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Current Articles & Research Resources, April 30

Apr 30

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.

  • Find resources with infection prevention and control guidance for keeping America open. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, updated April 28, 2020)
  • Consider how population loss in rural areas could affect the COVID-19 response. (Pew Charitable Trusts, April 16, 2020)
  • Read about the latest U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding copyright issues related to statutory annotations. (National Conference of State Legislatures, April 28, 2020)
  • Review projection models of COVID-19 deaths by state or metropolitan statistical area. (The University of Texas COVID-19 Modeling Consortium, accessed April 29, 2020)

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

  • 20.04.66 / "Class actions and pending rules could change colleges' sex assault procedures." By Wendy Davis. ABA Journal: The Lawyer's Magazine, April/May 2020, pp. 18-19.
    Discusses the rescission of the Obama-era guidelines for handling sexual assault allegations. Expects legal challenges and protracted litigation against the proposed regulations offered by United States Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos from multiple groups representing victims and accused students.
  • 20.04.67 / "Waiver of governmental immunity: Agency contested case proceedings and its application to settlements." By Ron Beal. Baylor Law Review, Fall 2019, pp. 604-619.
    Discusses the waiver of governmental immunity by the State of Texas and how it affects disputed settlement agreements, including settlements that occur prior to suit. Describes related issues with legal challenges in administrative contested case proceedings, including within licensing and permitting processes. Argues that Texas A&M University-Kingsville v. Lawson should be applied to the agency contested case process.
  • 20.04.68 / "COVID-19 lays bare vulnerabilities in U.S. food security." By Olivia Chan and Jamila Taylor. Century Foundation, April 20, 2020, pp. 1-8.
    Describes populations vulnerable to food insecurity, the increased demand on food banks and food pantries as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent federal relief efforts to address hunger. Notes some states have already expanded access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP] and provides additional recommendations for increasing benefits. Related information at: https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/most-states-are-easing-snap-participation-rules-and-providing-added
  • 20.04.69 / "How the $500 million Family First Transition Fund will work." By John Kelly. Chronicle of Social Change, April 13, 2020, pp. 1-3.
    Provides an update on the Family First Prevention Services Act, a major child welfare overhaul signed into law in 2018, and recent guidance from the Children's Bureau, an office of the Administration for Children and Families. Notes Texas will receive $50.3 million in transition funding to state child welfare agencies.
  • 20.04.70 / "Juvenile detention population plummeted as the pandemic spread, survey suggests." By Michael Fitzgerald. Chronicle of Social Change, April 23, 2020, pp. 1-4.
    Describes a survey of juvenile justice agencies in 30 states by the Annie E. Casey Foundation showing that the number of juveniles in pretrial detention decreased by 24 percent in March 2020. Notes juvenile offender releases increased 11 percent in the same period, as attorneys in Texas and other states pursued large-scale releases relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • 20.04.71 / "Helping foster youths in higher education: Texas programs assist vulnerable kids." By Spencer Grubbs. Fiscal Notes, April 2020, pp. 1, 3-6.
    Explores recent data on foster care youths exiting conservatorship in Texas, including permanency, family reunification, custody to relatives, adoption, or aging out. Notes students in foster care are more likely to be suspended and drop out of high school. Discusses tuition and fee waivers, transition living services, and other programs to assist former foster care youth in postsecondary education.
  • 20.04.72 / "A 'green' silver lining to an oil-patch cloud." By Jeffrey Ball. Fortune, May 2020, pp. 40-42.
    Discusses the effects the current oil crisis and the pandemic-driven economic slowdown are having on oil and gas companies, the Permian Basin, and renewable energy. Details why clean energy has become more attractive to the oil industry and its investors.
  • 20.04.73 / "Buying health for North Carolinians: Addressing nonmedical drivers of health at scale." By Zachary Wortman, Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, and Mandy Krauthhamer Cohen. Health Affairs, April 2020, pp. 649-654.
    Discusses initiatives by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to incorporate whole-person care into their programs in order to address nonmedical drivers of health, including food, housing, transportation, employment, and interpersonal safety. Highlights aligning financial incentives for health care providers and Medicaid health plans, the use of a screening tool to identify patients with nonmedical health needs, the implementation of a shared statewide technology platform to link a network of health care and human services organizations, and a pilot program to use Medicaid funds to reimburse human services organizations for nonmedical health services.
  • 20.04.74 / "Higher education at a virtual crossroads." By Mary Ann Cooper. Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, April 2020, pp. 1-5.
    Discusses how COVID-19 is affecting higher education brick and mortar schools that were hesitant to embrace digital learning.
  • 20.04.75 / "Changed science writs and state habeas relief." By Valena E. Beety. Houston Law Review, Winter 2020, pp. 483-531 (Note Length).
    Examines reform related to state-level changed science writs of habeas corpus, post-conviction relief petitions based on faulty scientific evidence, in light of the 2009 National Academy of Sciences report related to improving forensic science. Includes discussion of Texas' creation of a state-level forensics oversight agency, the Texas Forensic Science Commission, and the TFSC's licensing program for forensic analysts.
  • 20.04.76 / "Waters of the United States: Timeline of definitions." By Brigit Rollins. Issue Brief (National Agricultural Law Center), April 21, 2020, pp. 1-13.
    Tracks the various changes to the definition of "waters of the United States" [WOTUS] since it was initially defined in the Clean Water Act. Notes that identifying when and where each definition of WOTUS is applicable can help bring clarity to a shifting regulatory landscape.
  • 20.04.77 / "Many health providers on brink of insolvency." By Christine Vestal and Michael Ollove. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), April 22, 2020, pp. 1-7.
    Reports many non-hospital medical businesses are at risk of failing, due to COVID-19-related restrictions imposed on elective surgeries and routine medical care. Provides a tool to compare actions states are taking to combat COVID-19.
  • 20.04.78 / "Tax policy after coronavirus: Clearing a path to economic recovery." By Scott A. Hodge, et al. Tax Foundation, April 22, 2020, pp. 1-14.
    Presents long-term and comprehensive state and federal tax policy options to encourage investment, job creation, and economic revitalization as COVID-19-related mitigation measures ease. Includes state proposals such as tax modernization toward remote workers and teleworking, modifying nexus rules for New Economy business models, repealing burdensome business taxes, fixing unemployment insurance systems, and broadening the sales tax base.
  • 20.04.79 / "State employees criticize Texas' uneven approach to worker safety amin COVID-19." By Gus Bova. Texas Observer, April 22, 2020, pp. 1-8.
    Argues the safety of state employees is being jeopardized by Texas' response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Focuses on policies within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and at university libraries.
  • 20.04.80 / "Truth-in-taxation: New tax rate limits." Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, April 2020, pp. 1-2.
    Discusses the new limits on property tax revenue for cities, counties, and special districts in SB2, 86th Legislature. Outlines rules for the voter-approval tax rate and de minimis rate.

 

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 April 30, 2020 at 3:15 PM and has received 1878 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 23

Apr 23

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 incarceration rates of the illegal immigrant population. (Cato Institute, April 21, 2020)
  • Read about legal actions relating to state power to restrict people's activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. (American Bar Association, April 22, 2020)
  • Explore Americans' attitudes about whether location tracking via cellphones would help limit the spread of COVID-19. (Pew Research Center, April 16, 2020)
  • Consider ways to improve your mental health. (Medline Plus, April 16, 2020)

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

  • 20.04.50 / "PPP postmortem: What worked, what needs to change according to Austin bankers." By Paul Thompson. Austin Business Journal, April 17, 2020, pp. 1-3.
    Discusses problems associated with the rollout of the United States Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program [PPP], designed to help small businesses hurt by COVID-19. Points out changes Austin community bankers want to see from the PPP in the future.
  • 20.04.51 / "Foster parent standing and intervention in CPS [Child Protective Services] litigation: The history and the impact of Texas's 2017 amendment." By Stephen Carl. Baylor Law Review, Fall 2019, pp. 673-701 (Note length).
    Provides a history of the ability of foster parents to be involved in court proceedings related to their foster children, including the creation and subsequent revisions of the Texas Family Code related to suits affecting the parent-child relationship [SAPCR]. Argues HB1410, 85th Legislature was originally intended to give foster parents more influence to intervene in CPS litigation, but amendments to the bill actually put greater restrictions on foster parent involvement and hinder the court in determining the best interests of the child.
  • 20.04.52 / "States need significantly more fiscal relief to slow the emerging deep recession." By Elizabeth McNichol, Michael Leachman, and Joshuah Marshall. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, April 14, 2020, pp. 1-22.
    Estimates state governments may face more than $500 billion in budget shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Argues Congress should provide additional Medicaid funding and flexible fiscal relief to states, which face increasing pressure from public health costs, unemployment insurance claims, and plummeting tax revenues.
  • 20.04.53 / "COVID-19 models vary widely. What that means for leaders under pressure." By Christa Case Bryant. Christian Science Monitor, April 9, 2020, pp. 1-8.
    Explains divergent models of the COVID-19 pandemic are due to uncertainty around key questions about this virus's behavior and the wide-ranging variations seen in mitigation measures. Suggests the scientific community and government officials can work together on developing useful models.
  • 20.04.54 / "Fairness in the age of Betsy DeVos." By Eric Kelderman. Chronicle of Higher Education, April 3, 2020, pp. 1-4.
    Highlights a lawsuit filed by Rob Armour against the United States Department of Education for refusing his application for student loan forgiveness.
  • 20.04.55 / "Families in limbo: Coronavirus hobbles reunifications from foster care." By Jeremy Loudenback and John Kelly. Chronicle of Social Change, April 16, 2020, pp. 1-11.
    Explores the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on family reunification and child welfare agencies. Discusses the emergency orders of the Supreme Court of Texas suspending foster care reunification and quotes dependency court judge Darlene Byrne.
  • 20.04.56 / "Saving small businesses?" By Allison Schrager. City Journal (Manhattan Institute), April 17, 2020, pp. 1-3.
    Suggests unprecedented government subsidies could keep many small businesses afloat, but since many small businesses were struggling before the COVID-19 pandemic, the outlook for their recovery is uncertain.
  • 20.04.57 / "The uncertain path ahead." By Evan Hoopfer. Dallas Business Journal, April 17, 2020, pp. 13-27.
    Discusses Texas Central's proposed high-speed rail route between Dallas and Houston, opposition from rural landowners, and how the coronavirus affects project financing. Points out key players and the economic impact for Ellis County.
  • 20.04.58 / "Ructions in the oil market: Upside down." Economist, April 11th-17th, 2020, pp. 53-54.
    Reports that an unprecedented plunge in demand could upend the oil industry and bring about a structural change in the consumption of crude oil.
  • 20.04.59 / "COVID-19 models: Can they tell us what we want to know?" By Josh Michaud, Jennifer Kates, and Larry Levitt. Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, April 16, 2020, pp. 1-4.
    Discusses the usefulness and the limitations of models for describing and forecasting COVID-19 and for understanding the effects of policy responses. Describes and provides links to forecast and projection models currently in use in the United States.
  • 20.04.60 / "State options to shore up revenues and improve tax codes amid pandemic." By Dylan Grundman and Meg Wiehe. Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, April 2020, pp. 1-11.
    Describes possible state tax policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of corporate income taxes, sales and consumption taxes, and local revenue options. Discusses the pandemic's disproportionate impact on people of color and low-income workers, exposing longstanding structural problems in state and local tax systems.
  • 20.04.61 / "COVID and education finance: Acting during the impending fiscal downturn." By Nathan Barret. National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, April 2020, pp. 1-6.
    Examines how charter schools may be fiscally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Offers steps that states and charter schools can take to prepare for an economic downturn that could impact school budgets for years.
  • 20.04.62 / "State and local government contributions to statewide pension plans: FY 18." National Association of State Retirement Administrators, April 2020, pp. 1-13.
    Describes how employer contributions for state and local government pension benefits are determined and charts trends in employer contributions for fiscal years 2001 through 2018. Includes data for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, Employees Retirement System of Texas, Texas County and District Retirement System, and Texas Municipal Retirement System.
  • 20.04.63 / "Blockbuster Railroad Commission oil hearing offers more questions than answers." By Jessica Corso. San Antonio Business Journal, April 15, 2020, pp. 1-2.
    Discusses a recent Railroad Commission of Texas meeting, wherein commissioners debated whether to cut Texas oil production in order to boost prices.
  • 20.04.64 / "Antibody tests for the coronavirus may not change everything." By Smriti Mallapaty. Scientific American, April 20, 2020, pp. 1-7.
    Explores whether antibody testing during the COVID-19 pandemic could be a key component of lifting stay-at-home orders and allowing businesses to reopen. Cautions that the presence of antibodies does not necessarily indicate immunity to the coronavirus.
  • 20.04.65 / "Is climate change denial thawing in Texas?" By Christopher Hooks. Texas Monthly, April 2020, pp. 1-7.
    Discusses recent statements by oil industry leaders and Texas Congressman Dan Crenshaw related to climate change and renewable energy. Reports how environmental issues have become a concern for many young Republicans.

 

 

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 April 23, 2020 at 3:15 PM and has received 1848 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 16

Apr 16

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.

  • Read about ways to determine whether a person has recovered from COVID-19. (LLRX, April 12, 2020)
  • Review COVID-19 coverage from the Harvard Business Review. (Harvard Business Review, accessed April 15, 2020)
  • Find response rates to the 2020 Census by state, city, or Congressional district. (U.S. Census Bureau, accessed April 15, 2020)
  • Consider potential legal problems that could arise as a result of expanding voting by mail. (Politico, April 7, 2020)

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

  • 20.04.33 / "Labor market conditions should determine duration, size of COVID-19 relief measures." By Chad Stone and Sharon Parrott. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, April 13, 2020, pp. 1-5.
    Argues that fiscal relief to state and local governments and expanded unemployment benefits implemented in response to COVID-19 should not end on a certain calendar date, but rather when economic and employment conditions improve. Discusses federal stimulus provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security [CARES] Act.
  • 20.04.34 / "Comparing the National Outcome Measure of Healthy and Ready to Learn with other well-being and school readiness measures." By Katherine Paschall, et al. Child Trends, April 2020, pp. 1-19.
    Discusses the importance of early childhood education in kindergarten readiness. Explores the current status of a pilot school readiness measure, the Healthy and Ready to Learn [HRTL] National Outcome Measure [NOM], developed by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau under the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
  • 20.04.35 / "Prayer services during a pandemic: Why some churches stay open." By Harry Bruinius. Christian Science Monitor, April 6, 2020, pp. 1-7.
    Considers that Texas and a few other states have designated places of worship as essential services exempt from COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings. Highlights the tension between First Amendment protections of the free exercise of religion and public health measures instituted because of COVID-19.
  • 20.04.36 / "'I was horrified': For millions of borrowers, the coronavirus stimulus law offers no relief." By Danielle McLean. Chronicle of Higher Education, April 2, 2020, pp. 1-5.
    Explains that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security [CARES] Act suspends payments only on federally held student loans and not loans that are commercially held but federally guaranteed. Discusses the plight of students with Federal Family Education Loans [FFEL] and federal Perkins loans, neither of which are covered by the CARES Act or by the two-month suspension of student loan interest and payments issued by the Trump administration.
  • 20.04.37 / "Pressing pause on mortgage payments." By Arpit Gupta. City Journal (Manhattan Institute), April 9, 2020, pp. 1-4.
    Suggests that allowing homeowners to pause principal payments on their mortgages would be a rare win-win deal in public policy, a way to help homeowners, lenders, and investors during the forthcoming period of severe economic turmoil due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • 20.04.38 / "Democracy on the ropes." By Mike Magner, Bridget Bowman, and Gopal Ratman. CQ Weekly, March 30, 2020, pp. 14-17.
    Discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting upcoming congressional and presidential elections in Texas and the United States. Addresses concerns with expanding access to voting by mail. Quotes Senator Royce West.
  • 20.04.39 / "Unraveling a 'health crisis that led to an economic crisis'." By Rob Schneider. Dallas Business Journal, April 10, 2020, pp. 10-11.
    Presents a Q&A with economist Ray Perryman on Texas' ability to weather the economic aftermath of COVID-19 and a recession.
  • 20.04.40 / "Ghost constituents: The United States census has an inmate problem." Economist, April 11th-17th, 2020, pp. 1-2.
    Discusses the unconstitutional effects of prison-based gerrymandering, the United States Census Bureau practice of registering inmates as residents of the counties where their prisons are located, rather than the last address before their arrest. Notes several states' efforts to end this practice. Related information at: https://www.prisonersofthecensus.org/legislation.html
  • 20.04.41 / "State rainy day funds and the COVID-19 crisis." By Jared Walczak and Janelle Cammenga. Fiscal Fact (Tax Foundation), April 2020, pp. 1-11.
    Analyzes the current levels of state fiscal reserves, also known as "rainy day funds," as well as the funds as a percentage of state general fund expenditures, and states' abilities to use the funds as revenues decline during the COVID-19 crisis. Projects Texas' rainy day fund at $7.830 billion at the start of fiscal year 2020, at 12.8 percent of state general fund expenditures.
  • 20.04.42 / "Communities of color at higher risk for health and economic challenges due to COVID-19." By Samantha Artiga, Rachel Garfield, and Kendal Orgera. Issue Brief (Kaiser Family Foundation), April 7, 2020, pp. 1-7.
    Analyzes data on underlying health conditions, health coverage, health care access, and social and economic factors by race and ethnicity. Finds economic and social issues will cause communities of color to face increased financial and health risks associated with COVID-19.
  • 20.04.43 / "How much is a life worth?" By Robert VerBruggen. National Review, April 20, 2020, pp. 22-23.
    Presents concepts used in analyses of economic damages versus public health benefits in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suggests the virus is too new for reliable data to exist, making it difficult to produce valid cost-benefit analyses.
  • 20.04.44 / "What drugs can do." By Avik Roy. National Review, April 20, 2020, pp. 21-22.
    Considers the two broad categories of drug development related to the COVID-19 pandemic: vaccines to provide immunity to the virus and drug treatments for those who already have the disease. Explains there are 104 different COVID-19 treatments currently in preclinical or clinical studies. Suggests if multiple successful drug therapies emerge, vigorous price competition may lead to more reasonably priced drugs.
  • 20.04.45 / "The cost of COVID-19: A rough estimate of the 2020 US GDP impact." By Christos A. Makridis and Jonathan S. Hartley. Policy Brief (Mercatus Center, George Mason University), April 6, 2020, pp. 1-7.
    Estimates the economic cost of the first two months spent fighting the COVID-19 pandemic will be $2.14 trillion, with the gross domestic product [GDP] growth rate declining about five percent per month for each month of partial economic shutdown.
  • 20.04.46 / "Critical care surge response strategies for the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak in the United States." By Mahshid Abir, et al. Research Report (RAND Health Care), April 2020, pp. 1-49 (Note Length).
    Identifies the components of critical care capacity and strategies for enhancing it in hospitals, including contingency capacity strategies and crisis capacity strategies. Includes policy recommendations for state, regional, and federal entities and a link to download a Microsoft Excel-based tool to estimate critical care capacity and rapidly explore strategies for increasing it.
  • 20.04.47 / "States' unemployment compensation trust funds could run out in mere weeks." By Jared Walczak. Tax Foundation, April 9, 2020, pp. 1-4.
    Describes how many weeks of unemployment benefits each state's unemployment compensation trust fund can currently cover during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finds that six states, which account for more than one-third of the United States population, can cover less than ten weeks of unemployment, including Texas, at six weeks.
  • 20.04.48 / "Subsurface tension: The conflicting laws of Texas and New Mexico over shared groundwater and New Mexico's desire for regulation." By Kameron B. Smith. Texas A&M Law Review, February 2020, pp. 453-474.
    Discusses conflicts between Texas and New Mexico related to differences in their regulation of groundwater, including the recent increase in groundwater importation to New Mexico for use in hydraulic fracturing. Considers regulations New Mexico could impose on groundwater usage and importation, but finds an interstate compact may be more effective at resolving the conflict.
  • 20.04.49 / "Gene Wu on coronavirus and the rise in hate-fueled attacks against Asian Americans." By Michael Barajas. Texas Observer, April 7, 2020, pp. 1-8.
    Interviews Representative Gene Wu on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on Asian American communities in Texas.

 

 

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 April 16, 2020 at 3:15 PM and has received 1816 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 9

Apr 9

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.

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

 

 

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 April 9, 2020 at 3:15 PM and has received 1601 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 2

Apr 2

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 a summary of the CARES Act. (Congressional Research Service, updated March 31, 2020)
  • Consider some security issues related to video-teleconferencing. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, March 30, 2020)
  • Read about immigration laws enacted by the states in 2019. (National Conference of State Legislatures, March 30, 2020)
  • Explore whether teachers can read books aloud online under copyright law. (EdSurge, March 30, 2020)

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

 

 

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 April 2, 2020 at 3:15 PM and has received 1877 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, March 26

Mar 26

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.

  • Read about fraud relating to medical testing and vaccines targeting Medicare and Medicaid recipients. (AP News, March 23, 2020)
  • Review the City of Austin's stay-at-home order. (City of Austin, March 24, 2020)
  • Explore the emergency powers President Trump can exercise during a crisis. (Congressional Research Service, March 23, 2020)
  • Consider whether books are "essential" in a similar way as groceries right now. (Quartz, March 21, 2020)

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

  • 20.03.43 / "Immediate and robust policy response needed in face of grave risks to the economy." By Sharon Parrott, et al. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, March 19, 2020, pp. 1-19.
    Outlines policy proposals to mitigate the decline in economic activity during the spread of the coronavirus disease, COVID-19. Summarizes provisions in the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act of interest to states, including increased federal share of Medicaid funding, new paid sick leave, new flexibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and state unemployment insurance. Argues additional policy responses to address the broader economic consequences are necessary.
  • 20.03.44 / "Coronavirus: What child welfare systems need to think about." By John Kelly and Kim Hansel. Chronicle of Social Change, March 11, 2020, pp. 1-8.
    Discusses the effect of the coronavirus disease, COVID-19, on foster care and child welfare agencies, including the effects on child maltreatment investigations, nutrition, visitation and reunification, and other child welfare services.
  • 20.03.45 / "Climate change: Green Texas." Economist, March 14th-20th, 2020, pp. 20-21.
    Examines factors advancing the renewable energy boom in several oil-producing states. Questions whether the shift to greener energy will change attitudes towards climate change.
  • 20.03.46 / "Oil prices: Scorched earth." Economist, March 14th-20th, 2020, pp. 58-59.
    Considers the economic impact of an oil-price war, compounded by a viral pandemic, on shale oil and gas states, such as Texas, and on the American shale oil and gas industry.
  • 20.03.47 / "House coronavirus bill would direct billions to schools, fund remote learning." By Andrew Ujifusa. Education Week, March 23, 2020, pp. 1-2.
    Breaks down $50 billion in emergency funding proposed by the United States House of Representatives to stabilize states' education budgets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Includes a fact sheet about the education provisions of the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, along with the text of the bill.
  • 20.03.48 / "Governors' top education priorities in 2020 state of the state addresses." By Brian Kelley and Erin Whinnery. Internet Resource, March 16, 2020, pp. 1-10.
    Highlights trends in public education policy accomplishments and proposals featured in 43 governors' State of the State addresses delivered in 2020.
  • 20.03.49 / "How to protect the 2020 vote from the coronavirus." By Wendy R. Weiser and Max Feldman. Internet Resource, March 16, 2020, pp. 1-10.
    Recommends strategies for conducting free, fair, accessible, and secure elections considering the new challenges to election administration as a result of the coronavirus disease, COVID-19. Offers suggestions related to polling place modification, expanded early voting, voting by mail, voter registration modification, including expanding online registration, and voter education.
  • 20.03.50 / "Paid sick leave is much less common for lower-wage workers in private industry." By Gary Claxton and Larry Levitt. Internet Resource, March 2020, pp. 1-4.
    Observes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to employers' sick leave policies. Points out that lower-wage workers are much more likely to lack access to paid sick leave, and are also more likely to be in positions requiring considerable interaction with the general public.
  • 20.03.51 / "Schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic: How emergency education savings accounts can meet the needs of every American child." By Lindsey M. Burke. Internet Resource, March 20, 2020, pp. 1-7.
    Suggests Education Savings Accounts [ESAs] could ease the transition of children learning from home as a result of the coronavirus disase, COVID-19, by providing parents resources to pay for education-related services and products. Recommends an ESA be established for each student with a prorated percentage of what each state would have spend on education.
  • 20.03.52 / "The effects of hospital consolidation in Colorado." By Jared Gaby-Biegel. Issue Brief (Center for Economic and Policy Research), March 2020, pp. 1-17.
    Examines the impact of hospital consolidation on residents across all regions of Colorado. Points out important lessons policymakers can learn from Colorado's experience when crafting future health care reforms.
  • 20.03.53 / "Discussing the ABCs of health security — antibiotic resistance, biothreats, and coronavirus" By Angel N. Desai. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), March 10, 2020, pp. 912-914.
    Interviews health security expert Dr. Tom Inglesby of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, on topics including infections disease outbreaks (highlighting COVID-19), biothreats, and government and public health infrastructure preparedness.
  • 20.03.54 / "Innovation and 'new energy'." By Mark P. Mills. National Review, March 23, 2020, pp. 39-40.
    Argues comparisons of the digital technology revolution to the potential of a clean energy "revolution" are faulty because the same scale of growth cannot be reached with the energy technology and mining capabilities available today. Explains "clean technologies" such as batteries, windmills, and solar panels would require a hugh increase in the tonnage of minerals currently extracted.
  • 20.03.55 / "How COVID-19 could impact Texas' economy and real estate markets." By James P. Gaines, et al. Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, March 16, 2020, pp. 1-2.
    Briefly discusses the possible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on oil prices, housing markets, and commercial real estate.
  • 20.03.56 / "State legislative responses to COVID-19." By Katherine Loughead, et al. Tax Foundation, Updated March 23, 2020, p. 1.
    Tracks state responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of budet and tax policy. Includes legislative meeting and adjournment dates, possible schedule adjustments being contemplated or made in response to the pandemic, the status of the state's budget, and the state's rainy day fund [RDF] balance as a percentage of the prior year's general fund budget. Updated periodically.
  • 20.03.57 / "Oil and gas matters." By Bernard F. Clark and Ellen Conley. Texas Bar Journal, March 2020, pp. 156-158.
    Discusses the protection of oil and gas interests, first purchaser statutes, and the In re SemCrude, L.P. decisions related to the security interest of producers in bankruptcy estates. Compares the Texas First Purchaser Statute which predates SemCrude, and Oklahoma's Oil and Gas Owners' Lien Acts of 1988 and 2010. Argues Oklahoma's amended statute better protects producers' claims.
  • 20.03.58 / "The PMP requirement begins." By Joey Berlin. Texas Medicine, March 2020, pp. 29-30.
    Points out that legislation is now in effect requiring physicians to check PMP Aware, the state's prescription monitoring program, before prescribing opioids. Notes that Representative J.D. Sheffield passed HB3284, 86th Legislature, to delay the effective date of the mandate and ensure smoother integration of systems.
  • 20.03.59 / "As the first coronavirus vaccine human trials begin, manufacturer is already preparing to scale production to millions." By Alice Park. Time, March 23, 2020 pp. 1-3.
    Reports on a study of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine being conducted by Moderna Therapeutics. Notes the vaccine testing will take at least a year to complete but valuable information regarding how the immune system can combat the virus can be obtained sooner.

 

 

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 March 26, 2020 at 3:15 PM and has received 1892 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, March 19

Mar 19

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 state action related to unregulated water wells. (National Conference of State Legislatures, March 2020)
  • Review Governor Abbott's People 2020 Report to the of Texas. (Office of the Texas Governor, March 9, 2020)
  • Read about legal considerations regarding authority to quarantine communities. (Health Affairs, March 10, 2020)
  • Explore the use of child safety seats in rideshare vehicles. (Texas A&M Transportation Institute, February 25, 2020)

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

  • 20.03.31  /  "Solar and wind beat forecasts. Can they again?" By Timmy Broderick. Christian Science Monitor, March 2, 2020, p. 17.
    Documents the growth of renewable energy and considers the forecast for the future. Highlights the Texas situation in which wind briefly overtook coal as a power source in the state.
  • 20.03.32  /  "A shaky start for new data on sex trafficking victims, prenatal drug exposure." By John Kelly. Chronicle of Social Change, March 3, 2020, pp. 1-2.
    Highlights the latest Child Maltreatment report from the federal government, which finds the number of child maltreatment investigations increased by nearly ten percent since 2014. Discusses statistics on human trafficking and prenatal drug exposure in the report. Mentions Texas.
  • 20.03.33  /  "Going nuclear ... or not." By Benjamin J. Hulac. CQ Weekly, February 24, 200, pp. 12-18.
    Explores why the nuclear energy industry in the United States is struggling, while the industry is growing globally overall. Addresses the potential role of nuclear energy in mitigating climate change.
  • 20.03.34  /  "High court leans toward support for religious schools." By Mark Walsh. Education Week, February 12, 2020, pp. 6-7.
    Summarizes oral arguments presented in the United States Supreme Court case Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue on January 29, 2020, a case in which parents are seeking the reinstatement of a tax credit for funding scholarships for use at religious schools.
  • 20.03.35  /  "At what cost? A review of school police funding and accountability across the U.S. South." By Terrence Wilson. IDRA Newsletter (Intercultural Development Research Association), February 2020, pp. 1-2, 6.
    Examines the impact of school police in terms of previous problems at a time when increased funding is bringing more police on campus. Considers whether training and accountability standards are adequate. Offers recommendations for school safety policies.
  • 20.03.36  /  "Telemedicine and pregnancy care." By Gabriela Weigel, Brittni Frederiksen, and Usha Ranji. Internet Resource, February 26, 2020, pp. 1-18.
    Examines how telemedicine is currently used, financed, and regulated for obstetrical care. Outlines federal efforts to expand the use of telemedicine and its role in addressing maternal health disparities and improving outcomes among minority groups and women living in rural areas.
  • 20.03.37  /  "Macroeconomic feedback effects of Medicaid expansion: Evidence from Michigan." By Helen Levy, et al. Journal of Health Politics, Policy, and Law, February 2020, pp. 5-48 (Note Length).
    Analyzes the state-level fiscal impact of Medicaid expansion, using Michigan as a case study. Reports that Medicaid expansion yielded clear fiscal benefits for the state exceeding the program's costs every year.
  • 20.03.38  /  "The unbuildable American home." By Kevin Erdmann. National Review, March 9, 2020, pp. 30-32.
    Argues against the current "tangled web" of barriers, taxes, and subsidies that make the housing market unaffordable. Advocates for a housing policy based on free and open markets in terms of mortgage-funding and urban land use.
  • 20.03.39  /  "Arbitration law will be 'messy.'" By Joey Berlin. Texas Medicine, March 2020, pp. 8-9.
    Summarizes a panel discussion on physicians' concerns regarding SB1264, 86th Legislature, which addresses balance billing.
  • 20.03.40  /  "Making billing more balanced." By Joey Berlin. Texas Medicine, March 2020, pp. 16-21.
    Describes federal efforts to address out-of-network billing disputes. Considers the influence of state laws on balance billing, including Texas legislation. Quotes Representative Tom Oliverson.
  • 20.03.41  /  "Underwater." By Sophie Novack. Texas Observer, March/April 2020, pp. 40-44.
    Addresses flooding in colonias on the Texas-Mexico border in Hidalgo County and efforts by community organizers to assist residents.
  • 20.03.42  /  "2019 legislation lowdown: What you need to know." By Rusty Adams. Tierra Grande, December 2, 2019, pp. 1-7.
    Summarizes bills relating to real estate that passed during the 86th Legislature.

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 (if connected to the Capitol intranet) or by calling 512-463-1252.

This entry was posted on March 19, 2020 at 3:15 PM and has received 819 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, March 12

Mar 12

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.

  • See which states are considering or have enacted legislation related to Daylight Saving Time. (National Conference of State Legislatures, March 4, 2020)
  • Review federal and state laws that may have an impact on workplace leave for individuals affected by the coronavirus. (Congressional Research Service, March 6, 2020)
  • Read about the 39-state investigation of Juul Labs. (Attorney General of Texas, February 25, 2020)
  • Note that March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 6, 2020)

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

  • 20.03.17  /  "An introduction to police and fire pensions." By Jean-Pierre Aubry and Kevin Wandrei. Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, February 2020, pp. 1-7.
    Compares the pension and retiree health benefits for police officers and firefighters with those of other local government employees. Finds police and fire retirement benefits are substantially more expensive due to earlier retirement ages, but still a very small share of total local government spending.
  • 20.03.18  /  "Unraveling the complexity of America's student debt." By Don Troop, Bennett Leckrone, and Danielle McLean. Chronicle of Higher Education, February 28, 2020, pp. A8-A11, A13.
    Considers the student loan debt problem in terms of which groups are most likely to default, finding it is not necessarily those with the largest debt. Includes profiles of five individuals with debts from $11,000 to $93,000.
  • 20.03.19  /  "Trump budget 2021: Family First enhancements, block grants, unaccompanied minors." By John Kelly. Chronicle of Social Change, February 20, 2020, pp. 1-3.
    Analyzes President Trump's 2021 budget on child welfare programs, implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act, block grants, and immigrant children. Includes Trump Budget 2021, a table of spending per program.
  • 20.03.20  /  "Privacy battles spread." By Copal Ratnam and Dean DeChiaro. CQ Weekly, February 10, 2020, pp. 28-30.
    Examines data-privacy legislation being addressed at the state level. Reports tech companies are shifting their focus to the states to shape data protection legislation because the federal legislation has stalled.
  • 20.03.21  /  "Is explosive growth in Frisco creating Orange County 2.0?" By Bill Hethcock. Dallas Business Journal, February 28, 2020, pp. 10-12.
    Highlights the drivers and demographics of the explosive growth in Frisco and surrounding counties. Provides updates on high-profile projects underway in Frisco.
  • 20.03.22  /  "Covid-19 and market turmoil: Spread and stutter." Economist, February 29th-March 6th, 2020, pp. 55-56.
    Considers how the covid-19 virus will impact financial markets, specifically the market's volatility and corporate debt. Suggests interest-rate cuts can help to soothe credit markets, but cannot do much to remedy the disruption.
  • 20.03.23  /  "Young Texans: Demographic overview (Part one of a two-part series)." By Olga Garza, et al. Fiscal Notes, February 2020, pp. 6-10.
    Discusses demographic characteristics of young Texans and the primary drivers of under-eighteen population growth in the state.
  • 20.03.24  /  "The latest on homelessness." By Rick Mauch. Fort Worth Business Press, February 10-23, p. 26.
    Examines recent data trends relating to the homeless population in Fort Worth and the city's continuum of care service areas.
  • 20.03.25  /  "How the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board went rogue." By Jeremy Bagott. Houston Business Journal, February 20, 2020, p. 46.
    Questions the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board's practice of "incorporation by reference," which allows a nonprofit to draft and approve regulations that Texas real estate appraisers must follow.
  • 20.03.26  /  "Lights out in Mexico's upstream market?" By Miriam Grunstein. Issue Brief (Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy), February 27, 2020, pp. 1-5.
    Tracks the change in direction of Mexico's energy policy under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and its effect on global investors.
  • 20.03.27  /  "Rebates — the little-known factor behind increasing drug list prices." By Rita Rubin. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), March 3, 2020, pp. 812-813.
    Details the drawbacks of the drug rebate model that currently underlies much of the pharmaceutical market.
  • 20.03.28  /  "Critical power: Supporting customers with medical needs." By Susan Partain. Public Power, January/February 2020, pp. 14-19.
    Highlights how several public power utilities have adapted for customers who depend on electricity for life support-related purposes.
  • 20.03.29  /  "Reaching for the cure." By Sean Price. Texas Medicine, February 2020, pp. 38, 40.
    Observes that Texas' rules regarding Medicaid coverage for hepatitis C medications are among the nation's strictest. Notes that the 86th Legislature passed a budget measure and requested a feasibility study on new methods to make hepatitis C medications affordable for Medicaid patients.
  • 20.03.30  /  "Home front." By Joshua Roberson. Tierra Grande, January 2020, pp. 19-21.
    Examines how military communities influence the housing markets in Texas.

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 March 12, 2020 at 3:15 PM and has received 1775 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, March 5

Mar 5

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 election returns from the March 3 primaries. (Texas Secretary of State, accessed March 4, 2020)
  • Consider book censorship in U.S. prisons. (NPR, February 22, 2020)
  • Explore ways Southern states can look to the Netherlands for ideas to bolster resilience against recurrent floods. (Southern Legislative Conference, January 2020)
  • Read about rule changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. (AP News, March 4, 2020)

 

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

  • 20.03.01 / "Will the ERA cross the finish line?" By Stacy Teicher Khadaroo. Christian Science Monitor, February 24, 2020, p. 15.
    Discusses the legal situation regarding ratification by the 38th state of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) including the effect of final ratifications happening after a Congressional deadline. Considers whether the amendment is still needed and explains potential opposition to it.
  • 20.03.02 / "Students say Republicans have made it harder for them to vote in some states." By Danielle McLean. Chronicle of Higher Education, February 28, 2020, pp. 18-19.
    Examines how students at various college campuses believe they have been the victim of voter suppression attempts. Includes a discussion of Abilene Christian University students and the effect of a law passed by the Texas Legislature (HB1888, 86th Legislature) banning early voting locations that do not remain open through the entirety of early voting.
  • 20.03.03 / "Business and the next recession: Downturn, disrupted." Economist, February 22nd-28th, 2020, pp. 61-63.
    Reports the impact of the next recession will be affected by economic changes since the 2007 recession: the dominance of the digital world, the social context shift, and too much corporate debt.
  • 20.03.04 / "Church-run charter schools? Court arguments stir discussion." By Evie Blad. Education Week, February 12, 2020, pp. 6-7.
    Addresses the possibility of church-run charter schools presented during oral arguments for the United States Supreme Court case Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue on January 29, 2020, a case that challenges the barring of public tax credits for religious schools.
  • 20.03.05 / "New funding for early education: New law increases funding for Texas' youngest students." By Peggy Fikac. Fiscal Notes, February 2020, pp. 1, 3-5.
    Highlights the state's new investment in early childhood education in HB3, 86th Legislature, through the $835 million Early Education Allotment. Looks at how the new funding will assist economically disadvantaged students and pre-Kindergarten in Texas.
  • 20.03.06 / "Health policy brief: Precarious work schedules and population health." By Kristen Harknett and Daniel Schneider. Internet Resource, February 2020, pp. 1-6.
    Asserts that unstable and unpredictable work schedules are correlated with poor health outcomes for adults, challenges with child care arrangements, and behavioral problems in young children. Notes that several cities and one state have passed laws to regulate scheduling practices.
  • 20.03.07 / "When state policy makes national politics: The case of 'Obamacare' marketplace implementation." By Samuel Trachtman. Journal of Health Politics, Policy, and Law, February 2020, pp. 111-141. (Note length)
    Examines how state-level implementation of the Affordable Care Act can affect the national-level political implications of the law. Concludes that state legislators often implement federal law in ways that benefit their political parties more than their constituents.
  • 20.03.08 / "Rural America doesn't have to starve to death." By Nick Shaxson. Nation, March 2/9, 2020, pp. 12-17.
    Contrasts increased farming wealth in United States agribusiness with a financial "hollowing" and increased poverty of small rural farming communities. Includes the economic impact of concentrated animal feeding operations [CAFOs], also known as factory farms.
  • 20.03.09 / "Beneficial electrification test to assess benefits and costs: To achieve widespread decarbonization." By M. Sami Khawaja, et al. Public Utilities Fortnightly, February 10, 2020, pp. 24-29, 51.
    Considers using a benefit cost analysis [BCA] framework to evaluate electrification investments.
  • 20.03.10 / "Massage parlor panic." By Elizabeth Nolan Brown. Reason, March 2020, pp. 17-24.
    Discusses the growing focus on human trafficking in terms of raids and stings directed at massage parlors. Argues little evidence of human trafficking has been found in these cases. Concludes these efforts become immigration stings that target Asian women, thereby doing more harm than help to these "victims."
  • 20.03.11 / "What's killing the monarchs?" By Gabriel Popkin. Scientific American, March 2020, pp. 17-24.
    Covers different theories about why the monarch butterfly population is declining and how scientists are trying to determine the cause or causes.
  • 20.03.12 / "Stop milking it, dairy farmers tell plant-based competitors." By Marsha Mercer. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), March 2, 2020, pp. 1-5.
    Discusses the debate over labeling regulations for plant-based milk and food products. Points out states that have introduced milk labeling bills.
  • 20.03.13 / "Not seeing eye to eye." By Joey Berlin. Texas Medicine, February 2020, pp. 25-27.
    Debates the legislative intent of the Texas Optometry Act (SB781, 61st Legislature, R.S.) regarding a Texas Optometry Board rule preventing physicians from employing optometrists while leasing their office space from an optician.
  • 20.03.14 / "Preserving 'do no harm'." By Joey Berlin. Texas Medicine, February 2020, pp. 22-23.
    Summarizes the judicial history of Kelly v. Houston Methodist Hospital, which is attempting to overturn a provision of the Texas Advance Directives Act (SB1260, 76th Legislature).
  • 20.03.15 / "The changing landscape of the Texas Citizens Participation Act." By Laura Lee Prather and Robert T. Sherwin. Texas Tech Law Review, Winter 2020, pp. 163-198. (Note length)
    Discusses how HB2730, 86th Legislature, amended the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA), which allows defendants the ability to file a motion to dismiss a legal action, including a SLAPP [Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation] suit, if it is based on the right of free speech, right to petition, or right of association. Examines how these changes will affect pending issues within Texas courts of appeals, including awarding sanctions and the TCPA's applicability to trade secret cases, attorney discipline cases, and employment disputes. Identifies remaining open questions related to pre-suit requests for discovery and the new definitions of "matter of public concern" and "right of association."
  • 20.03.16 / "Battle for the ballot." By Vera Bergengruen. Time, March 2/9, 2020, p. 76.
    Reports that this year, 29 states have introduced legislation that will expand voting rights while 15 states have filed bills making it harder to vote. Includes discussion of voter registration in Texas.

 

 

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 March 5, 2020 at 3:15 PM and has received 911 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, February 27

Feb 27

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.

  • Find out what you need to bring to the polls in order to vote. (Texas Secretary of State, February 24, 2020)
  • Track COVID-19 cases on a global scale. (Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, updated February 11, 2020)
  • Explore the Smithsonian's repository of 2-and 3-dimensional images released into the public domain. (Smithsonian Magazine, February 25, 2020)
  • Search the Purple Book, the FDA's database of FDA-approved biological products. (United States Food and Drug Administration, accessed February 26, 2020)

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

  • 20.02.36  /  "When Trump doesn't love you back." By Bryan Gruley and Joe Deaux. Bloomberg Businessweek, February 17, 2020, pp. 48-53.
    Profiles the effects the Trump administration's steel tariffs have had on JSW Steel USA Inc., in Baytown, Texas. Details how JSW Steel once backed the tariffs but is now suing the federal government.
  • 20.02.37  /  "By 2020, they said, 2 out of 3 jobs would need more than a high-school diploma. Were they right?" By Goldie Blumenstyk. Chronicle of Higher Education, February 21, 2020, p. A19.
    Reviews trends in the level of education achieved and requirements for certain jobs in terms of a 2013 prediction from Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce forecasting that 63 percent of all jobs would need some education beyond high school by 2020. Explains the prediction came true but that broad trends can be misleading.
  • 20.02.38  /  "The other war on [avian] migrants." Economist, February 22nd-28th, 2020, p. 34.
    Reports on a proposed regulation that would weaken the criminal scope of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act [MBTA] by ending the decades-old practice of penalizing the "incidental take" of protected birds. Notes the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal would clarify that the MBTA's criminal scope extends only to conduct that intentionally injures birds.
  • 20.02.39  /  "Peter Hotez, vaccine campaigner: Anger in a time of autism." Economist, February 22nd-28th, 2020, pp. 29-30.
    Describes efforts by the co-founder of the National School of Tropical Medicine (Baylor College of Medicine) in Houston to educate parents on vaccine safety and to counter the anti-vaccine movement.
  • 20.02.40  /  "How four communities are facing the future." By Benjamin Herold. Education Week, February 5, 2020, pp. 23-27.
    Compares the city of Austin's approach to providing K-12 workforce preparation with three very different local communities in Connecticut, Georgia, and Wyoming.
  • 20.02.41  /  "Ranks of homeless students surging." By Sarah D. Sparks. Education Week, February 12, 2020, pp. 1, 20-21.
    Discusses the effects of the record-high influx of homeless students on schools in the United States. Reports Texas schools have had over a 9.5 percent increase in enrolled homeless students since 2015. Mentions Bastrop, Texas.
  • 20.02.42  /  "Drug price moderation in Germany: Lessons for U.S. reform efforts." By James C. Robinson, Patricia Ex, and Dimitra Panteli. Internet Resource, January 2020, pp. 1-8.
    Outlines how Germany employs positive and negative incentives to encourage drugmakers to moderate drug prices, with minimal government intervention. Describes how the United States could apply similar principles to price-setting for drugs and other health care technologies.
  • 20.02.43  /  "The lost city of Montopolis." By Kevin D. Williamson. National Review, February 24, 2020, pp. 30-32.
    Highlights the homeless situation in Austin and Governor Abbott's response to it. Discusses the state-owned property being used as a temporary encampment. Considers factors leading to homelessness.
  • 20.02.44  /  "Bankruptcies increase." By Mikaila Adams. Oil and Gas Journal, February 3, 2020, p. 14.
    Reviews bankruptcies filed by North American oil and gas producers since 2015, including those in Texas. Refers to a report from Haynes and Boone.
  • 20.02.45  /  "The hidden toll of wildfire." By Kyle Dickman. Scientific American, March 2020, pp. 38-45.
    Discusses an aerial campaign led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Aeronautics and Space Administration to study the chemical composition of wildfire smoke. Explains that the effects of wildfire smoke on human health are not yet well understood, but the campaign is collecting data to help determine this.
  • 20.02.46  /  "Texas landfills: The need for administrative reform of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's permitting process." By William Todd Keller. St. Mary's Law Journal, Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 187-222 (Note Length).
    Provides a brief history of landfills and an overview of issues related to their construction, operation, and regulation. Points out potential regulatory and legislative suggestions to help reform the landfill permitting process.
  • 20.02.47  /  "DNA databases are boon to police but menace to privacy, critics say." By Lindsey Van Ness. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), February 20, 2020, pp. 1-8.
    Reports several lawmakers around the country are filing legislation to stop or restrict police searches of genetic code databases, while others want to make it easier for police to use forensic genetic genealogy to catch criminals.
  • 20.02.48  /  "The next great Texas energy resource." By Matt Kapinos and Hayden Harms. Texas Lawyer, March 2020, pp. 40, 42.
    Explains why traditional energy companies are investing in renewable energy projects.
  • 20.02.49  /  "Lina Hidalgo's year of living dangerously." By Christopher Hooks. Texas Monthly, March 2020, pp. 56-66.
    Profiles Lina Hidalgo's first year serving as Harris County Judge on the Harris County Commissioners' Court, including the court's decision to settle a lawsuit over the county's bail system. Discusses the repercussions of electing a Democratic majority to the court in 2018 and how this change may epitomize the future of Texas politics. Describes the role of former state Senator Rodney Ellis, who currently serves as Harris County Precinct One Commissioner.

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 February 27, 2020 at 3:15 PM and has received 1438 views. Print this entry.

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