Legislative library home page
Legislative Reference Library of Texas
your partner in legislative research
Legislative Reference Library of Texas
your partner in legislative research

Current Articles & Research Resources, August 8

Aug 8

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.

  • Explore reasons the teen birth rate is dropping. (Pew Research Center, August 2, 2019)
  • Track President Trump's judicial appointments. (Heritage Foundation, updated August 2, 2019)
  • Consider whether college should come with a money-back guarantee. (Manhattan Institute, July 9, 2019)
  • Learn what to expect about invitations to respond to the 2020 Census. (U.S. Census Bureau, May 9, 2019)

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

  • "Behind the 'cannabusiness' boom." By Paul Thompson. Austin Business Journal, August 2, 2019, pp. 12-15.
    Discusses how HB3703 and HB1325, 86th Legislature, are paving the way for hemp and cannabis product entrepreneurs to flourish.
  • "The real cannabis rush." By Craig Giammona, Bruce Einhorn, and Ashley Robinson. Bloomberg Businessweek, July 22, 2019, pp. 16-18.
    Examines the economic effects of the legalization of hemp and hemp products. Questions whether hemp will saturate the global market and affect prices.
  • "Special report: DFW's opportunity knocks." By Craig M. Douglas and Claire Ballor. Dallas Business Journal, July 26, 2019, pp. 14-19.
    Presents a primer on the Opportunity Zone program established under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and raises potential red flags. Identifies designated opportunity zones in core Dallas-Fort Worth counties.
  • "Overcrowded primaries: A Democratic dilemma." Economist, July 27th-August 2nd, 2019, pp. 19-20.
    Traces the roots of the current system of nominating presidential candidates. Considers whether political parties should let anyone run for president.
  • "The changing landscape of homeschooling in the United States." By Aaron Hirsh. Internet Resource, July 2019, pp. 1-8.
    Examines the state of homeschooling in the United States in 2019. Includes discussion of the changing demographics of homeschoolers, the new models of homeschooling, and state policies that govern homeschooling.
  • "Student debt: An overlooked barrier to increasing teacher diversity." By Bayliss Fiddiman, Colleen Campbell, and Lisette Partelow. Internet Resource, July 9, 2019, pp. 1-18.
    Examines the student loan debt of Black and Latinx teachers. Argues the debt burden of teachers of color is a deterrent to diversifying the teaching workforce. Offers policy recommendations for reducing the student debt of minority teachers and increasing the chances they will enter or remain in the teaching profession.
  • "California energy storage initiatives: Surfing the storage wave." By Nathan C. Howe, Stuart Murray, and Sarah Elias. Natural Resources & Environment, Summer 2019, pp. 18-22.
    Discusses California's policy initiatives in energy storage development that have resulted from their increased use of intermittent renewable energy resources such as wind and solar power. Highlights the efforts of other jurisdictions active in storage development, including: minimum storage capacity targets, wholesale market frameworks, and new rate structures to incentivize customer storage.
  • "Permian pipeline projects race to remove export bottlenecks." By Christopher E. Smith. Oil and Gas Journal, July 1, 2019, pp. 59-61.
    Highlights planned pipeline projects that will help transport crude oil from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast.
  • "Wanted: Lawyers for rural America." By April Simpson. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), June 26, 2019, pp. 1-7.
    Reports the decline of rural lawyers has created "legal deserts" in several states, limiting vulnerable populations' access to legal representation. Discusses several states' efforts to curb the decline and to use non-lawyers to narrow the justice gap.
  • "Lingering effects of subprime lending." By Luis B. Torres, Carter Neill, and Clare Losey. Tierra Grande, July 2019, pp. 19-25.
    Examines how mortgage lending has changed in Texas since the fallout from subprime lending and the Great Recession. Details changes by city and race for Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.

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 August 8, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1003 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, August 1

Aug 1

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.

  • Explore interactive data related to the National Do Not Call Registry. (Federal Trade Commission, July 30, 2019)
  • See when the sales tax holiday for school supplies takes place. (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, July 2019)
  • Examine the political geography of major metropolitan areas. (FiveThirtyEight, May 20, 2019)
  • Track U.S. government data breaches since 2014. (Comparitech, July 24, 2019)

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

  • "Getting in range." By Jacob Fischler. CQ Weekly, July 8, 2019, pp. 31-33.
    Discusses impact of the Volkswagen emission test settlement on the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the United States. Notes Texas plans to spend $31.4 million of the settlement, more than any other state, to expand the state's infrastructure and alleviate range anxiety.
  • "Garland is building its own workforce of the future." Dallas Business Journal, July 19, 2019, p. 6.
    Profiles Garland Independent School District's Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center, a state-of-the-art facility that is developing a skilled workforce pipeline for businesses in Garland and surrounding areas. Includes interview with Paul Mayer, CEO of the Garland Chamber of Commerce.
  • "Innovation in insurance: Run for cover." Economist, July 20th-26th, 2019, pp. 59-60.
    Reports on the lack of innovation in the insurance industry, noting insurers' products and processes are losing touch with 21st-century life. Points out insurers' weaknesses and growing competition from reinsurers, digital entrepreneurs, and Big Tech (Amazon, Apple, and Google).
  • "Surveillance technology: Vision quest." Economist, July 13th-19th, 2019, p. 28.
    Highlights a recent hearing of the United States House Committee on Homeland Security that examined the federal government's use of facial recognition and biometric technologies, as well as the civil liberties implications of these technologies.
  • "Kicking back kicks in for rural counties: Texas state parks provide economic boost to local economies." By Ramona Reeves. Fiscal Notes, July 2019, pp. 1-4.
    Highlights the economic benefits of state parks for rural and less populated areas of Texas. Notes state parks accounted for $891 million in sales activities in 2018 and $240 million in economic impact on area resident incomes, according to a January 2019 report by Texas A&M University.
  • "Depth over breadth." By Daniel Kreisman and Kevin Stange. Internet Resource, Fall 2019, pp. 1-8.
    Analyzes results of a study conducted on the value of vocational education in high schools. Examines the relationship between vocational or career and technical coursework and high school graduates’ success in college or in the workforce. Discusses policy implications for high schools.
  • "Local Rep urges protest of TWIA rate hike." By Suzanne Freeman. Internet Resource, July 25, 2019, pp. 1-3.
    Reports that the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association [TWIA] may increase insurance rates at their August board meeting. Includes reactions from Representatives Todd Hunter and Mayes Middleton. Mentions SB615, 86th Legislature.
  • "Pharmacy benefit manager reform: Lessons from Ohio." By Trevor J. Royce, Sheetal Kircher, and Rena M. Conti. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), July 23/30, 2019, pp. 299-300.
    Describes Ohio's efforts to increase pharmacy benefit manager [PBM] accountability, promote more transparent pass-through pricing, and reduce the use of pharmacy gag clauses.
  • "States should reject corporate demands for "deferred tax" deductions." By Michael Mazerov. Journal of MultiState Taxation and Incentives, July 2019, pp. 22-29.
    Analyzes the arguments for providing corporations deferred tax deductions at the time of a state rate increase. Finds adverse effects on stockholders and stock prices implausible and recommends no additional states grant such deductions.
  • "Nexus news: Does due process provide any protection at all?" By June Summers Haas and Daniel L. Stanley. Journal of State Taxation, Summer 2019, pp. 9-12.
    Discusses the implications of two recently decided court cases related to protections provided by the Due Process Clause in the aftermath of South Dakota v. Wayfair. Summarizes Greenscapes Home and Garden Products v. Testa, in which a Georgia company has been required to pay Ohio's commercial-activity tax, and North Carolina Dep't of Revenue v. Kimberly Rice Kaestner 1992 Family Trust, concerning the efforts of North Carolina to tax the trust income of a resident.
  • "Are fiscal rules an effective restraint on government debt?" By Veronique de Rugy and Jack Salmon. Policy Brief (Mercatus Center, George Mason University), July 16, 2019, pp. 1-15.
    Assesses the underlying problems with the United States' budgetary process and explores the effectiveness of fiscal rules in restraining government spending growth. Presents examples of countries that have proven effective at controlling spending.
  • "Fortnightly Smartest Communities 2019: Austin, Columbus, San Antonio, Spokane, suburban Birmingham." Public Utilities Fortnightly, July 2019, pp. 22-57 (Note Length).
    Highlights achievements of the winners of Fortnightly Smartest Communities 2019, including Austin and San Antonio.
  • "Driven to distraction." By Ann Kitch. State Legislatures, July/August 2019, pp. 32-33.
    Reports 2019 has been an active year for state legislation relating to distracted driving. Points out the challenges of enforcing and assessing the effectiveness of handheld phone bans.
  • "Real estate wins at the Texas Capitol." By Jaime Lee. Texas Realtor, July 2019, pp. 18-22.
    Highlights legislation of interest to the Texas real estate industry that was enacted by the 86th Legislature. Presents the 86th Texas Legislature Hall of Fame, recognizing legislators who championed pro-consumer and private property rights legislation.
  • "Keeping house." By Ali Anari. Tierra Grande, July 2019, pp. 6-9.
    Discusses the effect of location on homeownership affordability in the United States and Texas. Ranks homeownership affordability by state and by Texas cities. Notes that the affordability gap between Texas and the nation has narrowed since the Great Recession.

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 August 1, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1379 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, July 25

Jul 25

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 the ballot language in the upcoming constitutional amendment election in November. (Texas Secretary of State, accessed July 24, 2019)
  • Explore how demand response works to meet energy needs of consumers. (National Conference of State Legislatures, July 2019)
  • Consider how third-party debt collections affect consumers' credit. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, July 2019)
  • Examine the circumstances under which a debtor may discharge a student loan under federal bankruptcy laws. (Congressional Research Service, July 18, 2019)

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

  • "Measles as metaphor." By Peter Beinart. Atlantic Monthly, August 2019, pp. 13-16.
    Suggests declining vaccination rates reflect a population that lacks awareness of lessons of the past, has overconfidence in its own "amateur knowledge," and shows little trust in government and other institutions. Offers solutions to reverse the trend.
  • "Suburb weighs how to slow apartment construction." By Daniel Salazar. Austin Business Journal, July 19, 2019, p. 8.
    Reports that Leander City Council's proposal to restrict the use of certain building materials on new multifamily projects could violate HB2439, 86th Legislature, relating to overly restrictive building regulations.
  • "How Texas flushed out plumbers." By David Wethe. Bloomberg Businessweek, July 15, 2019, pp. 37-39.
    Discusses Governor Greg Abbott's emergency executive order relating to continuing the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Explains how the agency's Sunset legislation, SB621, failed to pass the 86th Legislature.
  • "Trying to change Congress, starting with the lowest rung: Interns." By Jessica Mendoza. Christian Science Monitor, July 22, 2019, pp. 6-7.
    Highlights the College to Congress program, a nonprofit that helps low-income students obtain internships in Congress. Explains the program seeks bipartisan participation.
  • "Way ahead of you, Congress." By Jacob Fischler. CQ Weekly, July 15, 2019, pp. 31-33.
    Looks at what state legislatures are doing to address climate change. Focuses on states led by Democrats who campaigned on climate policy in the 2018 elections.
  • "The world economy: A strangely elastic expansion." Economist, July 13th-19th, 2019, pp. 21-23.
    Comments on America's economic expansion, which at the end of July will have matched the record for the longest unbroken period of rising GDP set in the 1990s. Considers factors that could trigger a recession.
  • "The U.S. Supreme Court and schools: 2018-19." By Mark Walsh. Education Week, July 17, 2019, pp. 19-20.
    Summarizes recent United States Supreme Court rulings relevant to K-12 education, including the census citizenship question, age discrimination, religion in a public square, and federal administrative power. Identifies several high profile education-related cases that will be heard during the Court's 2020 term.
  • "State efforts to lower health care prices paid by private insurers." By Aditi P. Sen, Amber Willink, and Gerard F. Anderson. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), July 16, 2019, pp. 201-202.
    Outlines three approaches states are taking to lower health care prices paid by private insurers: targeted price regulation, promoting competition, and investing in alternative payment models.
  • "Energy efficiency in cannabis cultivation: A growing concern." By John Hargrove. Public Utilities Fortnightly, July 2019, pp. 147, 149.
    Features a brief discussion about the energy-related challenges of harvesting cannabis.
  • "Voting by phone is easy. But is it secure?" By Matt Vasilogambros. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), July 18, 2019, pp. 1-6.
    Discusses the conflict between accessibility and security in phone-based voting systems.
  • "Forgotten in the fields." By Dana Ullman. Texas Observer, July/August 2019, pp. 20-25.
    Describes forced agricultural labor of farmworkers in Texas, who increasingly come to the state on H-2A guest worker visas, and the difficulty in prosecuting labor trafficking cases. Cites a 2016 study by The University of Texas at Austin, which estimated there are 234,000 labor trafficking victims in Texas with $600 million in annual wages stolen.

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 July 25, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1151 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, July 18

Jul 18

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 remote sales tax collection by state. (National Conference of State Legislatures, July 1, 2019)
  • See how probation and parole affect prison populations. (Council of State Governments, ©2019)
  • Consider how a change in the federal minimum wage would affect employment. (Congressional Budget Office, July 8, 2019)
  • Read about possible reforms to federal asylum laws. (Texas Public Policy Foundation, July 10, 2019)

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

  • "Education isn't enough." By Nick Hanauer. Atlantic Monthly, July 2019, pp. 19-22.
    Argues educational inequality is a symptom of the real problem, which is economic inequality. Suggests the most important predictor of a child's educational success is household income and a secure middle-class life.
  • "More states take a gamble on sports betting. Will it pay off?" By Jacob Turcotte. Christian Science Monitor, June 24, 2019, p. 15.
    Identifies the status of sports gambling in the various states and defines the pros and cons of sports gambling expansion.
  • "Americans United endorses bill to end discrimination in foster care programs." Church & State, July/August 2019, pp. 16-17.
    Highlights the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, proposed federal legislation that seeks to end discrimination in foster care, adoption, and child welfare.
  • "Police officers and social media: Slur and protect." Economist, July 6th-12th, 2019, pp. 22, 24.
    Considers how law enforcement agencies should discipline police and border patrol officers who make racist and misogynistic posts on their social media accounts. Questions whether the posts are protected speech.
  • "State legislators tackle broad basket of issues on parents' checklist." By Marva Hinton. Education Week, June 19, 2019, pp. 15, 17.
    Looks at recent state legislation on school safety, charter schools, and student data privacy. Mentions HB1387, 86th Legislature, that removes caps on the number of school marshals per school campus.
  • "Equity crowdfunding in Texas: A funding tool for small business." By Jackie Benton. Fiscal Notes, June/July 2019, pp. 7-10.
    Examines state equity crowdfunding rules and requirements in Texas and the benefits for small businesses. Notes the Texas crowdfunding program has raised $2.5 million in capital for small businesses since 2015.
  • "Abbott signs bill to combat patient confusion." By Elizabeth Byrne. Fort Worth Business Press, June 24-30, 2019, pp. 18-19.
    Discusses HB2041, 86th Legislature, that requires freestanding emergency rooms to disclose the in-network health insurance plans they accept and fees that may be charged. Quotes bill author Representative Tom Oliverson.
  • "Lancaster library to be named for educator Reby Cary." By Rick Mauch. Fort Worth Business Press, July 1-7, 2019, p. 10.
    Reports that Fort Worth's first children- and teen-focused public library will be named the Reby Cary Youth Library, honoring the late educator and former state representative.
  • "The 86th Texas Legislature gavels out: Texas hospitals achieve notable policy wins to protect access to care." By Aisha Ainsworth. Internet Resource, May/June 2019, pp. 1-2.
    Recaps the 86th Texas Legislature, emphasizing bills that affect Texas hospitals.
  • "Protecting the accuracy of the 2020 census." By Constance F. Citro. Issues in Science and Technology, Summer 2019, pp. 37-43.
    Provides a brief history of early population census taking in the United States and lists key issues with the modern census from 1970 through 2010. Discusses the challenges to conducting an accurate census in 2020, including an undercount due to government mistrust, computing systems vulnerabilities, funding shortfalls, and data protection.
  • "Texas law and the restatement of the law of liability insurance: An initial comparison of blackletter principles." By Cyrus W. Haralson and Christina A. Culver. Journal of Texas Insurance Law, Spring 2019, pp. 3-29 (Note Length).
    Compares and contrasts Texas law on liability insurance with the recent final draft of the American Law Institute's Restatement of the Law of Liability Insurance.
  • "Criminal justice reform is having a (long overdue) moment." By C.J. Ciaramella. Reason, August/September 2019, pp. 26-29.
    Reviews a variety of federal, state, and local bipartisan efforts to reform the criminal justice system.
  • "Recalibrating local politics to increase the supply of housing; Comment." By Chris Elmendorf and William A. Fischel. Regulation (CATO Institute), Summer 2019, pp. 38-45.
    Argues state planning mandates and development-rights auctions can bolster pro-housing factions in local governments.
  • "Businesses scramble to prep for city's sick leave law." By Tony Quesada. San Antonio Business Journal, July 5, 2019, p. 3.
    Comments on the San Antonio city ordinance that will require employers to allow employees to accrue sick leave beginning August 1, 2019.
  • "Texas facing historically tight labor markets, constraining growth." By Christopher Slijk. Southwest Economy (Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas), Second Quarter 2018, pp. 3-6.
    Analyzes recent trends in labor force migration and unemployment that have led to a tight labor market, constraining economic growth and limiting business expansion.
  • "New attack on race-based admissions at UT Austin seeks to succeed where 'Fisher' failed." By Angela Morris. Texas Lawyer, July/August 2019, p. 4.
    Discusses the new legal strategy at play in a new lawsuit challenging the University of Texas at Austin's race-based admission policies.

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 July 18, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1237 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, July 11

Jul 11

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.

  • Follow updates and implementation of HB3, 86th Legislature. (Texas Education Agency, updated July 3, 2019)
  • Consider whether facial recognition technology needs federal regulation. (The Atlantic, June 28, 2019)
  • Protect your car from theft. (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, ©2019)
  • Keep your pets safe during an emergency or disaster. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration, June 28, 2019)

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

  • "Bad medicine." By Liz Hayes. Church & State, July/August 2019, pp. 9-11.
    Comments on the denial of care rule, proposed by the United States Department of Health & Human Services [HHS], to protect individuals and health care entities from discrimination on the basis of their exercise of conscience in HHS-funded programs.
  • "Just business: Few fireworks during session as lawmakers make deals on top priorities." Classroom Teacher (Texas Classroom Teachers Association), Spring 2019, pp. 10-17.
    Summarizes key public education issues and bills in the 86th Legislature, including school finance reform, teacher salaries and retirement, school discipline, school safety and mental health, and other bills affecting public schools.
  • "Virtually defenseless: The national security establishment is woefully unprepared for the new era of cyber-warfare." By John M. Donnelly and Gopal Ratnam. CQ Researcher, June 24, 2019, pp. 15-21.
    Examines the new "information warfare," increasing cybersecurity concerns, and military preparation for cyberattacks.
  • "We love foreign workers." By Shawn Zeller. CQ Weekly, June 17, 2019, pp. 18-23.
    Discusses why businesses lean toward hiring seasonal foreign workers over Americans. Addresses problems with labor regulations relating to recruiting and wage fraud.
  • "Texafornia dreaming; California & Texas: A tale of two states." Economist, June 22nd - June 28th, 2019, pp. 7, 3-14.
    Presents a special report on California and Texas. Claims America' future will be written in the two mega-states.
  • "Transport: Flying start." Economist, June 15th-21st, 2019, pp. 55-56.
    Reports drone deliveries are advancing in health care, which could save hospitals millions in lab and pharmacy costs.
  • "State legislators revamp funding in Texas, Nevada." By Daarel Burnette II. Education Week, June 19, 2019, p. 16.
    Summarizes school finance reforms in Texas and Nevada in this year's legislative sessions. Mentions the increase in the Texas education budget to $11.6 billion, an increase in teacher salaries, and full day pre-Kindergarten for eligible 4-year-olds.
  • "Motor fuels taxes in a changing Texas transportation scene: Should Texas rethink the way it funds roads?" By Shannon Halbrook and Jess Donald. Fiscal Notes, June/July 2019, pp. 1, 3-6.
    Describes future trends of motor fuels tax revenue in Texas, providing for the construction and maintenance of state highways, roads, and bridges since 1923. Considers the role of alternative-fuel vehicles, rising highway costs, and the tax structures in other states with variable-rate gas taxes.
  • "Texas distillers thrive, but hoped for more from state." By Marice Richter. Fort Worth Business Press, June 24-30, 2019, pp. 6, 21.
    Looks at the 86th Legislature from the perspective of craft distillers, and discusses legislation passed to allow "sampling of product" for distillers and "beer-to-go" for craft breweries.
  • "Newspaper-man." By Jay Nordlinger. National Review, June 24, 2019, pp. 18-19.
    Considers the value of small-town newspapers and their editors in a profile of Mike Brown, editor of the Rockdale Reporter serving Rockdale, Texas.
  • "Bad economic justifications for minimum wage hikes." By Ryan Bourne. Policy Brief (CATO Institute), June 20, 2019, pp. 1-8.
    Explains why the metrics used to advocate minimum wage hikes are not sensible benchmarks by which to set minimum wage rates, and could instead produce damaging labor market outcomes.
  • "The confession." By Douglas Starr. Science, June 14, 2019, pp. 1022-1026.
    Looks at how and why police interrogations can result in false confessions.
  • "When was the Republic of Texas no more? Revisiting the annexation of Texas." By Keith J. Volanto and Gene B. Preuss. Southwestern Historical Quarterly, July 2019, pp. 30-59 (Note Length).
    Examines the timeline of annexation of the Republic of Texas to the United States through a review of the contemporary congressional and legal proceedings. Argues the "annexation ceremony" on February 19, 1846, at a two-room dogtrot cabin in Austin, is a "historical myth," demonstrating that the actual transfer of sovereignty was on December 29, 1845, when the United States government formally annexed Texas.
  • "Oregon walkout reflects a growing trend. Here's why lawmakers leave." By Matt Vasilogambros. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), June 27, 2019, pp. 1-5.
    Considers the history of legislative walkouts. Points out possible political fallout and financial repercussions for lawmakers who use this tactic.
  • "Mobilizing against measles." By Sean Price. Texas Medicine, July 2019, pp. 22-29.
    Explores the current measles surge, legislative action to address the problem, and advocacy against such action. Identifies a range of pro- and anti-vaccine bills that were considered in the 86th Legislature.
  • "Who cares." By Grace Gedye. Washington Monthly, July/August 2019, pp. 15-18.
    Suggests long-term care is a political issue. Explains how individual caregivers make daily sacrifices to care for their older and ailing family members.

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 July 11, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1847 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, June 27

Jun 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 how to avoid phone calls from fake phone numbers. (Federal Trade Commission, June 25, 2019)
  • Track language usage in American case law over time, from the colonial period to today. (ABA Journal, June 20, 2019)
  • Read about Disaster City of Texas A&M University, where first responders train. (Stateline, June 25, 2019)
  • Explore an FAQ related to the upcoming November 5, 2019 uniform election. (Texas Secretary of State, accessed June 26, 2019)

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

  • "Do states adjust Medicaid enrollment in response to capitation rates? Evidence from the Medicare Part D clawback." By Laura Quinby and Gal Wettstein. Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, June 2019, pp. 1-32.
    Examines to what extent more generous capitated federal subsidies would likely cause states to increase Medicaid enrollment. Includes state table of Modified FMAP [Federal Medical Assistance Percentage] Accounting for State and Federal Spending on Prescription Drugs for Dual-Eligibles, 2012.
  • "Rethinking mental health for cops: When 'good intentions' aren't enough." By Henry Gass. Christian Science Monitor, June 17, 2019, pp. 12-13.
    Highlights programs such as the critical incident stress management program [CISM] of the Fort Worth Police Department that assist officers who have been involved in traumatic incidents. Suggests an array of options for psychological first aid should be available to first responders.
  • "Teacher appreciation days." CQ Weekly, June 3, 2019, pp. 35-37.
    Examines other states' legislative efforts to raise teacher pay or create a minimum salary. Highlights legislation in Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
  • "Religion and freedom: I can do no other." Economist, June 15th-21st, 2019, pp. 21-22.
    Reports on the case of Scott Warren, who is facing felony charges for conspiring to harbor and transport illegal immigrants. Examines whether the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 can protect Mr. Warren from prosecution, as he claims a spiritual motive lay behind the actions he took to reduce the number of migrants who perish in the Arizona desert.
  • "The financial benefits and burdens of performance funding in higher education." By Lori Prince Hagood. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, June 2019, pp. 189-213.
    Investigates the effects of performance funding policies on state appropriations for four-year, public universities. Establishes state funding patterns associated with performance funding and determines to what extent performance funding favors some institutions over others.
  • "Home health care providers struggle with state laws and Medicare rules as demand rises." By Susan Jaffe. Health Affairs, June 2019, pp. 981-986.
    Considers how Medicare rules and state laws restricting nurse practitioners' scope-of-practice have raised obstacles to patients' access to home health care.
  • "The rural hospital problem." By Austin B. Frakt. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), June 18, 2019, pp. 2271-2272.
    Examines reasons for increased numbers of rural hospital closures, and considers the consequences for cost, quality, and access.
  • "Free speech, if we can keep it." By Charles C.W. Cooke. National Review, June 24, 2019, pp. 34-36.
    Contrasts strong support for free speech doctrines in the courts with a shrinking "meaningful culture of free speech" due to concerns about hate speech and intolerant speech.
  • "Injunction dysfunction." By David French. National Review, June 24, 2019, pp. 33-34.
    Examines the increasing use of nationwide injunctions by activists across the political spectrum. Argues that the proper legal mechanism for action affecting all similarly situated individuals would be a class-action lawsuit.
  • "Economic benefits of the Texas energy sector." By M. Ray Perryman. Perryman Report and Texas Letter, Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 1-3, 6.
    Quantifies the stimulus the energy sector provides across the economy. Points out the varied industries required to meet the needs of the growing Texas oil and gas industry.
  • "Lessons from California on carbon risk: First climate-change bankruptcy." By Priti Patel, et al. Public Utilities Fortnightly, June 1, 2019, pp. 80-83, 87.
    Examines how the takings clause of California's state constitution is applied to hold public utilities liable for any damages caused by their systems.
  • "What constitutes 'discrimination' in college admissions?" By Dennis L. Weisman. Regulation (CATO Institute), Summer 2019, pp. 24-27.
    Contends that defining discrimination exclusively in terms of a departure from merit-based admissions may be too narrow. Points out this definition fails to account for the value conferred on the university by other types of admissions, such as those based on legacy and athletic preferences.
  • "Teens of 'anti-vaxxers' can get their own vaccines, some states say." By Michael Ollove. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), June 24, 2019, pp. 1-5.
    Examines the rights of adolescents to make certain health care decisions. Points out recent state legislative efforts to narrow school vaccination exemptions and to give minors the right to get vaccinated without their parents' permission.
  • "The vaccine battlegrounds." By Jefferey Kluger. Time, June 24, 2019, pp. 38-43.
    Discusses vaccine-related legislation recently addressed in state legislatures. Considers oppositional efforts against state legislation requiring vaccinations, despite a record number of measles cases in the United States.

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 June 27, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1061 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, June 20

Jun 20

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 ways to address prescription drug pricing policy. (The Heritage Foundation, June 7, 2019)
  • Consider whether your tax information is secure. (U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 11, 2019)
  • See how Americans are accessing the internet. (Pew Research Center, June 13, 2019)
  • Explore how telehealth can reach patients in rural and underserved areas. (National Conference of State Legislatures, May 30, 2019)

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

  • "New psychiatric hospital seen as key to boosting care, saving money." By Will Anderson. Austin Business Journal, June 7, 2019, pp. 12-13.
    Highlights SB2111, 86th Legislature, relating to the redevelopment of the Austin State Hospital campus, a key step to improving mental health treatment. Includes comment by Senator Kirk Watson.
  • "SNAP caseload and spending declines have accelerated in recent years." By Dorothy Rosenbaum and Brynne Keith-Jennings. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, June 6, 2019, pp. 1-20.
    Examines the decline in participation and spending in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP], formerly food stamps, and possible contributing reasons factors of the improving economy and the three-month time limit on SNAP participation by childless adults without disabilities. Includes table of SNAP caseload changes by state, showing Texas with a 9.3 percent decrease in average monthly SNAP participants from 2013-2018.
  • "Supporting older youth beyond age 18: Examining data and trends in extended foster care." By Rachel Rosenberg and Samuel Abbott. Child Trends, June 2019, pp. 1-16.
    Analyzes the effect of extended foster care, when youth stay in care past age 18 with additional services and supports, on important young adult outcomes, including high school graduation/GED, employment, school enrollment, homelessness, and young parenthood. Finds permanency rates are largely stable in states that have implemented extended foster care.
  • "As abortion battles intensify in states, misperceptions abound." By Samantha Laine Perfas and Jessica Mendoza. Christian Science Monitor, June 3, 2019, pp. 14-15.
    Considers the abortion issue in terms of facts, context, and political rhetoric.
  • "Alternative energy — castles in the sky?" Economist, June 8th-14th, 2019, pp. 71-72.
    Points out a new approach to generating electricity from the wind without the use of wind turbines.
  • "America First trade policy." Economist, June 8th-14th, 2019, pp. 65-66.
    Points out how the Trump administration's trade policies are challenging the multilateral trade system. Discusses the consequences of weaponizing tariffs to effect change in other countries' trade policies.
  • "Charting the continued friction between K-12 spending, equity." By Alex Harwin and Sterling C. Lloyd. Education Week, June 5, 2019, pp. 10-12.
    Analyzes federal data to grade how well states are doing with K-12 spending and the equitable distribution of school funds. Reports Texas received a grade of D+ on this year's Quality Counts school finance report card.
  • "Maximizing job creation bang-for-buck by reducing import leakages." By Josh Bivens. EPI Policy Memorandum, June 13, 2019, pp. 1-11.
    Finds that ambitious investment in infrastructure and reducing the United States trade deficit that allows jobs to "leak" outside the economy will create thousands of additional manufacturing jobs in the United States, putting American manufacturing production on a more level playing field with global competitors.
  • "How accurate are net price calculators?" By Laura Perna and Jeremy Wright-Kim. Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, May/June 2019, pp. 8-9.
    Finds that some net price calculators on college and university websites are difficult to locate, work inconsistently, and present information in ways that may mislead students and families on the expected cost of attendance.
  • "School counselors express concerns about college and career advising in Texas." By Hector Bojorquez. IDRA Newsletter (Intercultural Development Research Association), May 2019, pp. 1-2, 4.
    Reports on preliminary findings from a study of how counselors view their roles, including the effects of the endorsement system of college or career pathways set up by 2013 legislation in Texas.
  • "The Permian's demographics." By Paula Dittrick. Oil and Gas Journal, June 3, 2019, p. 14.
    Summarizes the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association's [TIPRO] 2019 Permian Basin Report, which looks at trends in the labor force, education, and population in a 61-county area known as the Permian Basin region.
  • "Oh deer." By Tate Watkins. Reason, July 2019, pp. 33-35.
    Reviews the history of wildlife management in the United States. Considers how developing a legal market for venison could control the deer population, similar to the Texas program that allows harvesting of wild hogs.
  • "Education: Unlocking access." By Bennett G. Boggs and Lesley Kennedy. State Legislatures, May/June 2019, pp. 6-11.
    Examines whether free college policies — known as promise programs — are making the grade. Points out six criteria successful promise programs should pursue.
  • "A disappointing end to eminent domain reform efforts." By Russell Boening. Texas Agriculture, June 7, 2019, p. 2.
    Discusses SB421, 86th Legislature, relating to eminent domain reform in Texas, which stalled during the Texas Farm Bureau's attempts at compromising with the state's oil and gas industry. Mentions HB991, 86th Legislature.
  • "Who counts?" By Eric Benson. Texas Monthly, June 2019, pp. 54-60.
    Discusses the 2020 census and efforts to ensure a complete count, especially in Hidalgo County. Examines the effect a citizenship question could have on participation and the repercussions of an undercount for Texas. Mentions Representative Cesar Blanco.

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 June 20, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1172 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, June 13

Jun 13

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

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

  • Consider Americans' viewpoints on misinformation. (Pew Research Center, June 5, 2019)
  • Find signed copies of bills via the Secretary of State's website. (Texas Secretary of State, accessed June 12, 2019)
  • Explore legislation state by state related to consumer data privacy. (National Conference of State Legislatures, June 7, 2019)
  • Read about how toll charges vary among drivers from in state and out of state. (Stateline, June 7, 2019)

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

  • "Less than 'zero tolerance.'" By Lorelei Laird. ABA Journal: The Lawyer's Magazine, June 2019, pp. 16-18.
    Examines whether federal drug crime prosecutions are taking a back seat to misdemeanor unlawful entry prosecutions required under the zero tolerance policy for immigrants who cross the border without authorization.
  • "Winners and losers at the Capitol." By Kimberly Reeves. Austin Business Journal, June 7, 2019, pp. 20-21.
    Picks groups that benefitted the most or lost out in the 86th Legislature.
  • "The impact of imposing sales taxes on business inputs." By Andrew Phillips and Muath Ibaid. Council on State Taxation, May 2019, pp. 1-27 (Note Length).
    Analyzes state sales taxation of business purchases and negative implications for overall state tax policy, including pyramiding, lack of transparency, and competitiveness. Discusses the previous failure of broad-based sales tax reform efforts to exempt business inputs in Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Nebraska. Includes state tables on the estimated business share of state and local taxes.
  • "Climate change and the Midwest: Soaked and less sceptical." Economist, June 1st-7th, 2019, pp. 21-22.
    Explains how floods and storms are revising inland America's attitude to climate change.
  • "School funding: Testing time." Economist, June 8th-14th, 2019, p. 29.
    Examines the effects of public school budget cuts during the Great Recession on pupils' test scores. Related information at: https://www.cbpp.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/11-29-17sfp.pdf.
  • "86th Texas Legislature." By Cassandra Pollock. Fort Worth Business Press, June 3-9, 2019, pp. 14-15.
    Examines the performance of Dennis Bonnen as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives during the regular session of the 86th Legislature. Includes quotes from both Democratic and Republican members of the House.
  • "Updated opportunity zone rules ease investor concerns." By Jeff Jeffrey. Houston Business Journal, May 23, 2019, pp. 26-27.
    Reports on the recent Department of the Treasury's guidance on IRS rules for opportunity zones that may ease investors' concerns while also spurring economic development.
  • "Ten tips for policymakers for improving probation." By Marc Levin. Internet Resource, May 2019, pp. 1-12.
    Discusses probation as an alternative to incarceration and provides ten tips to increase its effectiveness, fairness, and efficiency. Mentions SB1055, 82nd Legislature.
  • "Toward equality of educational opportunity: What's most promising?" By Arthur E. Wise. Phi Delta Kappan, May 2019, pp.8-13.
    Reviews three reform strategies that have been employed to provide broader access to high-quality teaching and education resources. Explains improvements in teacher professionalism and quality offers more promise than equity lawsuits or renewed standards and accountability.
  • "Foster care crisis opens doors to second-chance parents." By Teresa Wiltz. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), June 5, 2019, pp. 1-6.
    Reports several states have enacted or proposed laws making it easier for parents to reinstate their parental rights after they have been terminated. Notes critics' concerns that returning kids to unfit parents will jeopardize their safety.
  • "What's killing Texans?" By Sean Price. Texas Medicine, June 2019, pp. 22-29.
    Explains Texas' system for investigating deaths and completing death certificates. Notes HB3716, 86th Legislature, which potentially lowers the number of medical examiner offices in Texas. Calls for greater physician education on why completing death certificates correctly is vital to collecting accurate death statistics.
  • "The price of oil." By Christian Wallace. Texas Monthly, June 2019, pp. 76-80, 145-157.
    Profiles the effects of the oil industry on residents of the Permian Basin. Discusses how the current boom has increased the cost of living and negatively impacted education and roads in the region. Mentions Rep. Brooks Landgraf.

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 June 13, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1086 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, June 6

Jun 6

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

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

  • Read about how the federal government is addressing concerns about privacy related to face recognition technologies. (Government Accountability Office, June 4, 2019)
  • Find the latest reports produced by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission. (Texas Health & Human Services, accessed June 5, 2019)
  • Prepare for hurricane season. (Texas Department of Public Safety, May 31, 2019)
  • See legislation related to occupational licensing. (Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation, accessed June 5, 2019)

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

  • "Beyond us and them: The role of trust in vaccine controversy." By Amanda Paulson. Christian Science Monitor, May 27, 2019, pp. 10-11.
    Argues the vaccination controversy is not a scientific problem but a social problem created by lack of faith in government, the health-care system, and pharmaceutical companies.
  • "Child-safe internet: The kids aren't alright." Economist, May 25th-31st, 2019, p. 66.
    Reports members of the United States Congress are drafting multiple bills to regulate how internet and social media platforms treat children — the internet equivalent of the Children's Television Act of 1990.
  • "The Texas Legislature wraps up: Hide your crazy." Economist, June 1st-7th, 2019, p. 24.
    Summarizes the 86th Texas Legislature, calling it the most productive legislative session in a decade.
  • "Bound to win." By Jill Lepore. New Yorker, May 20, 2019, pp. 76-82.
    Reviews the evolution of political memoirs or autobiographies, focusing on books by current presidential candidates.
  • "Report: Industry appeal to investors at all-time low." Oil and Gas Journal, May 6, 2019, pp. 31-33.
    Summarizes a series of articles from Deloitte, "Decoding the O & G Downturn," which explores the oil and gas industry's struggles with uncertainty in the markets and low prices.
  • "Ensuring equitable access to great teachers: State policy priorities." By Elizabeth Ross. Phi Delta Kappan, May 2019, pp. 20-26.
    Reports on a study of the state plans required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 to ensure vulnerable student populations have equitable access to talented teachers.
  • "How state pension subsidies undermine equity." By James Shuls, et al. Phi Delta Kappan, May 2019, pp. 37-41.
    Reviews recent studies to understand how some methods of funding teacher pensions can have a role in school finance inequity.
  • "Towards a new energy efficiency world order: Revisit our metrics." By Keith Dennis. Public Utilities Fortnightly, May 2019, pp. 100-102.
    Argues that energy efficiency program models need to be updated in order to adapt to changes in the energy industry.
  • "The heartbreaking, lifesaving practice of welcoming 'unaccompanied' child migrants." By Shikha Dalmia. Reason, June 2019, pp. 14-15.
    Compares and contrasts the movement to rescue children from life-threatening poverty and violence in Europe after World War I with the treatment of Latin American children attempting to gain asylum in the United States today.
  • "Palliative care beyond hospice is spreading to more states." By Michael Ollove. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), May 29, 2019, pp. 1-6.
    Reports more states are extending palliative care benefits to people who are not close to death, but who are living with serious illnesses. Explains state programs and policies vary according to geography, hospital size and income. Reports at http://features.commonwealthfund.org/health-care-in-america and https://nashp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Palliative-Care-Brief-Final.pdf.

The Legislative Reference Library compiles this weekly annotated list of Current Articles of interest to the legislative community. Professional librarians review and select articles from more than 300 periodicals, including public policy journals, specialized industry periodicals, news magazines, and state agency publications. Members of the Texas legislative community may request articles using our online form.

This entry was posted on June 6, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 999 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, May 30

May 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. 

  • Take advantage of Free Fishing Day in Texas. (Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, May 24, 2019)
  • Learn about the different types of public lands in America. (Outside, May 22, 2019)
  • Find sun protection tips to help lower the risk of skin cancer. (The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, May 9, 2019)
  • Prevent vehicular heatstroke in children. (National Safety Council, ©2019)
  • Consider pet safety during car travel. (American Veterinary Medical Association, ©2019)

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

  • "Autocorrect." By Jonathan Rauch. Atlantic Monthly, June 2019, pp. 11-14.
    Highlights a project from Duke University's Reporters Lab that demonstrates the possibility of successful real-time, automated fact checking of political speeches and statements.
  • "Wall-to-wall turmoil." By Camila DeChalus. CQ Weekly, May 6, 2019, pp. 14-29.
    Provides a report card on President Donald Trump's efforts to address immigration issues. Includes a policy-by-policy examination of how the administration has fared on the immigration agenda.
  • "Policing and technology: Files, not faces." Economist, May 25th-31st, 2019, pp. 27-28.
    Comments on the growing public skepticism over the deployment of new technologies used by law enforcement officers, noting critics' concerns about the threats to privacy and civil liberties. Mentions San Francisco's ban on the use of facial-recognition systems.
  • "Emergency management in Texas: How the state prepares for the worst." By Spencer Grubbs. Fiscal Notes, May 2019, pp. 1, 3-6.
    Explains the structure of emergency management response to natural disasters in Texas, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management [TDEM], Texas Emergency Management Council, the 24 Texas disaster districts, the State Operations Center, and the Comptroller's Statewide Procurement Division. Notes the legislative history of emergency management in the Texas Civil Protection Act of 1951 (HB784, 52nd Legislature) and the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 (HB2032, 64th Legislature).
  • "'Future-proofing' Texas against natural disaster: The state plans for the next storm." By Peggy Fikac. Fiscal Notes, May 2019, pp. 7-10.
    Provides an overview of the historic flooding and economic impact of Hurricane Harvey. Discusses the storm resiliency recommendations in Eye of the Storm, the November 2018 report of the Governor's Commission to Rebuild Texas, and hurricane-related legislation in the 86th Legislature.
  • "Current proposals for Texas' investment in English learners still not enough." By Morgan Craven. IDRA Newsletter (Intercultural Development Research Association), April 2019, pp. 1-2, 6.
    Considers funding for English learner students in HB3, 86th Legislature. Applauds the additional weight given to non-English learners but points out that most students are not in dual language programs and therefore would not qualify for the increased funding.
  • "The case for free trade." By Scott Lincicome. National Review, May 20, 2019, pp. 26-28.
    Advocates for free trade, explaining trade and globalization have provided economic benefits to the American economy and national security.
  • "The economic forecast for Texas cities." By M. Ray Perryman. Perryman Report and Texas Letter, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 1-3, 6.
    Highlights the short-term economic forecast for the state's largest metropolitan statistical areas [MSAs] during the 2018-2023 period.
  • "Economic implications for the United States of a North America without NAFTA or USMCA." By Christine McDaniel. Policy Brief (Mercatus Center, George Mason University), May 21, 2019, pp. 1-11.
    Examines key economic implications for the United States in the absence of a North American trade agreement in the areas of market access for trade in goods, intellectual property rights, digital trade, e-commerce, and labor standards.
  • "Texas border economy." By James P. Gaines, et al. Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, May 22, 2019, pp. 1-20.
    Presents a monthly view of the Texas–Mexico border economy, as well as economic indicators in border housing markets. Includes statistics on total resident population, construction values, employment and unemployment, imports and exports, housing sales, home inventory, home median prices, and housing affordability.
  • "Meet the teens who want to get vaccinated against their parents' wishes." By Jillian Keenan. Reason, June 2019, pp. 36-38.
    Considers the question of when teenagers should have the right to make medical decisions for themselves, particularly related to vaccinations. Highlights laws in various states dealing with a variety of medical decisions by teenagers and when parental notification or consent is required.
  • "Neighbors suing over pig farms spur 'right-to-farm' push." By April Simpson. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), May 22, 2019, pp. 1-6.
    Highlights right-to-farm bills that legislatures in at least nine states have considered or enacted this year. Notes critics' concerns that new laws infringe on landowners' property rights, removing their ability to file legitimate nuisance claims.

 

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 May 30, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1309 views. Print this entry.

Previous Entries / More Entries