2023
• Interim Report to the 88th Legislature (Charge 4 – Electricity), Senate Committee on Business & Commerce, January 9, 2023
• Strategic Plan 2024-2028, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, 2023
• Interim Report to the 88th Texas Legislature (Charge 1 – Monitoring Charge: Senate Bill 2, Update on ERCOT Market Design, Senate Bill 3; Charge 2 – Weatherization of Power Generation Facilities; Charge 3 – The Reduction of Transmission Congestion), House Committee on State Affairs, November 14, 2022
• Staff Report: Public Utility Commission of Texas, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Office of Public Utility Counsel, Sunset Advisory Commission, November 2022

House Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety
Charge 2: Behavioral Health Services for At-Risk Youth: Evaluate programs and services currently available to children and families that are either involved with, or at a high risk for becoming involved with, the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Study the current barriers for accessing community-based behavioral health services for children with intense behavioral health needs, with an emphasis on ensuring that parents do not have to give up custody of children to gain access to services.

• Report on Outcomes of the Behavioral Health Partnership Program, As Required By Texas Education Code, Section 8.158(b), Texas Health and Human Services, January 2024
• All Texas Access Report, As Required By Texas Government Code §531.0222(e), Texas Health and Human Services, December 2023
• Annual Report to the Governor and Legislative Budget Board: Community Juvenile Justice Appropriations, Riders, and Special Diversion Programs, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, December 2023
• Texas Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan: Progress Report – Fiscal Year 2023, As Required by the 2024-2025 General Appropriations Act, House Bill 1, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023 (Article IX, Section 10.04(c)), Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council, December 2023
• Coordinated Statewide Behavioral Health Expenditure Proposal – Fiscal Year 2024, As Required by the 2024-25 General Appropriations Act, HB 1, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023 (Article IX, Section 10.04), Statewide Behavioral Coordinating Council, September 2023
• Improving Behavioral Health Care for Youth Through Collaborative Care Expansion: Final Report, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute and The Commonwealth Fund, May 2023
• Interim Report to the 88th Texas Legislature (Charges – Juvenile Justice, Service Coordination), House Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety, January 9, 2023
• Behavioral Health Advisory Committee Fiscal Years 2021-2022 Annual Report, As Required By Title 1, Part 15, Texas Administrative Code, Section 351.807, Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, November 2022
• Texas Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan, Featuring the Texas Strategic Plan for Diversion, Community Integration and Forensic Services – Fiscal Years 2022-2026, As Required By Chapter 531, Subchapter M-1, of the Texas Government Code, Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council, September 2022

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This entry was posted on July 24, 2024 at 2:30 PM and has received 761 views. Print this entry.

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our July 2024 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.

1. Desire to Serve: The Autobiography of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
By Eddie Bernice Johnson and Cheryl Brown Wattley
Traces the personal and political memoir of former U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson from her youth in segregated Waco to her service as congresswoman from 1993 to 2023. Includes her career as a nurse; her introduction to politics; her work in the Texas House of Representatives from 1973 to 1977; her appointment as the regional director for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and her time in the Texas Senate from 1987 to 1993. Details the origin of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and her rise to chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Highlights Johnson's impact on the field and advancement of science and her quest to eliminate discrimination. Contains quotes and details of former members of the Texas Legislature and other public officials including Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, Texas Speaker Bill Clayton, U.S. Representative Ralph Hall, U.S. Representative Mickey Leland, Attorney General James 'Jim' Mattox, State Representative Jesse Oliver, and U.S. Representative Lamar Smith.
University of North Texas, 2024, 414 pages
973.92 J66D 2024

 

 

2. Six Constitutions Over Texas: Texas' Political Identity, 1830-1900
By William J. Chriss
Presents a historical analysis of the Texas state constitution as a guiding legal document and details its evolution from 1836 to 1876. Examines the social, political, military, and other considerations at play during different stages of Texas’ development and how that is reflected in the six Constitutions of Texas. Provides historical context to the events surrounding the constitutional conventions and discusses how the political identity of Texans influenced the different versions. Concludes with an examination of the birth of conservative modern Texas. The six Constitutions of Texas: Constitution of the Republic of Texas, 1836; Constitution of 1845; Constitution of 1861; Constitution of 1866; Constitution of 1869; and the Constitution of 1876, which is still in force but has been amended hundreds of times.
Texas A&M University Press, 2024, 312 pages
342.764009 C554 2024

 

 

3. William Hanson and the Texas-Mexico Border: Violence, Corruption, and the Making of the Gatekeeper State
By John Weber
Examines how William Hanson, a Texas Ranger and Immigration Service official of South Texas, shaped U.S. immigration policy in the 1920s. Details his career to illustrate the intersections of corruption, state-building, and racial violence in Texas. Reveals how Hanson used his positions to disparage the Texas-Mexico border region as dangerous and influence U.S. policymakers’ understanding of the area and its residents. Argues that the current nativist politics that are seeking to malign the border population can be traced back to Hanson’s era. Mentions Governor Greg Abbott and his immigration policies.
University of Texas Press, 2024, 230 pages
972 W373W 2024

 

 

4. Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation
By Pete Hegseth
Criticizes the influence of Progressives and the left in America’s public schools, from the educational transformation of the early 20th century to controlling the “supply lines” of future citizens and an emphasis on racial and gender identity. Offers a “field guide” for remaking school in the U.S. in the mold of classical Christian education, including a philosophy of education grounded in virtue and excellence.
Broadside Books, 2022, 269 pages
370.11 H464B 2022

 

 

5. A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door: The Dismantling of Public Education and the Future of School
By Jack Schneider and Jennifer Berkshire
Highlights ongoing attempts by a conservative movement to dismantle public education in the U.S. Details the ideological origin of the movement and the core policies of their agenda. Discusses current public education policies focusing on performance standards, accountability, and school choice and outlines the factors and history contributing to the recent crisis public schools are facing. Examines topics such as deregulation, teacher unions, private school vouchers, market-based school choice, tax credit scholarships, virtual school programs, and more.
The New Press, 2020, 264 pages
370.973 SCH358 2020

 

 

6. American Heroines: The Spirited Women Who Shaped Our Country
By Kay Bailey Hutchison
Profiles historical and contemporary female pioneers and leaders in various fields including art, education, government, and healthcare. Written by former Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison, who weaves her own background and career as the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from the State of Texas through the inspiring stories of these incredible women. Highlights influential Texas women including former House parliamentarian Oveta Culp Hobby; Mary Austin Holley, cousin of Stephen F. Austin; Adina Emilia De Zavala; Clara Driscoll; and Selena Quintanilla Perez.
William Morrow, 2004, 384 pages
920.72 H973A 2004

 

 

This entry was posted on July 23, 2024 at 9:05 AM and has received 584 views. Print this entry.

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.

• Considers the recent increase within the past decade in threats against public officials. (Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, May 2024)
• Explore recent state legislation on housing and homelessness. (National Conference of State Legislatures, updated May 20, 2024)
• Read the full transcript of the Businessweek recent interview with former President Donald Trump. (Bloomberg Businessweek, July 16, 2024)
• Read the full transcript of the recent NBC News interview with President Joe Biden. (NBC News, July 15, 2024)
• Review an FAQ about the presidential nominating process. (Congressional Research Service, July 9, 2024)

Librarians review and select articles from more than 1,000 print and online sources to compile a weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. View this week's Current Articles.

Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles by using our online form or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on July 18, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 296 views. Print this entry.