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New & Noteworthy List for May 2018

May 16

posted by TexasLRL in New & Noteworthy

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the six titles from our May 2018 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. 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

This entry was posted on May 16, 2018 at 9:15 AM and has received 1261 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of May 21, 2018

May 14

posted by TexasLRL in 85th Session, Interim hearings

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 22

House Committee on Urban Affairs (Houston) 

Topic: Short- and long-term housing needs and related issues resulting from Hurricane Harvey and associated flooding 

  • 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

 

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Charge: Funding models

 

Charge: Veterans health

Charge: State-delivered federal services

 

May 23

House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence

Charge 4: Prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance of defense counsel

Charge 5: Legal framework surrounding sexual assault protections

 

House Committee on Natural Resources (Brady) 

Specific issue related to charge 3: Groundwater policy in Texas; g. emerging issues in groundwater and surface water interaction, in particular in areas of increasing competition for scarce resources

 

Staff presentation and public testimony (links to Sunset Review Documents for 2018-2019 Review Cycle, 86th Legislative Session):

 

May 24

House Committee on Appropriations

Charge: Use of federal funds in response to Hurricane Harvey, federal funds and investment in infrastructure projects to reduce impact of future natural disasters

Charge: Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP)

Charge: Allocation of municipal solid waste disposal fee between Waste Management Account 0549 and Solid Waste Disposal Fee Account 5000

Charge: Effectiveness of cost-recovery model as a method of finance for programs and organizations across state government

 

 

House Committee on House Administration

Topic: Select committee budgets

 

 

House Committee on Public Education

Charge: Research-based options for evaluating student achievement beyond standardized test scores; scope of the current Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS); Student Success Initiative testing

Charge: Public school programs for students with disabilities, with an emphasis on programs specializing in autism, dysgraphia, and dyslexia; implementation and funding of pilot programs authorized in HB 21 and TEA's compliance with SB 160, which prohibits special education student caps

Top

 

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health & Human Services Transition

Invited testimony

 

Staff presentation and public testimony (links to Sunset Review Documents for 2018-2019 Review Cycle, 86th Legislative Session):

Commission decisions

 

This entry was posted on May 14, 2018 at 10:17 AM and has received 1391 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, May 10

May 10

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Week in review, Research Resources

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)

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

  • "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

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 10, 2018 at 3:15 PM and has received 1267 views. Print this entry.

Legislative Foundations for the Capitol

May 8

posted by TexasLRL in Texas history

Next week will mark the 130th anniversary since the State of Texas dedicated our current Capitol building. From May 14–19, 1888, more than 20,000 people came from all over the state to participate in festivities such as drill team competitions, military displays, band concerts, and fireworks. The events culminated with the official dedication on May 16, when Sen. Temple Houston (the youngest son of Sam Houston) accepted the building on the state's behalf.

 

The Constitution of 1876—which is still our constitution today—made financial provision for the new building in Article XVI, Sec. 57, authorizing the use of 3 million acres of public land in the Texas Panhandle to pay for the new capitol and calling on the Legislature to pass the necessary bills to begin the project. (That land would become XIT Ranch.)

 

In 1879, the 16th Legislature passed SB 21, 16R, "Relating to providing for designating, surveying and sale of three million and fifty thousand acres of the unappropriated public domain for the erection of a new state capitol and other necessary public buildings at the seat of government, and to providing a fund to pay for surveying said lands" and SB 153, 16R, "Relating to providing for building a new state capitol."

 

To facilitate the passage of Capitol-related bills, several committees were formed. During construction, committees were charged with the "programme" for the laying of the corner stone (1885) and considering the "new Capitol, grounds and cost of furnishing" (1887).

 

On May 2, 1888, HB 38, 20(1) was approved, "an Act to provide for the reception of the new State Capitol Building." They accepted the Capitol—contingent on the completion of all remaining work—and on May 10, authorized the moving of furniture from the temporary Capitol to the new one. Most offices were established in their new spaces by May 11, and the Legislature convened in its new chambers for the first time.

 

After the dedication, the work continued: in 1889, committees were formed to investigate the cost of running a capitol elevator, the acoustics of the House chamber, and Capitol grounds considerations like placing "a neat and substantial iron fence around said grounds" and "the cost of properly wiring the Capitol building, with all necessary fixtures, with the view of placing electric lights in said building." Fortunately, they did not use all of the money from the sale of the XIT land to construct the building, so they had some funding left over to address these and other budgetary needs—allocating that money was the reason for the 20th Legislature's special session in April–May 1888.

 

The work continues today—since 1853, more than 40 committees have been charged with Capitol-related topics. Modernizing the building, repairing after 1983 fire damage, and maintaining the grounds has kept the Legislature (and of course, the State Preservation Board) busy over the years. But, Sen. Houston said it well:

 

It would seem that here glitters a structure that shall stand as a sentinel of eternity, to gaze upon passing ages, and, surviving, shall mourn as each separate star expires. ~Sen. Temple Houston, Capitol Dedication Speech, May 16, 1888

 
See the Handbook of Texas' entry on the Capitol to learn more about the process of designing and constructing the building. 

 

Images

Top: [Capitol Construction], photograph, 1887~; (texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth124107/: accessed May 4, 2018), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.

Bottom: [Cavalry Troops Marching in Texas Capitol Building Dedication Parade], photograph, April 28, 1888; (texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth124468/: accessed May 4, 2018), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.

Cover: [Construction of Capitol Dome], photograph, 1888; (texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth124243/: accessed May 4, 2018), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.

 

Sources consulted:

"Capitol," Handbook of Texas Online, Texas State Historical Association

"Capitol History," Texas State Preservation Board

A Nobler Edifice: The Texas State Capitol, 1888-1988, An Exhibit, the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building. Texas State Library, 1988.

The Texas Capitol: A History of the Lone Star Statehouse. Texas Legislative Council, 2016.

This entry was posted on May 8, 2018 at 10:32 AM and has received 2267 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of May 14, 2018

May 7

posted by TexasLRL in 85th Session, Interim hearings

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 15

House Committees on Defense & Veterans' Affairs and Economic & Small Business Development (10:00 AM, Joint Hearing)

Charge: Economic impact of the aviation, aerospace & defense manufacturing industry in Texas; military veterans transitioning into the workforce; manufacturing industry in the state

 

House Committee on Defense & Veterans' Affairs (1:00 PM) 

Charge: Homeless veterans in Texas 

Charge: Monitor agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature; implementation of SB 27, 85th Legislature, R.S., and the related Veterans Mental Health Program, as well as SB 578, 85th Legislature, R.S., and the development of the Veterans Suicide Prevention Action Plan

 

House Committee on Economic & Small Business Development (1:00 PM) 

Charge 1: Hurricane Harvey's economic and workforce impact on the state and private sector; job training resources

Charge 6: Monitoring agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature

 

 

House Select Committee on Opioids & Substance Abuse

Charge: Implementation of legislation passed by the 85th Legislature regarding Prescription Monitoring Program; prescribing of addictive drugs; overutilization and diversion of addictive prescriptions

 

Senate Committee on Business & Commerce

 

May 16

House Select Committee on Cybersecurity (San Antonio)  

Topic: Cybersecurity at the local, state, and federal levels including risks, incidents, preventative measures, and advancements in detection

Topic: Cybersecurity education, curriculum, training, workforce, and outreach to increase interest in the technology career field

 

May 17

House Committee on Public Health

Charge: Children with mental illness, including trauma- and grief-informed practices; school- or community-based mental health services to children and role of Texas Education Agency and regional Education Service Centers

This entry was posted on May 7, 2018 at 9:31 AM and has received 1410 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, May 3

May 3

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Week in review, Research Resources

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)

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

  • "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.

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 3, 2018 at 3:15 PM and has received 1530 views. Print this entry.

Resource Highlight: Parliamentary Manuals

May 1

posted by TexasLRL in Resource highlights, Search tips

Want to improve your knowledge of parliamentary procedures before the 86th Legislature begins? The LRL has a resource guide for you! You can download Resources in Parliamentary Procedure as a PDF, peruse it on our website, or check out a physical copy.

 

Of course, studying Texas parliamentary procedure starts with the House and Senate Rules. When House and Senate rules are silent, the Legislature relies on resources such as Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure and the practice of the United States Congress as reflected in published precedents such as Hinds’ Precedents and Cannon’s Precedents (see House Rule 14, Section 1, and Senate Rule 20.01).  Additional reference materials available in the LRL include the Texas Legislative Manual, historic Texas legislative procedure and rules materials, other congressional guides and precedents, constitutional reference materials, Hugh Brady's editions on Texas house and senate practices, and more. When available, the guide links to digitized resources.

 

Images, left to right: The Texas Legislative Manual; Constitution, Jefferson's Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives; Texas House Rules; Senate Manual; and [Texas] Senate Rules are significant resources for understanding parliamentary procedure in Texas.

 

Senate Parliamentarian Noel Brown and House Parliamentarian Collier Read Granberry review a legislative manual for the 50th Legislature (1947). Collier Read Granberry Papers, Box 3Y92, The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.

This entry was posted on May 1, 2018 at 2:15 PM and has received 2065 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of May 7, 2018

Apr 30

posted by TexasLRL in 85th Session, Interim hearings

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 9

House Committee on Human Services

Charge 2: Managed Care: access to care and network adequacy contractual requirements, Medicaid participant and provider satisfaction within STAR, STAR Health, STAR Kids and STAR+PLUS managed care programs, future delivery of services under a managed care model to additional populations

House Committee on Land & Resource Management (Houston) 

Charge: Texas' eminent domain statutes and balance between infrastructure growth and fair compensation for landowners

 

May 10

House Committee on County Affairs

Charge 1: Emergency response activities; impact of natural disasters on county finances (Hurricane Harvey)

Charge 2: County ordinance and enforcement authority for flood risk in unincorporated rural and suburban areas

 

House Committee on Pensions (Dallas) 

Charge: TRS health care (immediate and long-term solvency and plan design of TRS-Care and TRS Active-Care)

Charge: Improving defined benefit programs (strengthening and improving Texas public pension systems)

Charge: Legislative oversight (Monitor agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature)

 

This entry was posted on April 30, 2018 at 12:48 PM and has received 1216 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, April 26

Apr 26

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Week in review, Research Resources

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

  • Explore partnerships between public school districts and charter schools. (National Conference of State Legislatures Blog, April 23, 2018)
  • Read about the alternative response option in child welfare cases. (Texas Public Policy Foundation, April 19, 2018)
  • Consider public concerns over misinformation online. (Pew Research Center, April 19, 2018)
  • Find a drop-off location to dispose of prescription medications safely. (Attorney General of Texas, accessed April 25, 2018)

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

  • "REAL ID: What Americans should expect." By Asia London Palomba. Christian Science Monitor, April 16, 2018, p. 17.
    Presents a Q&A discussion of the implementation of the REAL ID Act passed in 2005. Provides a map showing which states are in compliance with the law—Texas is compliant. Related information at: https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/real-id-act-text.pdf
  • "When a grand idea grows old." By Karin Fischer. Chronicle of Higher Education, April 13, 2018, pp. A14-A18.
    Examines the 60-year-old California master plan of education which set up a three-tier system to educate a large population while still providing for advanced research institutions.
  • "Data privacy: Copy that; The GDPR: The joys of data hygiene." Economist, April 7th-13th, 2018, pp. 10-11, 53-54.
    Promotes the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation [GDPR] as a model for America, noting businesses that serve European customers will have to comply with the GDPR. Points out the benefits of complying with the new data protection law. Related information at: https://www.eugdpr.org/
  • "Death: Funerals of the future." Economist, April 14th-20th, 2018, pp. 51-53.
    Explains how the Internet, changing norms, customer demand, and competition from new businesses are disrupting the funeral industry. Reports the industry's revenue is expected to stagnate between 2016 and 2021, noting the long-term trend towards cremation: less than four percent in 1960 but expected to rise to 79 percent by 2035.
  • "Information and college decisions: Evidence from the Texas GO Center project." By Jesse M. Cunha, Trey Miller, and Emily Weisburst. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, March 2018, pp. 151-170.
    Examines the effectiveness of Texas GO Centers, peer-run information centers that assist historically under-served students prepare and plan for college. Concludes the centers have led to a significant increase in college application rates and a limited increase in college enrollment rates, but no increase in college completion rates. Related information at: http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/PDF/6575.PDF
  • "Ethanol's regulatory battle." By Kristy Moore. Ethanol Today, March/April 2018, pp. 26-27.
    Considers ethanol's role in the motor fuel industry's current regulatory environment.
  • "Solar power in Texas: The next big renewable?" By Patrick Graves and Bruce Wright. Fiscal Notes, April 2018, pp. 1, 3-5.
    Assesses the energy capacity and economic impact of Texas' solar industry. Highlights the role of local government in supplementing energy needs with solar power.
  • "We need new rules for self-driving cars." By Jack Stilgoe. Issues in Science and Technology, Spring 2018, pp. 52-57.
    Explores the development and proliferation of self-driving cars. Discusses potential legal and regulatory approaches to the use of self-driving cars and their integration into transportation infrastructure.
  • "Robert Kerns, PhD: Researching nondrug approaches to pain management." By Jennifer Abbasi. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), April 17, 2018, pp. 1535-1537.
    Interviews Kerns about his research and work with the VA [United States Department of Veterans Affairs] on pain management for veterans. Focuses on new efforts to study the effectiveness of nondrug approaches to pain management in light of the opioid epidemic, with treatments ranging from chiropractic care to cognitive behavioral therapy to tai chi.
  • "State of the states 2017: Texas." By Ken Helvey. Journal of Education Finance, Winter 2018, pp. 311-313.
    Presents a summary of Texas legislative activity affecting P-12 education in 2017. Highlights funding priorities, changes to funding formulas, school finance litigation, charter schools, and per pupil spending.
  • "Court to review physical presence nexus standard." By Debra S. Herman and K. Craig Reilly. Journal of MultiState Taxation and Incentives, May 2018, pp. 43-46.
    Previews United States Supreme Court consideration of South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., et al., which could possibly overturn the physical presence nexus standard for Internet sales and use tax collections from the Quill Corp v. North Dakota decision in 1992. Briefly discusses other petitions pending before the Court, including a Virginia county's challenge to the import-export clause. Related information at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/91-0194.ZO.html and https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/17-494.html
  • "Small towns think big on reliability." By Susan Partain. Public Power, March/April 2018, pp. 16-22.
    Explores six different factors related to reliability at several smaller public power utilities.
  • "There are too many kids on the sex offender registry." By Lenore Skenazy. Reason, May 2018, p. 9.
    Argues sex offender registries are based on flawed theories and are in reality adding many children to the list who are not likely to reoffend.
  • "Gone to Texas: Migration vital to growth in the Lone Star State." By Pia M. Orrenius, Alexander T. Abraham, and Stephanie Gullo. Southwest Economy (Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas), First Quarter 2018, pp. 3-11.
    Analyzes domestic and international migration to Texas and the labor market outcomes, lower immigrant earnings, and other economic effects of migration.
  • "'The future' of pain treatment?" By Joey Berlin. Texas Medicine, April 2018, pp. 38-42.
    Examines a Fort Worth anesthesiology group's "zero narcotics" approach to surgery pain control using nerve-blocking and nonopioid medications. Presents physicians' arguments for and against the need for opioids in pain management.
  • "Indoctrinated." By Sophie Novak. Texas Observer, April/May 2018, pp. 20-24.
    Shares the difficult hospital experience of Representative Donna Howard's daughter after she suffered a miscarriage, to highlight the potential negative effects of the new Texas fetal remains law. Reports the law, which mandates the burial or cremation of fetal remains after miscarriages or abortions, has been blocked pending a trial set for the summer.

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 26, 2018 at 3:15 PM and has received 1162 views. Print this entry.

TxLege Terms: Concurrent/Joint/Simple Resolutions

Apr 25

posted by TexasLRL in Legislation, TxLege Terms, Legislative process

In this occasional series, we explain terms used in the Texas legislative environment.

 

Texas legislators can introduce three types of resolutions*: 

 

Concurrent Resolution—A type of legislative measure that requires adoption by both chambers of the legislature and generally requires action by the governor. A concurrent resolution is used to convey the sentiment of the legislature and may offer a commendation, a memorial, a statement of congratulations, a welcome, or a request for action by another governmental entity. Concurrent resolutions are also used to memorialize (petition) the U.S. Congress, express the views of the legislature, designate official state symbols, and adopt official date or place designations. Additionally, concurrent resolutions are used for administrative matters that require the approval of both chambers, such as providing for adjournment or a joint session, but these types of concurrent resolutions do not require action by the governor.

 

Joint Resolution—A type of legislative measure that requires adoption by both chambers of the legislature but does not require action by the governor. A joint resolution is used to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution, ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution, or request a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Before becoming effective, the provisions of joint resolutions proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution must be approved by the voters of Texas.

 

Simple Resolution—The type of legislative measure that is considered only within the chamber in which it is filed. A simple resolution can offer a commendation, a memorial, a statement of congratulations, a welcome, or the views of that chamber. This type of measure is also used to name a mascot, memorialize (petition) the U.S. Congress, adopt or change rules of procedure, initiate a study by a single chamber, and request action by another governmental entity.

 

Resolutions in the 85th Legislature
Introduced
Signed/Filed/Enrolled
Concurrent Resolutions, 85R
202
97
Concurrent Resolutions, 85(1)
22
2
Joint Resolutions, 85R
169
9
Joint Resolutions, 85(1)
52
0
Simple Resolutions, 85R
3,670
3,643
Simple Resolutions, 85(1)
663
654

 

*Definitions taken from the Texas Legislative Glossary, published by the Texas Legislative Council for the 85th Legislature.

This entry was posted on April 25, 2018 at 8:30 AM and has received 7578 views. Print this entry.

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