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Current Articles & Research Resources, May 9, 2024

May 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.

  • Review a fact sheet on pro-Russian hacktivists. (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, May 1, 2024)
  • Search for foreign gifts to and contracts with institutions of higher education. (U.S. Department of Education, accessed May 8, 2024)
  • Explore the 2024 State of the Air report. (American Lung Association, April 24, 2024)
  • Find rest areas along Texas roads and highways. (Texas Department of Transportation, © 2024)

 

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

 

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

This entry was posted on May 9, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 60 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of May 13, 2024

May 8

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 88th Session

Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

 

May 14, 2024
Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
Charge: Cancer Prevention: Identify and recommend ways to address the growing impact of cancer on Texans by evaluating state investments in cancer prevention and screenings including, but not limited to, “CT,” “MRI, and “PET” scans. Study and make recommendations on funding adequacy for prevention efforts at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

Charge: Health Insurance: Examine the Texas health insurance market and alternatives to employer-based insurance. Identify barriers Texans face when navigating a complex health insurance market. Make recommendations that help individuals obtain health care coverage.

Charge: Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services passed by the 88th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

  • Senate Bill 25, relating to support for nursing-related postsecondary education, including scholarships to nursing students, loan repayment assistance to nurses and nursing faculty, and grants to nursing education programs.

 

Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education
Charge: Monitor the Ban on Discriminatory DEI Policies: Examine the implementation of Senate Bill 17, 88th Legislature, which bans discriminatory “DEI” initiatives at institutions of public higher education. Review and report on the progress each institution has made in aligning university policies and procedures with the provisions of Senate Bill 17, ensuring Texas college campuses foster equal opportunity and reward individual merit and achievement.

Charge: Combating Antisemitism on Texas College Campuses: Review campus policies to prevent antisemitism. Study the oversight Texas institutions of higher education have over the formation and operations of student organizations, including access to campus facilities and use of campus property. Make recommendations to prevent antisemitism on college campuses, while protecting First Amendment rights.

Charge: Campus Free Speech: Examine the procedures of Texas public institutions of higher education designed to protect the First Amendment free speech rights of faculty, staff, and students. Monitor and report on compliance Senate Bill 18, 86th Legislature, and make recommendations for any needed reforms.

 

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May 15, 2024
House Committee on House Administration
Topic: The committee will consider the budget for the following: Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations

 

Senate Committee on Local Government
Charge: Secure Texas Against “Squatters”: Review current laws relating to “squatters” or those claiming adverse possession of property. Make recommendations to streamline the process forthe immediate removal of “squatters” and to strengthen the rights ofproperty owners’.

 

Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs
Charge: Veteran Mental Health: Review current programs that provide direct and indirect mental health services to veterans in Texas. Identify barriers to accessing mental health resources for rural veterans. Make recommendations to improve access to mental health support for all veterans.

Charge: Support Service Database for Texas Veterans: Review and report on the progress toward the creation of a single database to facilitate the seamless provision of veteran benefits by state agencies. Make recommendations to improve coordination among state, federal, and local agencies and others that provide benefits to veterans.

Charge: Strengthen Support for Veteran Housing: Study the accessibility and affordability of veteran housing. Identify factors that contribute to veteran homelessness. Determine whether the Veterans Land Board has the tools necessary to maximize their assistance to eligible borrowers in home lending. Make recommendations to update state standards related to veteran home loans and housing.

 

Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs
Charge: Water System Reliability: Evaluate water systems in Texas and identify opportunities to better equip those systems to serve the public. Review the coordination of relevant state agencies dealing with Texas water issues and identify opportunities for improved coordination and effectiveness.

 

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This entry was posted on May 8, 2024 at 2:30 PM and has received 227 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, May 2, 2024

May 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.

  • Explore a national heat risk map, and also the Spanish-language version. (National Weather Service, accessed May 1, 2024)
  • Read about American views on a free press. (Pew Research Center, April 23, 2024)
  • Consider the timeline for the TikTok ban. (Cato Institute, April 30, 2024)
  • Review information related to counterfeit Botox found in multiple states. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration, April 16, 2024)

 

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

 

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

This entry was posted on May 2, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 142 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 25, 2024

Apr 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.

 

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

 

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

This entry was posted on April 25, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 268 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of April 29, 2024

Apr 24

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 88th Session

Today's Committee Meetings on the LRL website is a calendar of interim committee hearings with links to agendas. Below are resources related to upcoming Interim Hearings.

 

April 29, 2024
House Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
Charge: Examining the current state of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies and its uses by private actors in a modern society.
Determining the impact of the application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on various sectors of society.
Identifying policy considerations necessary to ensure the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

 

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May 2, 2024
House Select Committee on Protecting Texas LNG Exports (Port Arthur)
Charge:
(1) Analyzing the applicable legal authorities under which the federal action was taken, including the Natural Gas Act of 1938, as amended (15 U.S.C. section 717 to 717z), and the Administrative Procedure Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. section 551-559);
(2) Assessing the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of such federal action on the state;
(3) Identifying strategies to mitigate all adverse effects on the LNG industry. Texas's energy sector, and the state's economy as a whole; and
(4) Formulating recommendations for legislative, policy, or other remedial actions to address the challenges posed by the federal suspension of LNG export permits.

 

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This entry was posted on April 24, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 400 views. Print this entry.

New & Noteworthy Books and Reports: April 2024

Apr 22

posted by TexasLRL in New & Noteworthy

The Library is continually adding new books to the collection. Below are the titles from our April 2024 New & Noteworthy list.

Check out and delivery of New & Noteworthy titles is available to legislative staff in Capitol and District offices. To arrange check out and delivery of any of these items, you can submit an online request through the New & Noteworthy page on our website or contact the library at 512-463-1252.

 

1. An Age of Accountability: How Standardized Testing Came to Dominate American Schools and Compromise Education
By John L. Rury
Chronicles standardized testing and how it evolved between 1970 and 2020. Examines the growing demand for educational accountability in the 1970’s, leading to the rise of standardized testing as the main vehicle of accountability. Describes issues related to cultural bias in test questions and racial bias evident in the differences in student test scores. Provides suggestions on how to potentially improve the system while still maintaining educational accountability.
Rutgers University Press, 2024, 231 pages
379.1580973 R948 2024

 

 

2. Everyone Who is Gone is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis
By Jonathan Blitzer
Provides an in-depth look at the history and causes of the U.S.-Central American immigration crisis. Analyzes the immigration system at the U.S.-Mexico border and the role of U.S. foreign policy in Central America. Examines the history of federal immigration policy, from the codification of the refugee and asylum law in 1980 to three major humanitarian crises at the border, in 2014, 2019, and 2021. Considers war, crime, hunger, persecution, and economic collapse as motivating factors for migrants coming from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Offers a multilayered picture of the immigration crisis by weaving together the stories of immigrants with those of government officials and politicians responsible for U.S. immigration policy.
Penguin Press, 2024, 523 pages
305.9 B649EV 2024

 

 

3. Latinoland: A Portrait of America's Largest and Least Understood Minority
By Marie Arana
Describes what it means to be Hispanic and Latino through in-depth historical research, interviews, and personal narratives. Studies the perceptions and discrimination Hispanic and Latino encounter in America. Explores the diversity and historical shifts within the ethnic, religious, and political makeups of their communities. Advocates for greater respect for Hispanic and Latino people and a better understanding of America’s "largest and fastest-growing minority." Mentions U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro.
Simon & Schuster, 2024, 554 pages
305.868 AR662 2024

 

 

4. The Politics of Language
By David Beaver and Jason Stanley
Argues that language is inherently political and that the function of speech is to transmit a shared reality, emotion, or identity. Draws on psychology, linguistics, and philosophy to create a novel framework based on the ways language affects audiences: via emotions, perspectives, values, interests, and shared practices. Discusses concepts such as free speech, harmful and oppressive speech, and echo chambers.
Princeton University Press, 2023, 508 pages
303.375 B386P 2023

 

 

5. Saving Public Education: Setting Teachers Free to Teach
By Kent Grusendorf
Examines issues with previous attempts to reform the Texas public school system and the impact on teachers. Advocates for a new level of professional freedom for teachers while addressing issues of teacher and merit pay, administrative control, school finance, educational equity, and the achievement gap. Presents a historical overview of education reform efforts by six governors and the Texas Legislature. Offers solutions for improving the public education system and the ability of teachers to effectively educate their students.
Written by former Representative Kent Grusendorf, who served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1987 to 2007 and was the Chair of the House Public Education Committee during the 78th and 79th Legislative sessions.
Texans for Real Efficiency and Equity in Education, 2020, 165 pages
371.1 G892 2020

 

 

6. From Luby's to the Legislature: One Woman's Fight Against Gun Control
By Suzanna Gratia Hupp
Presents the political and personal memoir of former Representative Suzanna Gratia Hupp. Discusses the shooting she witnessed at a Luby’s Cafeteria restaurant in Killeen, Texas in 1991. Argues for the individual’s right to carry guns, the Second Amendment, and scrutinizes encroachment of the Fourth Amendment. Reflects on the multiple media interviews and events Hupp attended while supporting her beliefs. Mentions her participation as a citizen in support of gun-related bills: HB 1776, 73rd Legislature, R.S. and SB 60, 74th Legislature, R.S. Provides legislative intent for the school safety bill she authored, HB 2353, 77th Legislature, R.S.
Written by Hupp, who won a special election to the Texas House of Representatives in November 1996 and held office until 2007.
Privateer Publications, 2010, 186 pages
328.764 H929H 2010

 

 

7. Barn Burning Barn Building: Tales of a Political Life, From LBJ through George W. Bush and Beyond
By Ben F. Barnes and Lisa Dickey
Details the political inspirations and experiences of former Lieutenant Governor Ben F. Barnes' career in the 1960s and 1970s. Written by Barnes, this memoir describes his life in politics and provides insight into the Texas Democratic Party. Offers advice on how the Democratic Party can regain its prominence in Texas and how our political system can benefit from a public service approach. Barnes became the Speaker of the Texas House in 1965 at 26 years old and was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1969 at age 30.
Contains quotes and details of former members of the Texas Legislature and other public officials including: Governor Dolph Briscoe, Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, Attorney General of Texas Waggoner Carr, Governor John B. Connally, Jr., President Lyndon B. Johnson, U.S. Representative Barbara Jordan, Texas Speaker Gus Mutscher, U.S. Speaker Sam Rayburn, and Governor Preston Smith.
Bright Sky Press, 2006, 256 pages
328.764 B261B

 

 

 

This entry was posted on April 22, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 314 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 18, 2024

Apr 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.

  • Read about the foreign-born population in the U.S. (U.S. Census Bureau, April 9, 2024)
  • Review how colleges and universities are handling antisemitism on campus. (Anti-Defamation League, © 2024)
  • See the most recent statistics on drug shortages. (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, © 2024)
  • Consider Americans’ views on sleep and stress. (Gallup, April 15, 2024)

 

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

 

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

This entry was posted on April 18, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 462 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 11, 2024

Apr 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.

  • Look for newly-implemented broadband consumer labels. (Federal Communications Commission, March 19, 2024)
  • Read about a Texas case that raises preemption issues related to rail transportation. (The Heritage Foundation, April 8, 2024)
  • Review the top law school rankings for 2024. (U.S. News & World Report, accessed April 10, 2024)
  • Explore the Storm Resources website. (Public Utility Commission of Texas, ©2024)

 

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

 

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

This entry was posted on April 11, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 226 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 4, 2024

Apr 4

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 the scope and limits of free speech. (Congressional Research Service, March 29, 2024)
  • Read about youth online safety and First Amendment rights. (Cato Institute, March 28, 2024)
  • Explore drought resources. (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, March 28, 2024)
  • Get tips on how to photograph a solar eclipse safely. (NASA, March 21, 2024)

 

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

 

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

This entry was posted on April 4, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 290 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, March 28, 2024

Mar 28

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 GPT may be used to determine the ordinary meaning of statutory terms. (Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods / University of Chicago Law School, February 6, 2024)
  • Search the FBI's Crime Data Explorer (CDE). (Federal Bureau of Investigation, accessed March 27, 2024)
  • See how much U.S. currency is in circulation in the U.S. (Visual Capitalist, March 12, 2024)
  • Determine which weather service provides the most accurate forecast for your area. (ForecastAdvisor, accessed March 27, 2024)

 

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

 

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

This entry was posted on March 28, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 395 views. Print this entry.

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