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Current Articles & Research Resources, May 9

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. 

  • See how different types of natural disasters affect different parts of the country. (The Washington Post, April 25, 2019)
  • Find free online courses in law and legal topics. (Inner Temple Library, April 2019)
  • Examine statistics about pregnancy-related deaths. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2019)
  • Explore aspects of voter turnout for the 2018 midterm elections. (Pew Research Center, May 1, 2019)

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

  • "Facecourt?" By Mark F. Walsh. ABA Journal: The Lawyer's Magazine, May 2019, pp. 52-57.
    Discusses Facebook's plans to create a judicial-like body to address controversial speech. Examines how this oversight board will function and how board members will be chosen.
  • "The next George Bush." By Elaine Plott. Atlantic Monthly, May 2019, pp. 22-25.
    Profiles George P. Bush, Texas Land Commissioner, and discusses his role in the future of Republican politics.
  • "Craft breweries closer to winning on to-go sales." By Kimberly Reeves. Austin Business Journal, May 3, 2019, p. 15.
    Discusses proposed legislation that would permit statewide sales of craft beer to go. Includes comments by Representative Eddie Rodriguez and mentions Representative Chris Paddie.
  • "Will Muny be saved?" By Daniel Salazar. Austin Business Journal, May 3, 2019, pp. 4-7.
    Reports on efforts to protect Austin's historic Lions Municipal Golf Course from development. Mentions Senator Kirk Watson and SB2553, 86th Legislature, relating to the creation of the Save Historic Muny District.
  • "The US southern border, in numbers." By Henry Gass. Christian Science Monitor, April 15, 2019, pp. A8-A10, A12, A14.
    Profiles Amarillo College's No Excuses Poverty Initiative which partners with the community to offer a wide array of support to students. Explains this program recognizes that poverty and not academic demands can pose the biggest barrier to student success in community colleges.
  • "Parsing prayer policies." By Liz Hayes. Church & State, May 2019, pp. 4-6.
    Reports on governmental entities' struggles to comply with the 2014 United States Supreme Court decision, Town of Greece v. Galloway, which set new standards on government-sponsored invocations.
  • "Funding water infrastructure: How Texas pays for water."  By Spencer Grubbs and Shannon Halbrook. Fiscal Notes, April 2019, pp. 7-10.
    Reviews water infrastructure financing procedures and notable projects of the State Water Implementation Fund of Texas (SWIFT), passed in 2013 as a result of devastating droughts (SJR1 and HB4, 83rd Legislature, R.S.).
  • "How childhood has changed for tweens." By Phyllis L. Fagell. Phi Delta Kappan, April 2019, pp. 8-12.
    Considers three ways in which childhood is different for 21st century adolescents. Discusses the effects of an increased use of technology, mental health challenges, and an awareness of identity issues.
  • "Can rooftop solar survive declining subsidies?: A case study in Louisiana." By Greg Upton. Public Utilities Fortnightly April 2019, pp. 52-54.
    Summarizes a recent white paper from Louisiana State University's Center for Energy Studies. Provides a case study of recent policy changes in Louisiana regarding subsidies for solar energy installations. (Related document at: http://lpscstar.louisiana.gov/star/portal/lpsc/PSC/DocketDetails.aspx?DocketId=822f39ca-66c5-4b39-a5bd-e5c5b76dbcc1).
  • "Solar, a strategy for decarbonizing the grid and increasing resilience: For your consideration." By Joe Song and Sachu Constantine. Public Utilities Fortnightly, April 2019, pp. 48-51.
    Explores how solar energy systems can help improve the electric grid. Points out the performance of commercial solar in the wake of Hurricane Florence.
  • "When gun control is censorship." By Zach Weissmueller. Reason, May 2019, p. 42-29.
    Interviews Paloma Heindorff, the recently installed chief of Defense Distributed, the Austin-based company that gained notoriety by making a usable plastic handgun with a 3D printer. Presents her views on the company's ongoing legal battles dealing with digital gun-making.
  • "Warning signs." By Christopher Collins. Texas Observer, May/June 2019, pp. 12-19.
    Investigates the high rate of suicide in rural Texas and the barriers to mental health care that are worsening the crisis.
  • "Contrasting costs." By Ali Anari. Tierra Grande, April 2019, pp. 2-5.
    Investigates the high rate of suicide in rural Texas and the barriers to mental health care that are worsening the crisis.
  • "Public spending on infants and toddlers in six charts: A kids' share brief." By Julia B. Isaacs, et al. Urban Institute Brief, May 6, 2019, pp. 1-11.
    Summarizes federal and state spending on infants and toddlers through programs and tax reductions. Finds lower levels of state and local spending on this age group.

 

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 9, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1085 views. Print this entry.

Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, May 6

May 6

posted by TexasLRL in Legislation, Bill statistics, Legislative process, 86th Session

As the 86th Legislature draws to a close, a series of end-of-session deadlines begin to take effect. Below is a list of deadlines that occur next week:

  • Wednesday, May 15: 9 a.m. Deadline for house to distribute its last House Local & Consent Calendar with local house bills.
  • Friday, May 17: Last day for house to consider local house bills on second and third reading. First day senate can consider bills and resolutions the first day they are posted on the Senate Intent Calendar.
  • Saturday, May 18: Last day for house committees to report senate bills and senate joint resolutions.
  • Sunday, May 19: 10 p.m. Deadline for house to distribute its last House Daily Calendar with senate bills and senate joint resolutions.

House and Senate calendars are available on the Texas Legislature Online, and Senate agendas are available in hard copy from the library (Rm. 2N.3). 

 

Bill statistics for the period of Nov. 12, 2018 - May 3, 2019 are below.

  House Bills (HB) & Joint Resolutions (HJR) Senate Bills (SB) & Joint Resolutions (SJR)
Filed  4,911 2,629
Reported out of committee 2,278 866
Passed by chamber of origin 1,111 720
Referred to committee in opposite chamber 708 592
Reported out of committee in opposite chamber 115 270
Passed opposite chamber 41 63
Signed by the Governor 3 5

 

 

This entry was posted on May 6, 2019 at 1:00 PM and has received 1557 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, May 2

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. 

  • Examine guidance related to addressing natural disaster debris . (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, April 2019)
  • Review figures related to the cost of war to the U.S. since 9/11. (Congressional Research Service, April 18, 2019)
  • Check by VIN whether a vehicle is under a recall. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accessed May 1, 2019)
  • Read a recent report of the Texas Women's Health Program. (Texas Health and Human Services Commission, May 2019)

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

  • "It's time for states to invest in infrastructure (2019)." By Elizabeth C. McNichol. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Updated March 19, 2019, pp. 1-22. (Note length)
    Discusses the critical need for state investments in public infrastructure, including transportation, roads, bridges, airports, public buildings, and water and sewer treatment systems, and the economic, business, and environmental benefits of infrastructure improvement. Includes a 50-state table of state and local capital spending by state since 2000 as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), with Texas at 2.14 percent for 2016.
  • "Former student aid." By Jacob Fischler. CQ Weekly, April 1, 2019, pp. 27-29.
    Addresses oversight of the student loan industry at the state level. Discusses states' legislative efforts to require student loan servicers to be licensed by state-level agencies.
  • "The future of cars: Charging ahead." Economist, April 20th-26th, 2019, pp. 57-59.
    Presents an optimistic forecast for increased production and sales of electric vehicles, noting major car companies are rethinking their established business models.
  • "Minimum wages: Floored."  Economist, April 27th-May 3rd, 2019, pp. 21, 24.
    Reports state and local governments are causing the federal pay floor to be left behind, making the federal minimum wage irrelevant.
  • "States' progress uneven in K-12 funding battles." By Daarel Burnette II. Education Week, April 17, 2019, pp. 14, 16.
    Provides a snapshot of current legislative efforts by states, including Texas, to overhaul their antiquated and often inequitable systems of funding K-12 schools.
  • "Texas water: Planning for more." By Spencer Grubbs, et al. Fiscal Notes, April 2019, pp. 1, 3-6.
    Analyzes trends in Texas water supply and demand, surface water infrastructure, and the continuing challenge presented by droughts.
  • "Amending the Peeler doctrine: How to provide convicted plaintiffs an equitable opportunity to pursue legal malpractice claims."  By Nicholas Van Cleve. Houston Law Review, 2019, pp. 927-963. (Note length)
    Examines the inability of convicted plaintiffs to sue for legal malpractice and the evolution of the Peeler doctrine since the 1995 Texas Supreme Court ruling. Compares the doctrine to rules in other states and suggests alternatives to the present system in Texas.
  • "CARB [California Air Resources Board] calls for improved monitoring around refineries, communities." By Nick Snow. Oil and Gas Journal, April 1, 2019, pp. 29-30.
    Reports on California's efforts to monitor air quality around refineries. Notes that these efforts resulted from a fire that raised concerns regarding emergency preparedness. References recommendations from a recent report.
  • "Recession graduates: The long-lasting effects of an unlucky draw." By Hannes Schwandt. Policy Brief (Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research), April 18, 2019, pp. 1-4.
    Examines the effects of temporary economic fluctuations on socioeconomic status, health, and mortality.
  • "Environmental responsibility: The cornerstone of public power." By Betsy Loeff. Public Power, March/April 2019, pp. 38-42.
    Looks at the different ways three public power utilities have implemented sustainable initiatives. Refers to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Affordable Clean Energy rule.
  • "It's time to update public financing of public infrastructure." By John Godfrey. Public Power, March/April 2019, p. 45.
    Argues that Congress should modernize bonds as a way to update public infrastructure financing.
  • "The flood next time." By Gus Bova. Texas Observer, May/June 2019, pp. 20-25.
    Discusses flooding risks of the proposed border wall for the Rio Grande floodplain to Texas counties and Mexico. Argues a lack of transparency has prevented input from local officials on any detailed plans for the border wall and has increased the probability of devastating flooding in their communities.

 

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 2, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 924 views. Print this entry.

Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, April 29

Apr 29

posted by TexasLRL in Legislation, Bill statistics, Legislative process, 86th Session

As the 86th Legislature draws to a close, a series of end-of-session deadlines begin to take effect. Below is a list of deadlines that occur next week:

  • Monday, May 6: Last day for house committees to report house bills and house joint resolutions.
  • Tuesday, May 7: Deadline for house to distribute last House Daily Calendar with house bills and house joint resolutions.
  • Wednesday, May 8: Deadline for house to distribute last House Local and Consent Calendar with consent house bills.
  • Thursday, May 9: Last day for house to consider house bills and house joint resolutions on second reading on House Daily or Supplemental Calendar.
  • Friday, May 10: Last day for house to consider consent house bills on second and third reading and all third reading house bills or house joint resolutions on House Supplemental Calendar.

House and Senate calendars are available on the Texas Legislature Online, and Senate agendas are available in hard copy from the library (Rm. 2N.3). 

Bill statistics for the period of Nov. 12, 2018 - April 26, 2019 are below.

  House Bills (HB) & Joint Resolutions (HJR) Senate Bills (SB) & Joint Resolutions (SJR)
Filed  4,908 2,625
Reported out of committee 2,155 800
Passed by chamber of origin 696 580
Referred to committee in opposite chamber 403 440
Reported out of committee in opposite chamber 28 152
Passed opposite chamber 6 27
Signed by the Governor 0 0

 

 

This entry was posted on April 29, 2019 at 4:40 PM and has received 1111 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 25

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. 

  • Explore agricultural activity in America. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, April 11, 2019)
  • Examine recent statistics related to school crime and safety. (National Center for Education Statistics, April 2019)
  • Consider how access to special education varies by state. (U.S. Government Accountability Office, April 2019)
  • See how Dallas and Houston metropolitan areas have become some of the most populous in the nation. (U.S. Census Bureau, April 18, 2019)

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

  • "How much immigration is too much?" By David Frum. Atlantic Monthly, April 2019, pp. 64-74.
    Argues effective immigration policy can make the United States a stronger, richer country for newcomers and long-settled citizens. Suggests replacing the current patchwork of policies with a new policy focusing on reducing immigration and selecting immigrants more carefully.
  • "Going green: Marijuana policy impacts on state budgets." By Lisa McKinney. Capitol Ideas, Issue 1 2019, pp. 14-15.
    Describes the marijuana legalization process in Massachusetts and Colorado and the increased tax revenue to state budgets. Notes a recent analysis by New Frontier Data showing a full federal legalization of marijuana would generate $108 billion over seven years.
  • "Three new ways for Congress to legalize illegal immigrants." By Alex Nowrasteh and David J. Bier. CATO Briefing Papers, April 10, 2019, pp. 1-6.
    Offers innovative proposals that overcome some of the political objections to granting legal status to illegal immigrants: tiered legalization, rolling legalization, and amnesty with limited family sponsorship.
  • "The revival of 'made in the USA'." By Laurent Belsie. Christian Science Monitor, April 8, 2019, p. 1.
    Highlights the rise in manufacturing jobs under the Obama and Trump administrations in terms of whether the momentum will continue and how tariffs might affect these jobs.
  • "Teaching or preaching?" By Rob Boston. Church & State, April 2019, pp. 10-13.
    Examines school district curricula for Bible literacy classes. Finds that state legislation often outlines evangelistic goals, making objective instruction elusive. Mentions HB1287, 80th Texas Legislature, relating to the academic study of the Bible in public schools. (Report at: http://a.tfn.org/site/DocServer/TFNEF_ReadingWritingReligionII.pdf?docID=3481)
  • "Will home sales prices become public?" By Kimberly Reeves. Dallas Business Journal, April 12, 2019, p. 2.
    Discusses HB1036, 86th Legislature, relating to mandatory sales price disclosure in real property sales. Includes comments by Representatives Michelle Beckley and Trey Martinez Fischer.
  • "Abortion controls: In a heartbeat."  Economist, April 13th-19th, 2019, p. 27.
    Examines whether the rush of state-level heartbeat bills will achieve pro-lifers' goal — getting the United States Supreme Court to weigh in on the issue and using one of these bills to overturn Roe v. Wade.
  • "Teaching migrant children." By Kavitha Cardoza. Education Week, April 10, 2019, pp. 12-16.
    Addresses the impact of migrant children, who have sought asylum in the United States, on public schools. Profiles several migrant students and their experiences in public schools across the nation, including Texas.
  • "Little public support for reductions in federal spending." By Pew Research Center. Internet Resource, April 11, 2019, pp. 1-29. (Note lenth)
    Reports findings from a Pew Research Center survey on federal spending across thirteen government program areas. Analyzes partisan differences in spending increases and the size and scope of the federal government.
  • "Parsing the waters." By Charles N. Herrick. Issues in Science and Technology, Spring 2019, pp. 77-83.
    Provides a history of federal legislation related to the reclamation and protection of wetlands. Discusses recent changes to domestic wetlands policy and provides recommendations for future legislation and management.

 

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 25, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 957 views. Print this entry.

New & Noteworthy: April 2019

Apr 24

posted by TexasLRL in New & Noteworthy

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the seven titles from our April 2019 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, contact the library at 512-463-1252, or use our PDF request form.

 

1. Summary of Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill 1: 2020-21 Biennium
By Legislative Budget Board
Presents an overview of the General Appropriations Bill. Provides the total appropriations for the 2020–21 biennium by each method of finance for each article in the bill compared to the 2018–19 biennium. Highlights major funding items, significant policy, and fiscal issues. Addresses constitutional spending limits, the Rainy Day Fund, and the Texas Economic Outlook. Includes article specific chapters, bill comparisons, and a reader's guide to the General Appropriations Bill.
Legislative Budget Board, 2019. 134 pages.
Online at: http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/Documents/Appropriations_Bills/86/Senate/5768_Summary_Senate_Committee_Substitute_House_Bill_1_86.pdf
L1300.8 B859 2020_21SS


 

 

2. Summary of House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1: 2020-21 Biennium
By Legislative Budget Board
Presents an overview of the General Appropriations Bill. Provides the total appropriations for the 2020–21 biennium by each method of finance for each article in the bill compared to the 2018–19 biennium. Highlights major funding items, significant policy, and fiscal issues. Addresses constitutional spending limits, the Rainy Day Fund, and the Texas Economic Outlook. Includes article specific chapters, bill comparisons, and a reader's guide to the General Appropriations Bill.
Legislative Budget Board, 2019. 140 pages.
Online at: http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/Documents/Appropriations_Bills/86/House/5692_Bill_Summary_House_Committee.pdf
L1300.8 B859 2020_21SH


 

 

3. CSHB 1, the House Appropriations Committee's Proposed Budget for Fiscal 2020-21
By House Research Organization
Provides an overview of the proposed state budget and of each article of CSHB 1. Highlights significant budget issues, including proposals for funding individual agencies and programs.
House Research Organization, 2019. 40 pages.
Online at: https://hro.house.texas.gov/pdf/focus/2019CSHB_1.pdf
L1801.9 ST94 86F-2


 

 

4. Women's Suffrage in Texas: Struggle, the Story: Successes, Notable Firsts: Senators, Women of the Texas Senate
By Texas Senate
Presents the achievements of women in Texas in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment. Describes the struggle for suffrage and the legislative efforts to achieve enfranchisement for women. Provides brief biographies of significant women in Texas, including former and current Texas Senators. Notes that since the first woman was elected to a statewide office a century ago, Texas women have served at every level of state and local government - currently there are 33 women in the Texas House of Representatives and 9 in the Texas Senate.
Texas Senate, 2019. 63 pages.
L1803.8 W842 2019


 

 

5. Trains, Buses, People: An Opinionated Atlas of US Transit
By Christof Spieler
Offers a roadmap for building effective public transit. Compares 47 metropolitan areas in the U.S. that have rail transit or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), using data, photos, and maps. Ranks best and worst systems and offers analysis of how geography, politics, and history complicate transit planning. Includes discussion of transit systems in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Island Press, 2018. 251 pages.
388.4 SP44T 2018


 

 

6. Where is Sam Houston Buried?: A Tour of the Graves of the Governors of Texas
By John Swearingen
Reports on the burial location of each governor of Texas from James P. Henderson to Ann Richards. Profiles each governor in a one-page entry that includes a portrait of the governor, photograph of the gravesite, and brief facts about the governor's life and career.
2015. 56 pages.
923.2 SW31W 2015


 

 

This entry was posted on April 24, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1406 views. Print this entry.

Bills in the News: Flooding Relief

Apr 24

posted by TexasLRL in Bills in the News, 86th Session

In this occasional post, we feature topics receiving widespread media coverage, tips for finding bills filed during the 86th legislative session, and related resources.

 

Severe weather threatens Texas regularly, from hurricanes to thunderstorms and tornadoes. Flooding that results from these events leaves significant damage behind, evident once the waters recede. During this legislative session, bills related to both disaster preparedness and floods have been filed.   

 

To find these bills, use the Bill Search feature on the Texas Legislature Online to combine the subjects Disaster Preparedness & Relief (I0211) and FLOODS (S0327).

 

 

 

To find a broader list of bills related to disaster preparedness and relief, simply search with the subject Disaster Preparedness & Relief (I0211).

 

 

This entry was posted on April 24, 2019 at 10:20 AM and has received 1486 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 18

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. 

  • Find election dates for 2019. (Texas Secretary of State, accessed April 17, 2019)
  • Track news updates from the Texas Department of State Health Services. (Texas Department of State Health Services, accessed April 17, 2019)
  • Consider recent approaches to changing the situation at the border. (The Heritage Foundation, April 11, 2019)
  • Read about America's infrastructure workforce. (Brookings, April 16, 2019)

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

  • "Policymakers bet on sports wagering." By Lisa McKinney. Capitol Ideas, Issue 1 2019, pp. 12-13.
    Discusses the United States Supreme Court's May 2018 ruling in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association and potential state legalization of sports betting.
  • "CBD goes mainstream." Consumer Reports, May 2019, pp. 44-50.
    Examines the results of a survey on cannabidiol [CBD], a compound extracted from hemp and marijuana. Provides insights into who is using CBD, why they use it, and how effective they say it is.
  • "Corporate crises: The new age of corporate scandals." Economist, April 6th-12th, 2019, pp.51-53.
    Discusses the rise in corporate misconduct and scandals, including those involving Boeing, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and Facebook. Suggests the abatement of three forces that constrained corporate conduct — regulation, litigation, and competition — has increased the incentive for firms to take more risks.
  • "State ESSA report cards fall short, asserts data-transparency group." By Daarel Burnette II. Education Week, April 10, 2019, pp. 21, 25.
    Summarizes results of a study conducted on how well states are collecting and reporting required school data under the Every Student Succeeds Act [ESSA]. Notes Texas is still not complying with ESSA's reporting requirements in teacher effectiveness and student discipline.
  • "Selling AI: The case of fully autonomous vehicles." By Diane E. Bailey and Ingrid Erickson. Issues in Science and Technology, Spring 2019, pp. 57-61.
    Examines claims that autonomous vehicles are the sole means of reducing motor vehicle deaths. Discusses the "Safe System" approach to improving traffic safety through both technological advances and improvements to road infrastructure. (Related document at: http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/912871516999678053/Report-Safe-Systems-final.pdf)
  • "Retirement insecurity 2019: Americans' views of the retirement crisis." By Diane Oakley and Kelly Kenneally. National Institute on Retirement Security, March 2019, pp. 1-28. (Note length)
    Presents public opinion poll findings on retirement issues in the United States, including pension plans for state and local government employees.
  • "Keeping up the pace: State, city, and private sector transportation decarbonization."  By Fatima Maria Ahmad. Natural Resources & Environment, Spring 2019, pp. 40-44.
    Highlights state and regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, including: cap-and-invest programs, electronic vehicle charging corridors, and zero emissions vehicles programs. Discusses private sector efforts and opportunities to meet new demand with electric vehicle development and charging infrastructure.
  • "Under the gun." By Paige Williams. New Yorker, April 8, 2019, pp. 26-32.
    Highlights the "Stop the Bleed" protocol developed by the Hartford Consensus to provide rapid casualty care at intentional mass casualty events. Discusses the priority of training and equipping a wide variety of people with these techniques since the real first responders are bystanders at these incidents.
  • "The short-term outlook for the Texas economy." By M. Ray Perryman. Perryman Report and Texas Letter, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 1-3, 6.
    Discusses factors that are contributing to the growth of the Texas economy, as well as key patterns affecting future performance over the 2018-2023 period.
  • "Bill looks to end noncompetes." By Jessica Corso. San Antonio Business Journal, March 29, 2019, pp. 8.
    Highlights HB1522, 86th Legislature, which would bar staffing agencies at oil and gas companies from requiring workers sign noncompete agreements.
  • "Position as top exporting state exposes Texas to shifting trade policy." By Jesus Canas and Stephanie Gullo. Southwest Economy (Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas), First Quarter 2019, pp. 3-7.
    Analyzes Texas' comparative trade advantage, especially in energy-related manufacturing and oil and gas mining. Describes how trade policy uncertainty and steel and aluminum tariffs could disrupt and affect the world standing of Texas manufacturing.
  • "Back from the brink." By Savannah Gilmore and Erica Mackellar. State Legislatures, March/April 2019, pp. 8-11, 13.
    Reports federal tax reforms, United States Supreme Court decisions, and legislative changes to states' tax policies have resulted in net revenue increases, placing states in a better position to weather the next economic downturn.
  • "Eminent domain works in Texas — for the takers." By Russell Boening. Texas Agriculture, April 5, 2019, p. 2.
    Discusses the eminent domain process in Texas and how it negatively affects land owners. Mentions HB991 and SB421, 86th Legislature.
  • "Results of the 2018 unfunded mandate survey."  Texas County Progress, April 2019, pp. 16-23.
    Reviews the effects various unfunded and under-funded mandates have on local government and property taxes. (Report at: https://31j8fe2l56f122iue1wuvve1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2018-Unfunded-Mandates-Book-Final_WebVersion.pdf)
  • "AIMing to save lives." By Sean Price. Texas Medicine, April 2019, pp. 21-23.
    Discusses maternal health initiatives that prevent maternal deaths in hospital settings. Highlights AIM Bundles, guidelines set up by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health [AIM]. Includes maternal health-related bills from 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.

 

This entry was posted on April 18, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1046 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 11

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. 

  • Read about proposed legislation in Congress that would prohibit the IRS from offering free tax filing online. (ProPublica, April 9, 2019)
  • Consider work zone safety on Texas roads. (Texas Department of Transportation, April 8, 2019)
  • Beware of phone scammers after your personal information. (Texas Health & Human Services, April 9, 2019)
  • See how well your science knowledge stacks up against other Americans. (Pew Research Center, March 28, 2019)

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

  • "Dismal grades." By Lorelei Laird. ABA Journal: The Lawyer's Magazine, April 2019, pp. 18-19.
    Reports the advent of legislatively-mandated school performance standards is helping school finance litigation plaintiffs convince courts that states aren't giving school districts the funding necessary to meet those standards.
  • "Do ecosystems have rights?" By Amanda Paulson and Henry Gass. Christian Science Monitor, April 1, 2019, pp. 16-17.
    Considers the rights-of-nature movement as embodied in the "Lake Erie Bill of Rights" recently passed by voters in Toledo, Ohio. Reviews the various legal principles that might be used to interpret such rights.
  • "Admissions officers didn't cause the scandal. But they helped shape the culture that spawned it." By Eric Hoover. Chronicle of Higher Education, March 22, 2019, pp. A10-A11.
    Explains the recent college admission scandal uncovered the wealth and privilege that have long been a part of college admission issues in setting up unfair advantages for higher-income students. Suggests this is an opportunity for colleges to examine more rigorously the inequities in current processes and procedures.
  • "Why thousands of college grads start their careers at a rental-car-company." By Beckie Supiano. Chronicle of Higher Education, March 15, 2019, pp. A10-A12, A14.
    Profiles the management-training program at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and its requirement that candidates have a bachelor's degree. Explains the company sees degree completion as evidence of competencies necessary to succeed in an entry-level job and move up.
  • "Joint resolution." By Jennifer Shutt. CQ Weekly, March 4, 2019, pp. 16-22.
    Discusses federal legislation to loosen the nation's marijuana laws and the unlikely coalition of lawmakers behind the effort for change. Addresses the growing acceptance of marijuana use, the disparities between federal and state laws, and the outlook for changing marijuana policy.
  • "Hanging with the anti-vaxxers: Sharp exchanges." Economist, March 30th-April 5th, 2019, pp. 34, 36.
    Considers how the pro-vaccine camp can respond effectively to those who oppose vaccines. Notes the growing influence of vaccine-choice political action committees.
  • "Fairness matters: A chart book on who pays state and local taxes." Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, March 2019, pp. 1-18.
    Analyzes the distribution of state and local taxes and the adequacy of tax systems to fund schools, health care, infrastructure, and other public services. Illustrates the tax burden in sales tax-reliant systems, especially for low- and moderate-income families. Includes Texas. (Related document at: https://itep.org/whopays/).
  • "Why do hundreds of US women die annually in childbirth?" By Anita Slomski. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), April 2, 2019, pp. 1239-1241.
    Investigates rising maternal mortality rates in the United States and underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths. Reports 60 percent of maternal deaths are preventable and the leading cause of death varies significantly by race.
  • "The short-term forecast for the US economy." By M. Ray Perryman. Perryman Report and Texas Letter, Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 1-3, 6.
    Highlights the latest forecast for the economy over the 2018 to 2023 period.
  • "Lower oil prices, tight labor markets to restrain Texas growth in 2019." By Keith R. Phillips and Judy Teng. Southwest Economy (Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas), First Quarter 2019, pp. 10-13.
    Presents an economic forecast of the Texas energy, manufacturing, and construction sectors for 2019.
  • "The final word: Dennis Bonnen." By Jane Carroll Andrade. State Legislatures, March/April 2019, pp. 37.
    Interviews Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen.
  • "An analysis of Texas jail bookings: How Texas counties could save millions of dollars by safely diverting people from jail." Appendix. Texas Appleseed, April 2, 2019, pp. 1-11.
    Analyzes jail booking records from large Texas counties (Bell, Collin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hidalgo, Jefferson, McLennan, Montgomery, Tarrant, and Travis), to describe who is being booked into jail, on what charges, and how long they are staying. Addresses how counties could safely reduce jail populations.
  • "Time and treasure: Faith-based response to Hurricane Harvey." By Noah Westfall, Erica Nelson and Bee Moorhead. Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy, March 10, 2019, pp. 1-10.
    Highlights the role of faith-based communities in Hurricane Harvey disaster response and recovery. Advocates a public/private collaboration for disaster response in Texas that would ensure financial accountability and transparency.
  • "Borders without enough doctors." By Sean Price. Texas Medicine, April 2019, pp. 30-37.
    Profiles El Paso physicians who volunteer their time to provide medical care for asylum-seekers along the Texas border. Reports their goal is to build a nationwide network of volunteer doctors.
  • "Goodbye to an aquifer." By Brantley Hargrove. Texas Monthly, April 2019, pp. 90-102.
    Discusses the effects of recent drought and population increase on the Trinity Aquifer and the availability of groundwater in Bell County and Williamson County. Contrasts the work of the Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District in Bell County and the lack of a groundwater conservation district in Williamson County. Mentions HB1594, 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.

This entry was posted on April 11, 2019 at 3:15 PM and has received 1256 views. Print this entry.

National Library Week 2019

Apr 9

posted by TexasLRL in National Library Week

This week, April 7-13, 2019, is National Library Week. This year’s theme, Libraries = Strong Communities, illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses. The LRL is proud to not only serve members of the Texas Legislature and state agencies but also members of the public.

 

The library provides many helpful resources for constituents including:

 

• Bill status hotline: 877-824-7038 (toll-free in Texas). Texas residents can call toll-free for information on pending bills, committee hearings, elected officials, the legislative process, and online legislative resources. The hotline is available during session Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended hours when either chamber is in session.

 

• State agency hotlines and citizen assistance provides frequently requested contact numbers and websites for state agencies, arranged by the following topics: Aging & Seniors; Children & Families; Consumer Protection & Tax Assistance; Courts & Legal Assistance; Health, Social Services & Public Safety; Labor, Employment & Retirement; Mortgage & Foreclosure Assistance; Natural Resources; Professional Licensing & Complaints; State Government; Transportation; and Utilities.

 

• Contacting your legislator includes information on how to contact members of the Legislature, as well as proper forms of address for elected officials. 

 

• Legislative agencies and the legislative process in Texas lists the agencies in the legislative branch with their roles and responsibilities, and includes overviews of the legislative process.

 

The library is open to the public for study and research purposes; however, circulation privileges are limited to legislators, their staff, and employees of other legislative agencies.

 

To find out more about what we do, as well as the variety of resources we provide, we invite you to visit and explore our website. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Pinterest, read our blog, or subscribe to one of the library's RSS feeds.

 

This entry was posted on April 9, 2019 at 3:30 PM and has received 1808 views. Print this entry.

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