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

• Explore the 2026-27 Biennial Revenue Estimate. (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, January 13, 2025)
• Review state-by-state legislation on registration fees for hybrid and electric vehicles. (National Conference of State Legislatures, updated January 27, 2025)
• Read about the measles outbreak in Texas. (Texas Department of State Health Services, February 18, 2025)
• Find out what to do if you receive mystery seed packages in the mail. (Texas Department of Agriculture, February 14, 2025)

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

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

This entry was posted on February 20, 2025 at 3:15 PM and has received 74 views. Print this entry.

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

• Consider food safety and food safety systems in the U.S. (U.S. Government Accountability Office, February 3, 2025)
• Find an update about bird flu in Texas. (Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, February 12, 2025)
• Read about nighttime pedestrian deaths on urban roads. (American Automobile Association, February 11, 2025)
• Explore the most recent Texas population estimates. (Texas Demographic Center, accessed February, 12, 2025)

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

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

This entry was posted on February 13, 2025 at 3:15 PM and has received 159 views. Print this entry.

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

• See which apps invade privacy the most. (PCMag, January 28, 2025)
• Review the copyrightability of AI-generated content. (U.S. Copyright Office, January 2025)
• Consider free speech concerns related to government regulation of social media such as TikTok. (Cato Institute, February 3, 2025)
• Examine state-level policies and legislation related to the use of facial recognition technology in policing practices. (Stateline, February 4, 2025)
• Read about data sent to China via DeepSeek. (Wired, January 27, 2025)

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

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

This entry was posted on February 6, 2025 at 3:15 PM and has received 214 views. Print this entry.

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our February 2025 New & Noteworthy list.

New & Noteworthy titles are available to Legislative offices and agencies. To borrow an item, please submit an online request through the New & Noteworthy page on our website or contact the library at 512-463-1252.

Explore our New & Noteworthy lists from 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2024, highlighting books by or about African Americans from our collection in honor of Black History Month.

1. Criminal Justice in Divided America: Police, Punishment, and the Future of Our Democracy
By David A. Sklansky
Investigates failures in America’s criminal justice system, including harsh sentencing; prosecutorial abuses; and neglect of the jury system, which not only harm individual persons but erode belief in democratic institutions. Discusses community policing, the role of mental health in police interactions, and the effects of jury duty on civic engagement. Proposes multiple steps toward reforming the way the criminal justice system impacts American political and social landscapes.
Harvard University Press, 2025, 243 pages
364.973 SK628 2025

 

 

2. In Defense of Partisanship
By Julian E. Zelizer
Examines the conventional wisdom that intense partisan loyalty within the electorate is the source of political division, distrust, dysfunction, and disinformation. Traces the history of the American debate over partisanship and factionalism along with different theories about how to deal with these forces. Offers a reimagining of what responsible partisanship could look like in the future and how political parties could reform to respect one another’s differences while still working for the American people.
Columbia Global Reports, 2025, 207 pages
306.20 Z49 2025

 

 

3. Social Media and Youth Mental Health
By Vicki Harrison, M.S.W.; Anne Collier, M.A.; and Steven Adelsheim, M.D.; editors
Presents a series of essays on how social media influences youth mental health at the societal level. Delves into a variety of social media topics, including its impact on brain development; sexuality; online bullying; and privacy. Includes contributions from academic experts in clinical settings while incorporating the voices and perspectives of young people. Seeks to inspire policy and societal change to create healthy and beneficial digital spaces.
American Psychiatric Publishing, 2025, 273 pages
616.8900835 H318 2025

 

 

4. Breaking Points: Youth Mental Health Crises and How We All Can Help
By Neely Laurenzo Myers
Analyzes the stories of young adults experiencing mental health crises and the treatment decisions they and their families make after psychiatric hospitalization. Addresses barriers and young peoples’ avoidance to mental health services. Explores factors leading to youth mental health crises and argues that health care providers must also address the patient’s “moral agency” along with the medical and material dimensions of care. Proposes solutions for clinicians, families, and policymakers. A free ebook version of this title is available through Luminos, University of California Press’s Open Access publishing program.
University of California Press, 2024, 255 pages
616.8900835 M996 2024

 

 

5. She Changed the Nation: Barbara Jordan's Life and Legacy in Black Politics
By Mary Ellen Curtin
Chronicles the personal and political journey of former U.S. Representative Barbara Jordan. Explores her political career as the first Black woman to be elected in the Texas Senate in 1966 to becoming the first Black Texan to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Details Jordan's experiences through childhood, relationships, sexuality, disability, and gender and race discrimination. Highlights her impact related to racism, feminism, voting rights, and the Democratic Party. Mentions Justice Oscar Mauzy and former State Senator A.R. "Babe" Schwartz.
University of Pennsylvania Press, 2024, 466
328.73 C978 2024

 

 

6. Immigration and Crime: Taking Stock
By Charis Elizabeth Kubrin
Discusses the relationship between immigration and crime in the United States, including a range of theories on the immigration-crime link; the predictors and nature of immigration crime; and the impact of immigration policy. Examines the available data sources, key concepts, and the growing research literature at the macro and micro levels on immigration and crime.
Springer, 2023, 98 pages
364.973 K95 2023

 

 

7. Monument to a Black Man
By Daniel James Kubiak, Illustrations by Neil Caldwell
Profiles William Goyens, a businessman and early settler of Nacogdoches, Texas, who lived from 1794­-1856. Chronicles his early life in North Carolina as a free Black man, his decision to move to Texas in 1820, and his success in various businesses and as a major landowner. Examines Goyens’ political life, including his role in assisting Governor Sam Houston, a personal friend, with treaty negotiations during the Texas Revolution when Houston served as a Major General in the Texas army. Written and researched by former State Representative Dan Kubiak and illustrated by former State Representative Neil Caldwell.
Naylor Co., 1972, 91 pages
976.403 G749K 1972

 

 

This entry was posted on February 5, 2025 at 3:35 PM and has received 200 views. Print this entry.

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

• Find current and historical presidential actions. (The White House / Federal Register, accessed January 28, 2025)
• Review vehicle safety inspection updates for 2025. (Texas Department of Public Safety, December 4, 2024)
• See where Texas ranks in a list of low-tax states Americans are moving to. (Tax Foundation, January 7, 2025)
• Find out which common respiratory illnesses are currently circulating. (Texas Department of State Health Services, accessed January 29, 2025)

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

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

This entry was posted on January 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM and has received 208 views. Print this entry.

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

• Consider the prevalence of surveillance pricing. (Federal Trade Commission, January 17, 2025)
• Read about avian influenza detected in the Austin area. (Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, January 9, 2025)
• Review safety tips related to avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. (Texas Department of Insurance, January 7, 2025)
• Explore dam safety information. (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, updated January 3, 2025)

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

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

This entry was posted on January 23, 2025 at 3:15 PM and has received 229 views. Print this entry.

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

• Review a report related to pharmacy benefit managers’ significant price markups on prescription drugs. (Federal Trade Commission, January 14, 2025)
• Find free legal help in Texas for qualifying individuals. (American Bar Association, accessed January 15, 2025)
• Consider food waste by state. (Nature Food, January 9, 2025)
• Track information related to federal workers. (Pew Research Center, January 7, 2025)
• Map air quality, fire activity, and smoke plumes. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency & U.S. Forest Service, accessed January 14, 2025)

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

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

This entry was posted on January 16, 2025 at 3:15 PM and has received 328 views. Print this entry.

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our January 2025 New & Noteworthy list.

New & Noteworthy titles are available to Legislative offices and agencies. To borrow an item, please submit an online request through the New & Noteworthy page on our website or contact the library at 512-463-1252.

1. Build: Investing in America's Infrastructure
By Sadek Wahba
Analyzes critical issues present in American infrastructure. Presents a variety of issues through focused case studies, such as the Flint, Michigan water contamination crisis and failed efforts to privatize the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Draws heavily upon international examples to highlight how improved infrastructure is both plausible and feasible. Opines that allowing for more privatization is vital to rebuilding and improving American infrastructure.
Georgetown University Press, 2024, 375 pages
388.0973 W136 2024

 

 

2. The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy
By Mike Madrid
Examines the impact of Latino voters as a demographic and political force, drawing on thirty years of research and campaign experience. Argues Latinos are challenging both political parties’ ideas of race, religion, economic success, and the American dream. Includes a chapter on Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.
Simon & Schuster, 2024, 261 pages
324.973 M183 2024

 

 

3. The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley
By Marietje Schaake
Argues the growing power of Big Tech companies and their resistance to regulation is undermining governments and the lives of individuals worldwide. Discusses the need for and benefits of placing regulatory limits on technologies such as spyware, facial recognition, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence. Features input from human rights advocates, business leaders, computer scientists, and politicians to illustrate how these technologies are posing a serious threat to democracy. Outlines solutions to empower policymakers and citizens to push back against Big Tech as well as harness technology for public good.
Princeton University Press, 2024, 327 pages
320.97301 SCH291 2024

 

 

4. Uvalde's Darkest Hour
By Craig Garnett
Compiles firsthand accounts of the school shooting on May 24, 2022, at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas. Chronicles the event, the principal actors, and the aftermath as the community tries to heal. Discusses legislative actions related to the shooting, including HB 2744 and SB 11, 88th Legislature, R.S., and the Interim Report published by the House Investigative Committee on the Robb Elementary Shooting. Mentions State Representatives Tracy O. King, Joe Moody, and State Senator Roland Gutierrez.
Texas A&M University Press, 2024, 227 pages
364.152 G235 2024

 

 

5. Watchdogs: Inspectors General and the Battle for Honest and Accountable Government
By Glenn A. Fine
Provides an in-depth look at the history, authority, and role of inspectors general at the national level. Draws from the author’s experiences as inspector general of two large federal agencies to demonstrate how government can be protected from waste, fraud, and abuse. Proposes ten key principles for effective inspectors general at any level of government and reforms for strengthening their oversight role.
University of Virginia Press, 2024, 222 pages
355.6 F495 2024

 

 

6. A Communications Playbook for Public Officials: How to Effectively Manage the Message, the Media, and Yourself
By Robert R. Johnson, Jr. & Michael R. Fraser, PHD, MS
Presents 73 detailed tips for managing both common and unusual media relations challenges, such as relationships with journalists; social media controversies; and media events. Focuses on how public agencies and officials, particularly public health organizations, can create effective communications strategies. Offers details drawn from real-life crisis communications events.
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, 2022, 171 pages
659.202 J66 2022

 

 

This entry was posted on January 15, 2025 at 3:20 PM and has received 299 views. Print this entry.

Below you'll find a preview of the 89th Texas Legislature. New members and returning members will be sworn in on January 14, 2025, the opening day of the regular session. A list of members of the 89th Legislature is available on the LRL's website.

New Members of the 89th Legislature

Texas House of Representatives

HOUSE DISTRICT	NEW MEMBER
6		Daniel Alders (R)
29		Jeff Barry (R)
56		Pat Curry (R) *sworn 11/18/2024 after special election
109		Aicha Davis (D)
14		Paul Dyson (R)
87		Caroline Fairly (R)
107		Linda Garcia (D)
115		Cassandra Garcia Hernandez (D)
55		Hillary Hickland (R)
18		Janis Holt (R)
64		Andy Hopper (R)
58		Helen Kerwin (R)
121		Marc LaHood (R)
65		Mitch Little (R)
30		AJ Louderback (R)
91		David Lowe (R)
62		Shelley Luther (R)
80		Don McLaughlin, Jr. (R)
97		John McQueeney (R)
2		Brent Money (R)
26		Matt Morgan (R)
60		Mike Olcott (R)
77		Vince Perez (D)
33		Katrina Pierson (R)
61		Keresa Richardson (R)
11		Joanne Shofner (R)
146		Lauren A. Simmons (D)
34		Denise Villalobos (R)
53		Wes Virdell (R)
139		Charlene Ward Johnson (D)
12		Trey Wharton (R)

New HOUSE members = 31

Texas Senate

SENATE DISTRICT	NEW MEMBER
15		Molly Cook (D) *sworn 5/16/2024 after special election
30		Brent Hagenbuch (R)
27		Adam Hinojosa (R)

New SENATE members = 3

TOTAL new members = 34

Membership statistics for previous sessions are available on the library's Member statistics page.

This entry was posted on January 14, 2025 at 12:15 PM and has received 1617 views. Print this entry.

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

• Track topics of interest to state legislatures across the country. (National Conference of State Legislatures, updated November 24, 2024)
• Read a new federal rule that prohibits creditors and consumer reporting agencies from considering medical debt and medical information as factors in credit reporting. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, January 7, 2025)
• Consider the religious composition of the incoming U.S. Congress. (Pew Research Center, January 2, 2025)
• Review how cars affect the privacy of drivers. (Electronic Frontier Foundation December 28, 2024)

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

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

This entry was posted on January 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM and has received 259 views. Print this entry.