

In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.
- Examine data sets and maps related to wind turbines in the U.S. (The United States Wind Turbine Database, accessed May 16, 2018)
- Explore the comprehensive online source for information about voting in Texas. (Texas Secretary of State, accessed May 16, 2018)
- Find out about air quality in your area. (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, accessed May 16, 2018)
- Read about President Trump's federal court nominations during the first year of his term. (Congressional Research Service, May 2, 2018)
- "Oil and gas rebound powers GDP growth." By Daniel Salazar. Austin Business Journal, May 11, 2018, p. 12.
Reports strong mining and construction sectors fueled Texas' gross domestic product [GDP] growth in the fourth quarter of 2017, leading all other states. Estimates GDP will grow about 4.2 percent in 2018, but warns policy missteps in international trade could hurt export-dependent states. Related information at: https://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/regional/gdp_state/qgdpstate_newsrelease.htm. - "Helping manufacturing-intensive communities: What works?" By Timothy J. Bartik. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, May 9, 2018, pp. 1-17.
Discusses economic development in communities with above-average shares of manufacturing. Outlines three cost-effective ways to promote manufacturing job growth, including expansion of services to small and medium-sized manufacturers, infrastructure and land investment, and public spending on job training programs. - "In Kentucky, a test of Medicaid rules." By Henry Gass. Christian Science Monitor, May 7, 2018, pp. 18-20.
Examines the procedures and rules Kentucky is using to re-design its Medicaid program and become the first state to enforce work and community engagement requirements on a portion of Medicaid recipients. Related information at: https://kentuckyhealth.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx. - "A university in Texas promised scholarships to 50 Nepali students. Then it revoked the offer." Chronicle of Higher Education, May 11, 2018, pp. A20-A21.
Highlights the recent "oversight" that caused the University of Texas at Tyler to rescind offers to 50 Nepali students of full-ride scholarships the university could not afford. - "Efforts to stop human trafficking." By Beth A. Williams. Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, Spring 2018, pp. 623-629.
Explains the federal government's approach to stopping human trafficking. Describes efforts across the country to apprehend and prosecute human traffickers and provide assistance to human trafficking victims. - "Renewable power cos. see potential home in Houston." Houston Business Journal, May 3, 2018, pp. 18-19.
Examines Houston's future as the home of leading companies in the renewable energy industry. - "EIA's estimates for Texas crude oil production account for incomplete state data." By Emily Geary and Jess Biercevicz. Internet Resource, March 26, 2018, pp. 1-2.
Reports that there are differences in the data published by the United States Energy Information Administration and by the Texas Railroad Commission for crude oil and lease condensate production, which indicates differences in the treatment of incomplete and lagged data. Includes an example of recently reported data and explains why this may occur. Related information at: https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/supply/monthly/. - "Hurricane Harvey: The experiences of immigrants living in the Texas Gulf Coast." By Bryan Wu, et al. Internet Resource, March 2018, pp. 1-12.
Surveys immigrants living in the Texas Gulf Coast region to better understand their experiences with Hurricane Harvey and improve ongoing and future disaster recovery efforts among this particularly vulnerable population. - "Rating teacher-preparation programs: Can value-added make useful distinctions?" By Paul T. von Hippel and Laura Bellows. Internet Resource, Summer 2018, pp. 1-8.
Examines the effectiveness of ranking teacher-preparation programs based on teachers' "value-added" to student testing scores. Re-analyzes prior evaluations of teacher-preparation programs from six locations, including Texas. - "Weather alert: Move forward on clean energy." By Jim Murphy. Natural Resources & Environment, Spring 2018, pp. 52-53.
Observes that weather-related disasters around the world are becoming more common and more severe. Suggests that relying more on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar provides for a more stable and secure energy supply. - "Emergency preparedness: Resiliency is key to effective disaster planning." By Sarah A. Deslauriers. Opflow, March 2018, pp. 26-28.
Argues that water utilities need to develop contingency plans to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events that could negatively impact operations and reliable service. Refers to a resource from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Related information at: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/homeland_security/disasterprep/disasterprep.html. - "Powering into the future." By Glen Andersen. State Legislatures, May 2018, pp. 24-25, 27.
Considers the costs and challenges involved in modernizing existing electricity distribution infrastructure to accommodate technological advancements and a rapidly changing energy market. - "This jobs program just might get people back to work." By Sophie Quinton. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), May 9, 2018, pp. 1-6.
Discusses new federal law, part of the Bipartisan Budget Act, which will require states participating in the reemployment grant program to create evidence-based programs that improve employment outcomes of people who receive unemployment compensation and reduce their time receiving benefits. Highlights Nevada's successful model. Related information at: http://evidencebasedprograms.org/document/nevada-rea-program-evidence-summary/ and https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/hr1892/BILLS-115hr1892enr.pdf#page=64. - "Finding ways to save new moms." By Sean Price. Texas Medicine, May 2018, pp. 36-38.
Explores work by the Texas Medical Association's Maternal Health Congress, the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force, and the Texas Department of State Health Services, to understand better Texas' maternal mortality rate and identify proposed actions. - "The interview: The map master Michael Li." By Michael Barajas. Texas Observer, April/May 2018, pp. 10-11.
Interviews Michael Li, Senior Counsel for the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program and author of the Texas Redistricting and Election Law blog, on the upcoming Texas redistricting case to be heard by the United States Supreme Court. Provides background information on redistricting litigation in Texas.
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. God Save Texas: A Journey into the Soul of the Lone Star State
By Lawrence Wright
Presents a portrait of Texas through a collection of observations, personal experiences, and reflections by the author. Explores the history, culture, and politics of Texas, acknowledging its virtues as well as its many contradictions. Recounts numerous stories about Texas' colorful history, including some of the more divisive legislative battles fought inside the Capitol. Provides intimate portraits of notable Texans from both political and artistic worlds. Considers the author's love for the state alongside his concerns about its political trajectory.
Alfred A. Knopf, 2018. 349 pages.
917.6404 W933G 2018

2. We the Corporations: How American Businesses Won Their Civil Rights
By Adam Winkler
Chronicles the history of the corporate rights movement from the pre-Revolutionary period to the recent Supreme Court decisions in the Citizens United and Hobby Lobby cases. Argues these cases were not an aberration but rather marked the culmination of a 200-year campaign by corporations to obtain the same constitutional rights as individual citizens and to limit regulation of big business. Profiles Supreme Court justices, politicians, and activists who played significant roles in the movement, including Daniel Webster, Roscoe Conkling, Alexander Hamilton, Theodore Roosevelt, Thurgood Marshall, and Louis Brandeis.
Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2018. 403 pages.
346.73 W729W 2018

3. Where There's Smoke: The Environmental Science, Public Policy, and Politics of Marijuana
By Char Miller, ed.
Discusses the impact that the legal and illegal marijuana industries are having on the environment, immigrants, crime, and the economy. Reviews how cannabis legalization efforts in Oregon, Colorado, California, and Washington, D.C., have benefited them economically. Considers whether the legalization of marijuana in these states is a precursor to marijuana being removed as a Schedule I drug and allowing for federal legalization.
University Press of Kansas, 2018. 221 pages.
362.29 M612W 2018

4. Drones Across America: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulation and State Laws
By Dr. Sarah Nilsson
Analyzes the ever-changing legal and regulatory framework surrounding drones and drone technology in the United States, from Federal Aviation Administration regulations to state drone laws, and best practices for operation of commercial, government, and recreational drones in different airspaces. Defines terms used in the regulation of drones: unmanned aircraft (UA), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and the subcategories of micro UAS, small UAS, and large UAS.
American Bar Association, Air & Space Law Forum, 2017. 349 pages.
343.7309 N599D 2017

5. Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America
By James Forman Jr.
Provides historical perspective on how drug policies, gun control, policing, and sentencing became increasingly punitive starting in the mid-1970s, with the impact falling hardest on the African American community—and why many members of this community supported these harsher law enforcement tactics. Notes that despite recent reform efforts, particularly to decriminalize marijuana possession, people of color continue to be overrepresented in prison populations. Calls for a criminal justice system that seeks accountability rather than vengeance.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2017. 306 pages.
364.973089 F765L 2018

6. Sources of Revenue: A History of State Taxes and Fees in Texas, 1972 to 2016
By Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Fiscal Management Division
Provides a guide to the history and status of Texas state revenue sources, identifying and tracking legislative changes affecting state tax and fee revenues from 1972 through 2016. Profiles each tax and fee and sets forth legal citations, revenue history, rates, and bases.
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Fiscal Management Division, 2017. 252 pages.
Online at: https://comptroller.texas.gov/transparency/revenue/sources.php
C2600.8 SO85 2017

7. Spanish Water, Anglo Water: Early Development in San Antonio
By Charles R. Porter Jr.
Discusses the early development of water rights in San Antonio. Notes that the principles of water rights established in Spanish colonial land grants comprise the theoretical basis of important portions of Texas water laws still in effect today. Analyzes management and sharing of water under Spanish control from 1718 to 1836 and under Anglo control from 1836 to 1902. Attributes post-1840 and current challenges in resolving water rights disputes, as well as questionable judicial rulings, to the blending of Spanish civil law and English common law.
Texas A & M University Press, 2009. 181 pages.
333.91009764 P833S 2009
- Action Plans and Amendments (State of Texas Plan for Disaster Recovery: Hurricane Harvey – Round 1, State of Texas Plan for Disaster Recovery: Hurricane Harvey, and amendments), Texas General Land Office, Community Development & Revitalization Program, 2018
- Recovery Tracker, The Governor's Commission to Rebuild Texas, Updated May 4, 2018
- Interim Hearings – Week of January 15, 2018, House Committee on Urban Affairs, January 18, Legislative Reference Library, January 8, 2018
- Higher Education Funding: Overview of Higher Education Institutions' Non-Formula Support Item Funding (Presented to Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education Formula Funding), Legislative Budget Board, February 2018
- Higher Education Funding: Overview of Formula Funding for All Institution Types, Small Institution Supplement Funding & the Available University Fund and Higher Education Fund (Presented to Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education Formula Funding), Legislative Budget Board, February 2018
- Higher Education Funding Supplemental Materials, Legislative Budget Board, February 2018
- Summary of Higher Education Non-formula Support Items, Legislative Budget Board, February 2018
- Non-Formula Support Items Funding with Objectives and Descriptions, Legislative Budget Board, February 2018
- The Federal-State Higher Education Partnership: How States Manage Their Roles, Urban Institute, May 2017
- Ten Year Formula Funding History (Fund distribution, appropriations by institution), Legislative Budget Board, October 2016
- Financing Public Higher Education in Texas: Legislative Primer, Legislative Budget Board, August 2016
- Performance-Based Funding for Higher Education, National Conference of State Legislatures, July 31, 2015
- Formula Funding, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- The Veterans Choice Program (VCP): Program Implementation, Congressional Research Service, April 20, 2018
- Report on the Mental Health Program for Veterans, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, November 2017
- "VA Releases Suicide Data by State" (Press Release) and Texas Veteran Suicide Data Sheet, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, September 15, 2017
- Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature (Public Hearing #6: Substance Abuse, Homelessness, and Veterans), House Select Committee on Mental Health, December 2016
- Interim Report (Charge 1 – Choice Act), Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, November 2016
- Veterans Choice Program (VCP), VHA Office of Community Care, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Mental Health: Suicide (Briefs, reports, and other resources), Health Services Research & Development, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Pain Management, Office of Research & Development, Department of Veterans Affairs
- Texas Veterans App (Presentation to Task Force on Military & Veterans Affairs, National Conference of State Legislatures), Texas Health and Human Services Commission, August 6, 2017
- Interim Report (Charge 1 – Strike force teams), Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, November 2016
- Report and Recommendations to the 84th Texas Legislature (Charge 3 – Strike force teams), Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, December 2014
- Texas Veterans App, TexVet.org
- Health Care Advocacy Program, Texas Veterans Commission
- "New Report Finds — Surprise — Indigent Defense Attorneys Shouldn't Be Under the Control of the State Prison System," Texas Observer, January 11, 2018
- Review of the Operations of State Counsel for Offenders: Report by the State Bar of Texas Legal Services to the Poor in Criminal Matters Committee, Approved for publication December 8, 2017
- "Prosecutorial Misconduct and the Role of Discipline," 80 Texas Bar Journal 430 (July 2017)
- Fair Defense Laws 2017–2019, Texas Indigent Defense Commission, 2017
- Gideon at 50: A Three-Part Examination of Indigent Defense in America (Part I – Rationing Justice: The Underfunding of Assigned Counsel Systems; Part II – Redefining Indigence: Financial Eligibility Guidelines for Assigned Counsel; Part III – Representation in All Criminal Prosecutions: The Right to Counsel in State Courts), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2013–2016
- 85th Legislative Session Update, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, 2017
- Sexual Assault Legal Advocacy Manual, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, 2014
- Groundwater Valuation in Texas: The Comparable Transactions Method, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, March 20, 2018
- State Water Supply Enhancement Plan, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, January 2017
- Priority Groundwater Management Areas and Groundwater Conservation Districts: Report to the 85th Texas Legislature, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas Water Development Board, January 2017
- 2017 State Water Plan (Amendments and documents, Chapter 6 – Water supplies), Texas Water Development Board, 2017
- Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature (Charge 1 – Ownership, production and transfer of surface water and groundwater), Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs, November 2016
- Reorganizing Groundwater Regulation in Texas, Bush School of Government & Public Service, Texas A&M University, 2016
- Sustainable Water Management in the Texas Oil and Gas Industry (Energy-related water issues), Atlantic Council, July 2014
- Ground Water Report to the Nation: A Call to Action (Section 11 – Groundwater and Alternative Water Supplies), Groundwater Protection Council, 2014
- Rules and Statutes (Groundwater management, water districts), Texas Water Development Board
- State of Texas Plan for Disaster Recovery: Hurricane Harvey, Texas General Land Office, January 18, 2018
- Greater Houston Strategies for Flood Mitigation 1st Edition, Greater Houston Flood Mitigation Consortium, April 9, 2018
- Greater Houston Flood Mitigation Projects by Watershed, Greater Houston Flood Mitigation Consortium, April 5, 2018
- "Houston Surveys Post-Harvey Policy Landscape: The 'Bayou City' Considers Land Use Rules Changes," Land Lines, April 2018
- Preparedness, Response, and Rebuilding: Lessons from the 2017 Disasters (Testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security), Reed Clay, Chief Operating Officer for Texas Governor Greg Abbott, March 15, 2018
- Chapter 19 - Flood Plain (Public comment draft), Houston City Council, February 13, 2018
- "A Storm to Remember: Hurricane Harvey and the Texas Economy," Fiscal Notes, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, February 2018
- Hurricane Harvey Contract Reporting and Oversight (Presented to House General Investigating and Ethics Committee), Legislative Budget Board, January 18, 2018
- "Gulf Coast Universities Team Up to Address Hurricane Resilience" (Press Release), University of Houston, December 13, 2017
- Top 20 Zip Codes for FEMA Assistance Applications Highlight Widespread Damage from Hurricane Harvey, Episcopal Health Foundation, November 20, 2017 [link question]
- Seeking Higher Ground: How to Break the Cycle of Repeated Flooding with Climate-Smart Flood Insurance Reforms, National Resources Defense Council, July 2017
- Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature, Joint Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System, December 15, 2016
- Houston Recovers (City of Houston disaster recovery information and forms), City of Houston
- Ike Dike (Project description, resolutions, presentations, and FAQs), Texas A&M University, Galveston Campus
- Recovery Tracker, The Governor's Commission to Rebuild Texas
- Overview of the Texas Emission Reduction Plan Account, (Presented to the Senate Finance Committee), Legislative Budget Board, January 30, 2018
- Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Biennial Report (2015-2016), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, December 2016
- Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 386, Texas Emissions Reduction Plan
- GR Account 5000: Solid Waste Disposal Fees (Fiscal 2018), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- GR Account 0549: Waste Management (Fiscal 2018), Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- Existing Texas Packaging Policy: Analysis and Recommendations, State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR), January 2017
- Texas Health and Safety Code § 361.014, Use of Solid Waste Fee Revenue
- Texas Health and Safety Code § 361.132, Hazardous and Solid Waste Fees; Waste Management Account
- "Is Test-Based Accountability Dead?," Education Next, Summer 2017
- Assessment Matters: Constructing Model State Systems to Replace Testing Overkill, FairTest National Center for Fair and Open Testing, October 2016
- Study of the Essential Knowledge and Skills Assessment Instruments, Texas Education Agency, April 2016
- The Influence of Teaching, Beyond Standardized Test Scores: Engagement, Mindsets, and Agency, The Achievement Gap Initiative at Harvard University, October 2015
- Student Success Initiative, Texas Education Agency
- Texas Education Code § 28.0211, Satisfactory Performance on Assessment Instruments Required; Accelerated instruction (Social promotion, Student Success Initiative, 5th and 8th graders must pass reading and math tests)
- Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, Texas Education Agency
- Special Education Strategic Plan, Texas Education Agency, April 23, 2018
- U.S. Department of Education Issues Findings in Texas Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Monitoring, U.S. Department of Education, January 11, 2018
- Diplomas That Matter: Ensuring Equity of Opportunity for Students with Disabilities, National Center on Educational Outcomes, November 2016
- Special Education (SPED) Representation (Percent of enrolled students who receive SPED; excerpt from the Performance-Based Monitoring Analysis System 2016 manual; 8.5% benchmark on special education enrollment), Texas Education Agency, September 12, 2016
- Commissioner's Rule Related to Autism Rule/Guidance Side–By–Side, Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training
- Dyslexia, Texas Education Agency
- Improving Special Education in Texas, Texas Education Agency
- Texas Education Code § 38.003, Screening and Treatment for Dyslexia and Related Disorders
- Update on HHS Transformation (Presentation to the Transition Legislative Oversight Committee), Texas Health and Human Services Commission, December 6, 2017
- Report to the 85th Legislature, Health and Human Services Transition Legislative Oversight Committee, November 29, 2016
- Health and Human Services Transformation (Transition plan, timeline, Sunset process, and presentations), Texas Health and Human Services Commission
- Finance Agencies
- River Authorities
- Texas Veterans Commission
- Behavioral Health Boards
- Texas Medical Board
- Texas Historical Commission
In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.
- Catch up on Amendments to the Texas Constitution Since 1876. (Texas Legislative Council, May 2018)
- Track fiscal trends in all 50 states. (Pew Charitable Trusts, May 2, 2018)
- Read about grants released by the federal government to the states to combat the opioid crisis. (Council of State Governments, May 2, 2018)
- Review active shooter incidents of 2016 and 2017. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, April 2018)
- "Student-body president impeached at Texas State following protests." By Katherine Mangan. Chronicle of Higher Education, April 27, 2018, p. A31.
Examines the recent impeachment of the Texas State University student body president. Highlights background events on campus including offensive fliers from white-supremacist groups, a student newspaper editorial on white privilege, and steps the administration is taking to improve the situation. - "The hand that blocks the cradle." By Liz Hayes. Church & State, May 2018, pp. 10-12.
Discusses legislative efforts in several states to create religious exemptions for taxpayer-funded adoption and foster care agencies. Explains these bills are primarily crafted to discriminate against same-sex parents, but could also allow agencies to turn away couples who are interfaith, interracial, previously divorced, or who have different religious beliefs from any given agency. - "More carbon, less nutrition." By Elvina Nawaguna. CQ Weekly, April 23, 2018, pp. 19-21.
Discusses the effects of rising carbon emissions on the quality of food crops. Argues increased carbon in the atmosphere is depleting the nutritional value of crops and putting low-income populations at risk for nutritional issues. - "Striking teachers: Pedagogic protest." Economist, May 5th-11th, 2018, p. 25.
Reports more teacher strikes are likely as states continue to cut taxes and education spending, noting North Carolina could be the next state to face a strike. Explains the strikes are galvanizing public-sector workers in states where Democrats hope to make gains in mid-term elections and posing trouble for Republicans in states with teacher unrest. - "Trade and American businesses: Chain reaction." Economist, May 5th-11th, 2018, pp. 62-63.
Examines how the Trump administration's efforts to impose tariffs on China could disrupt American firms' global supply chains. Includes chart showing the impact of proposed tariffs on certain products. - "Bitcoin and beyond: Alternative currencies, or history's biggest bubble?" By TJ Costello and Bruce Wright. Fiscal Notes, April 2018, pp. 6-10.
Discusses the basics of bitcoin and cryptocurrency. Looks at the demand, security issues, and tax implications of bitcoin. - "The Second Amendment and a well-regulated firearms environment." By Lawrence O. Gostin and Sarah Duranske. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), May 1, 2018, pp. 1763-1764.
Argues that, given the high burden of firearm deaths, the President should declare a public health emergency and convene an expert, nonpartisan blue-ribbon panel to propose an evidence-based and constitutionally permissible legislative agenda. Lists six elements that should be included in a comprehensive public health strategy to address gun violence. - "Fixing flood insurance." By Leonard Shabman. Milken Institute Review, Second Quarter 2018, pp. 68-78.
Describes how the oversight of flood insurance was entrusted to the federal government, resulting in the National Flood Insurance Program. Discusses possible program reforms being considered in Congress after the severe flooding from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in 2017 revealed its shortcomings. - "Welfare reform 2.0." By Robert Verbruggen. National Review, May 14, 2018, pp. 29-30.
Presents the pros and cons of welfare reform proposals currently before Congress in which food stamp recipients would have more specific work requirements. Discusses whether these could be applied to other safety-net programs. - "Digital vigilantes." By Nicholas Schmidle. New Yorker, May 7, 2018, pp. 30-34, 36-37.
Discusses the 1986 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act that made it illegal for companies to steal back or "actively defend" hacked information. Highlights the proposed Active Cyber Defense Certainty Act, which would legalize some activities that were prohibited by the earlier act. - "Drones on the border: Efficacy and privacy implications." By David Bier and Matthew Feeney. Policy Brief (CATO Institute), May 1, 2018, pp. 1-10.
Reports the United States Customs and Border Protection's drone program has failed to live up to expectations — accounting for only 0.5 percent of apprehensions at a cost of $32,000 per arrest. Expresses concerns that the drones allow for government surveillance with minimal oversight and without warrants. - "A different grid perspective: Like a river." By Charles Bayless. Public Utilities Fortnightly, April 2018, pp. 68-72.
Argues for an energy grid that is an interconnected system which will allow energy "to be coordinated and used across wide areas, increasing their value through increased optionality." Discusses reserves, balancing the difference between generation and loads, capacity factor, and cost. - "This new federal law will change foster care as we know it." By Teresa Wiltz. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), May 2, 2018, pp. 1-5.
Discusses a new law, part of the Bipartisan Budget Act, that changes the rules on how states can spend federal child welfare funds on foster care and child abuse prevention. Explains the law prioritizes keeping families together, limiting placements in institutional settings such as group homes. Related information at: https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/hr5456/BILLS-114hr5456pcs.pdf


- May 15
- House Committees on Defense & Veterans' Affairs and Economic & Small Business Development (10:00 AM, Joint Hearing)
- House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs (1:00 PM)
- House Committee on Economic & Small Business Development (1:00 PM)
- House Select Committee on Opioids & Substance Abuse
- Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
- May 16
- May 17
- "Employment Situation of Veterans — 2017" (News Release), Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 22, 2018
- 2017 Texas Aerospace, Aviation and Defense, Economic Development and Tourism Division, Texas Office of the Governor, Updated July 14, 2017
- Interim Report to the 85th Legislature (Charge 7 – Legislation relating to Texas aerospace incentives), Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development, November 2016
- Aerospace, Aviation & Defense, Economic Development and Tourism Division, Texas Office of the Governor
- Aerospace and Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing: Subsector Overview and Subsector Snapshot, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- Texas Manufacturing, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- What Do We Know About Veterans and Homelessness?, Center for Evidence-Based Solutions to Homelessness, December 2017
- Case Studies: Ending Veteran Homelessness, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, September 26, 2017
- Homeless Veterans: VA Should Improve Reporting on the Benefits Provided by Leases of Unneeded Property, U.S. Government Accountability Office, July 2017
- Homeless Veterans: Point-in-Time (PIT) Count (Including Annual Homeless Assessment Report by State, 2007-2017, Excel file), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2017
- Homeless Veterans: Management Improvements Could Help VA Better Identify Supportive-Housing Projects, U.S. Government Accountability Office, December 2016
- Homelessness Among Veterans in Texas: A Report Submitted to the 85th Texas Legislature (Appendices), Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, December 1, 2016
- Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Evaluation: Final Report, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research, November 2015
- Report on the Mental Health Program for Veterans, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, November 2017
- Audit of a Clinical Research Study to Treat Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans: Brain Synergy Institute Contractor Performance and Billing, and HHSC Contract Procurement and Monitoring, Office of Inspector General, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, November 22, 2016
- A Guide to Understanding Mental Health Systems and Services in Texas (Texas Veterans Commission), 3rd Edition, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, 2016
- Updated Hurricane Harvey's Fiscal Impact on State Agencies (Presented to Senate Finance Committee), Legislative Budget Board, March 2018
- "A Storm to Remember: Hurricane Harvey and the Texas Economy," Fiscal Notes, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, February 2018
- The Governor's Commission to Rebuild Texas
- Hurricane Harvey Resources, Texas Workforce Commission
- Hurricane Harvey: Fiscal Analyses and Resources (Agency expenditures, projected costs, contracts, and disaster related transfers), Legislative Budget Board
- Improving PDMP Technology to Minimize Workflow Imposition, Texas Medical Association, March 21, 2018
- When Are Prescribers Required to Use Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs? (Data Visualization), Pew Charitable Trusts, January 24, 2018
- How Can Prescription Drug Misuse Be Prevented?, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Updated January 2018
- "Prevalence and Factors Associated with Multiple Provider Episodes in Texas: An Epidemiological Analysis of Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Data" (Abstract), Pain Medicine, Volume 18, Issue 10, October 2017
- Prevention for States (Prescription Drug Overdoses), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Updated October 23, 2017
- State Successes (Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Updated October 5, 2017
- Texas Prescription Monitoring Program, Texas State Board of Pharmacy
- NIDAMED: Medical & Health Professionals, National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Mobile 5G and Small Cell Legislation, National Conference of State Legislatures, April 30, 2018
- FCC Acts to Speed Deployment of Next-Gen Wireless Infrastructure (Second Report and Order), Federal Communications Commission, March 30, 2018
- 5G Wireless Pits Cities Against Telecoms and Their Friends in the FCC," Center for Public Integrity, Updated March 9, 2018
- "Local Control at Heart of 'Small Cell' Debate," Government Technology, January 5, 2018
- "Texas Cities Challenge State-Mandated Telecom Rates," Courthouse News Service, September 5, 2017
- Revisions to the Right-of-Way Management Ordinance for Wireless Providers: Implementing SB1004, City of Dallas, August 21, 2017
- Emerging Right of Way Issues—Small Cells Are a Big Deal: Implementing Texas Local Government Code Chapter 284, Texas City Attorney's Association Summer Conference, July 14-16, 2017
- Report to the 83rd Legislature (Charge 5 – Telecommunications Market: Right-of-Way Fees, August 14, 2012 Hearing Summary), Senate Committee on Business & Commerce, January 2013
- Texas Local Government Code Chapter 284, Deployment of Network Nodes in Public Right-of-Way
- Texas Cybersecurity Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2018-2023, Office of the Chief Information Security Officer, Texas Department of Information Resources, January 25, 2018
- Cybersecurity Legislation 2017, National Conference of State Legislatures, December 29, 2017
- 2017 U.S. State and Federal Government Cybersecurity Report, Security Scorecard, August 24, 2017
- Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature (Charge 2 – Texas businesses' cybersecurity), House Committee on Business & Industry, December 2016
- Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature (Charge 2 – Counties' cybersecurity policies), House Committee on County Affairs, January 2017
- Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature (Charge 1 – State agencies' cybersecurity policies), House Committee on Government Transparency & Operation, January 2017
- Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature (Charge 1 – Cybersecurity of financial institutions), House Committee on Investments & Financial Services, January 2017
- Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature (Charge 3 – Economic disaster preparedness/cybersecurity), House Committee on State Affairs, January 2017
- Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature (Charge 2 – Cities' cybersecurity policies), House Committee on Urban Affairs, January 2017
- Report to the 85th Legislature (Charge 4 – Cybersecurity efforts undertaken by state entities), Senate Committee on Business & Commerce, November 2016
- State of the States on Cybersecurity: California, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, 2015
- 83rd Texas Legislature: Interim Report (Charge 3 – Cybersecurity, implementation of SB 1597, 83rd Legislature, R.S.), Senate Committee on Government Organization, December 2014
- Building a More Secure and Prosperous Texas, Texas Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council, December 1, 2012
- Resource Center for State Cybersecurity, National Governors Association
- State & Local Cybersecurity Policies (Texas), Center for Internet Security
- Texas Government Code §§ 2054.059-2054.0592, Cybersecurity
- 10 Texas Administrative Code §§ 202.20-202.26, Information Security Standards for State Agencies
- "Cybersecurity Quest Sends States to Vets, Students and Women," Stateline, The Pew Charitable Trusts, November 27, 2017
- Cybersecurity: Federal Efforts Are Under Way That May Address Workforce Challenges, U.S. Government Accountability Office, April 4, 2017
- Global Information Security Workforce Study (Series of reports on the cybersecurity workforce), Center for Cyber Safety and Education, 2017
- The Cybersecurity Workforce: States' Needs and Opportunities, National Governors Association, October 2014
- National Institute for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (Including cybersecurity workforce development toolkit, workforce development library, and National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Cybersecurity workforce framework), U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Grief- and Trauma-Informed Practices Presentation, Texas Counseling Association, 2018
- Trauma-Informed Integrated Care for Children and Families in Healthcare Settings, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2018
- Student Mental Health After the Storm, Texans Care for Children, Updated December 5, 2017
- Harris County Mental Health Services for Children, Youth, and Families: 2017 System Assessment, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, October 2017
- Review of Children's Mental Health Policy and the 2017 Legislative Session, Texans Care for Children, June 27, 2017
- Addressing Mental Health, Behavioral Health, and Social and Emotional Well-Being in Head Start: Insights from the Head Start Health Manager Descriptive Study, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, October 2016
- Developing a Trauma-Informed Child Welfare System (Issue Brief), Child Welfare Information Gateway, May 2015
- Counseling and Mental Health Services of the Coordinated School Health Model Website, Texas Education Agency
- Education Service Centers Map, Texas Education Agency
- Hurricane Harvey Recovery: Mental Health Resources for Schools, Texas Education Agency
- Mental Health Resources: School Personnel Training and Classroom Resources, Texas Education Agency
- Family Guide: Children’s Mental Health Services, Texas Health and Human Services Commission
In this weekly post, we feature helpful research tools and recent articles of interest to the legislative community.
- Consider maps and data visualizations related to urban issues. (Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, accessed May 2, 2018)
- Explore the U.S. Reports collection of U.S. Supreme Court decisions. (Library of Congress, accessed May 2, 2018)
- Review the Traffic Safety Culture Index for recent insights into driver, cyclist, and pedestrian behaviors. (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, March 2018)
- Read about vectorborne diseases and their prevalence and consequences in the United States. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 1, 2018)
- "What if the problem isn't the president, it's the presidency?" By John Dickerson. Atlantic Monthly, May 2018, pp. 46-52, 55-63.
Argues that the role and duties of the United States President have gotten out of control and beyond the capabilities of one person. Discusses the historical evolution of the president's role and offers specific suggestions for reforming the office. - "A flood of threats to water systems." By Jacqueline Toth. CQ Weekly, April 23, 2018, pp. 22-24.
Addresses how extreme weather events affect water utilities and their planning efforts. Discusses Houston's vulnerability and the city's current drought conditions in the wake of catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Harvey. - "Safe, legal and scarce." By Sandhya Raman. CQ Weekly, April 9, 2018, pp. 26-29.
Examines state efforts to regulate abortion clinics. Profiles states with stringent regulations that result in the closing of some clinics. - "Assisted dying: Alohas and goodbyes." Economist, April 28th-May 4th, 2018, p. 28.
Reports Hawaii is the seventh American jurisdiction to approve an assisted-dying law, modeled on Oregon legislation passed in 1997. Related information at: https://www.deathwithdignity.org/take-action/ - "Innovative population health model associated with reduced emergency department use and inpatient hospitalization." By Donald Wesson, et al. Health Affairs, April 2018, pp. 543-550.
Describes a case study of Baylor Scott & White's partnership with the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department to create a primary care clinic in a city recreation center. Details how improved access to health care, alongside exercise facilities, cooking demonstrations, and other wellness resources, was associated with lower emergency department and inpatient services usage by the center's patients. - "Reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program." By Howard Kunreuther. Issues in Science and Technology, Spring 2018, pp. 37-51.
Suggests ways to improve the National Flood Insurance Program. Considers how areas subject to floods and hurricanes are prepared for flooding events. - "State-level community benefit regulation and nonprofit hospitals' provision of community benefits." By Simone R. Singh, et al. Journal of Health Politics, Policy, and Law, April 2018, pp. 229-269 (Note Length).
Examines how to design regulations that will encourage nonprofit hospitals to provide enough community benefits to justify their tax exemptions and meet policy makers' goals. - "Let me tell you how it will be: Tougher property tax exemptions." By Mark R. Adams. Journal of MultiState Taxation and Incentives, May 2018, pp. 28-35.
Describes the financial impact of property tax exemptions held by nonprofits, including hospitals, on municipalities. Discusses state legislative initiatives in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Michigan to amend legal structures around nonprofit charitable organizations and property tax exemptions. - "Texas surplus lines insurance: Reflections on attitudes, from the capitol to the courthouse." By Andrew Kunau. Journal of Texas Insurance Law, Spring 2018, pp. 4-11.
Highlights legislative changes to the insurance surplus lines market through passage of HB2492 and HB1559, 85th Legislature, R.S. Considers how the 2016 Texas Supreme Court case, Seger v. Yorkshire Ins. Co. Ltd., influenced the recent legislative activity. - "Public pension plan investment return assumptions (2018)." National Association of State Retirement Administrators, Updated February 2018, pp. 1-8.
Describes how investment return assumptions are established and evaluated in public pension funds, compared with public funds' actual investment experience. Includes Texas County & District, Texas ERS, Texas LECOS, and Texas Municipal in the appendix. - "Water and air quality: An opportunity for states." By Thomas Salzer. Natural Resources & Environment, Spring 2018, pp. 57-59.
Considers the challenges local and state governments face when environmental issues and disasters strike close to home. Discusses the federal government's role in such disasters and uses the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan as an example. - "Lone stars." By Ashley Powers. New Yorker, April 30, 2018, pp. 30-35.
Examines the constitutional sheriffs movement and its belief that the sheriff has the final say on a law's constitutionality in his county. Traces the movement from its 1970s beginning with William Potter Gale and the Posse Comitatus movement and highlights activities of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA). See: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/04/30/the-renegade-sheriffs - "Distribution: Identify lead plumbing sources to protect public health." By Darren Lytle, et al. Opflow, March 2018, pp. 16-20.
Recommends that water utilities should consider using diagnostic sampling to help identify lead sources in drinking water. Discusses different types of sampling methods. Related information at: https://www.awwa.org/resources-tools/water-knowledge/lead.aspx and https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water#getinto - "Gerrymandering is out of control." By Eric Boehm. Reason, May 2018, pp. 26-34.
Focuses on the current state of gerrymandered election districts and explains the various models that have been developed to draw more compact districts with minimum partisan intent. Suggests a new computer algorithm model may offer the best solution. - "American epidemic." By Melinda Wenner Moyer. Scientific American, May 2018, pp. 44-47, 50-54, 57.
Explores the resurgence of infectious diseases in America's urban areas. Suggests that economic disparities and substance abuse drive infection rates higher. - "E-Verify immigrant job screening is a game of chicken, politics and state laws." By Tim Henderson. Stateline (Pew Charitable Trusts), April 27, 2018, pp. 1-6.
Finds that E-Verify, a critical tool for preventing the illegal hiring of undocumented workers, has not been used uniformly even in the states that require its use. - "Austin Energy celebrates community solar project." Texas Public Power, April 2018, p. 8.
Highlights Austin Energy's La Loma Community Solar Farm, "the largest community solar farm in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas [ERCOT] region." - "The intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system." By Sarah Roland. Voice for the Defense, April 2018, pp. 27-34.
Discusses the challenges of representing a mentally ill person. Explains the shortcomings in the current criminal justice system that arise as a defense attorney for a mentally ill defendant navigates the system.


- Managed Care Organization Contract Reporting and Oversight (Presented to House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Article II), Legislative Budget Board, March 2018
- Managed Care: Contract Oversight and Monitoring; Update on Internal Audit and Contract Oversight Implementation (Presentation to House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Article II), Texas Health and Human Services Commission, March 28, 2018
- Managed Care: Contract Oversight and Monitoring; SAO Audit Update (Report 17-007) (Presentation to Senate Committee on Health and Human Services), Texas Health and Human Services Commission, March 21, 2018
- Utilization Review in STAR+PLUS Medicaid Managed Care, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, November 2017
- Texas Medicaid Managed Care and Children's Health Insurance Program: Summary of Activities and Trends in Healthcare Quality, Contract Year: 2016, Institute for Child Health Policy at the University of Florida, External Quality Review Organization for Texas Medicaid Managed Care and CHIP, August 2017; Addendum, October 2017
- Texas Medicaid and CHIP in Perspective, 11th Edition, Chapter 11: Fee-for-Service and Managed Care (Overview of Medicaid managed care programs: STAR, STAR+PLUS, STAR Kids, STAR Health, children's Medicaid dental services, dual eligible, nursing facility carve-in), Appendix D: Managed Care History in Texas, Appendix E: Managed Care Quality Assurance Reports, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, February 2017
- Review of HHSC's Contract Management and Oversight Function for Medicaid and CHIP Managed Care and Fee-for-Service Contracts, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, February 2017
- Combined Report on Medicaid Managed Care Provider Network Adequacy, Monitoring, and Violations, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, January 2017
- Expansion of Managed Care (Summary, Executive Commissioner's commitment to improving member and provider experience in Medicaid managed care, HHSC updates), Managed Care Contracts and Manuals, Managed Care Incentives and Disincentives, Managed Care Organization Sanctions, MCO Notices and Alerts, Managed Care Service Areas (Map), Health and Human Services Commission
- Managed Care Report Cards (CHIP, STAR, and STAR+Plus), Texas Health and Human Services Commission
- STAR Kids (Texas Medicaid managed care program), Texas Health and Human Services Commission
- Texas: Health Insurance & Managed Care, Texas: Medicaid & CHIP, Kaiser Family Foundation
- Interim Report to the 85th Legislature (Charge 5 – Eminent domain), Senate Committee on State Affairs, November 2016
- Understanding the Condemnation Process in Texas, Real Estate Center, Texas A&M University, Revised July 2015
- Eminent Domain Authority in Texas, Texas Legislative Council, October 2012
- The State of Texas Landowner's Bill of Rights, Office of the Attorney General of Texas, March 2012
- Committee Meeting Handouts, House Committee on County Affairs, February 6, 2018
- Interim Hearings – Week of February 5, 2018, House Committee on County Affairs, Legislative Reference Library, January 29, 2018
- Interim Hearings – Week of February 5, 2018, House Committee on County Affairs, Legislative Reference Library, January 29, 2018
- Summary Annual Report: 2017, Teacher Retirement System of Texas, January 2018
- Final TRS-Care Plan Designs and Premiums Adopted by Board, The Pulse and TRS Board of Trustees Meeting (TAB 9 – Review and consider adoption of premiums and plan design for TRS-Care), Teacher Retirement System of Texas, September 2017
- "Texas State Government and Long-Term Obligations: Teacher Retirement System – TRS-Care," Fiscal Notes, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, March 2017
- Guide to Public Retirement Systems in Texas, Texas Pension Review Board, February 2017
- Report to the 85th Legislature, Joint Interim Committee to Study TRS Health Benefit Plans, November 2016
- The State Pension Funding Gap: 2016, Pew Charitable Trust, April 12, 2018
- State and Local Government Spending on Public Employee Retirement Systems, National Association of State Retirement Administrators, Updated March 2018
- "Texas State Government and Long-Term Obligations: State Employee Pension Funding," Fiscal Notes, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, March 2017
- Report on the Asset Allocation and Investment Performance of Texas Public Employee Retirement Systems, Maples Fund Services, Texas Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems (TEXPERS), March 2017
- Guide to Public Retirement Systems in Texas, Texas Pension Review Board, February 2017
- Interim Report to the 85th Texas Legislature, House Committee on Pensions, December 2016
- Study of the Financial Health of Texas Public Retirement Systems, Texas Pension Review Board, December 2014
- Publications & Reports, Texas Pension Review Board