This entry was posted on October 26, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 702 views. Print this entry.

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our October 2023 New & Noteworthy list.

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

For some spooky and light reading ... Check out our Halloween New & Noteworthy lists from 2016 and 2017

1. Baby Ninth Amendments: How Americans Embraced Unenumerated Rights and Why It Matters
By Anthony B. Sanders
Examines the history and interpretation of unenumerated rights, or the "etcetera clause" in state constitutions known as the "Baby Ninth Amendments." Explores how they differ from the Ninth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which reads "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Argues state judges need to protect the rights retained by the people that these "etcetera clauses" are designed to guarantee since courts, including the U.S. Supreme court, have historically ignored the Ninth Amendment. Notes the State of Texas did not retain its (proto) Baby Ninth Amendment when it adopted its 1845 Constitution or later constitutions.
University of Michigan Press, 2023, 199 pages
342.7308 SA194 2023

 

 

2. The Civic Bargain: How Democracy Survives
By Brook Manville and Josiah Ober
Challenges the idea - bolstered by poll results and punditry - that democracy is in trouble, not just in the U.S. but around the world. Offers a guide for citizens to recommit to democratic ideals, including full participation in the democratic process; investment in civic education; and compromise and good-faith engagement with one another. Examines key moments in democracy's history, comparing ideas that succeeded and failed to provide a road map for how modern democracies can survive and thrive.
Princeton University Press, 2023, 312 pages
321.8072 M295 2023

 

 

3. Mr. Texas
By Lawrence Wright
Presents the fictional story of an Iraq war veteran and West Texas rancher named Sonny Lamb, who was propelled to run for the Texas House of Representatives after saving a child and her horse from a barn fire. Conveys a realistic portrait of the Texas legislature, including characters modeled after political giants such as Bob Bullock, based on years of research and interviews with Texas political insiders. Portrays powerful lobbyists, party infighting, pig hunts, and the battle between belief and pragmatism as characters work on behalf of the people of the state.
Alfred A. Knopf, 2023, 323 pages
813.54 W947 2023

 

 

4. Recoding America: Why Government is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better
By Jennifer Pahlka
Seeks to explain issues in the provision of digital government services, illustrated by firsthand examples of projects such as the launch of Healthcare.gov and fixing California’s COVID-era unemployment insurance. Critiques decision making processes which divide the roles of policy creation and implementation. Highlights government practices, such as contracting requirements and lack of user research, and provides a guide on how to better the processes and create more secure, user-friendly digital services.
Metropolitan Books, Henry Holt and Company, 2023, 319 pages
352.7 P141 2023

 

 

5. Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States
By J. Scott Kappas
Provides short explanations of laws most relevant for people traveling with firearms for all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Mexico. Discusses vehicle carry, concealed carry and reciprocity for non-resident licensees, and laws governing possession of firearms for each state. Rates the states for its treatment of firearms on a scale of total prohibition to total freedom. Includes definitions of important terms and statutory language.
Traveler's Guide, 2023, 67 pages
363.33 T697 2023

 

 

6. The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together
By Heather McGhee
Proposes that institutionalized racism negatively affects all demographics of the American population. Argues that the concept of zero-sum game has been used to create discriminatory policies, despite hurting those it claims to protect, by removing beneficial social amenities from all community members. Provides examples of decisions related to pools, parks, and functioning schools that have harmed and continue to harm communities for generations. Claims that effective changes in policy must first start with changes in cultural attitudes.
One World, 2021, 415 pages
305.800973 M478 2021

 

 

This entry was posted on October 23, 2023 at 4:35 PM and has received 775 views. Print this entry.

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

• Review national crime statistics for 2022. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, October 16, 2023)
• Consider how AI may affect political campaigns. (Tech Policy Press, October 12, 2023)
• Read about the scope of the IRS’s Direct File pilot program, in which Texas residents may be eligible to participate. (IRS, October 17, 2023)
• Examine whether student surveillance products keeps students safe. (ACLU, © 2023)
• Explore recent improvements in young driver traffic fatality rates. (Governors Highway Safety Association, October 18, 2023)

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 October 19, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 361 views. Print this entry.

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

• Consider copyright law implications of generative artificial intelligence. (Congressional Research Service, updated September 29, 2023)
• Explore risks of fire, flood, wind, and excessive heat by street address. (First Street Foundation, accessed October 12, 2023)
• Review flood disclosure laws by state. (Natural Resources Defense Council, August 31, 2023)
• Read about state policies related to retirement security accounts. (CSG South, Council of State Governments, September 27, 2023)

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 October 12, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 805 views. Print this entry.

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

• View a map of public, charter, and private schools in Texas. (IDRA (Intercultural Development Research Association), accessed October 5, 2023)
• Check your weekly credit reports for free. (Consumer Reports, updated September 21, 2023)
• Look up health care professionals licensed by the State of Texas. (Texas Medical Board, updated September 27, 2023)
• Consider private funding for election administration. (Congressional Research Service, September 26, 2023)
• Find updates on the El Niño weather phenomenon. (National Weather Service, September 14, 2023)

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 October 5, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 756 views. Print this entry.

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

• Read about high obesity prevalence in 22 states, including Texas. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 21, 2023)
• Learn how to delete private browsing history from web browsers. (MakeUseOf, September 17, 2023)
• Consider the effects of air pollution on life expectancy. (Air Quality Life Index, Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), accessed September 26, 2023)
• Explore Spanish language experiences of U.S. Latinos. (Pew Research Center, September 20, 2023)

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 September 28, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 368 views. Print this entry.

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

• See how child rights vary from state to state. (Human Rights Watch, updated September 7, 2023)
• Track news and developments related to state constitutions in the high courts across all 50 states. (Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, © 2023)
• Review Americans’ attitudes toward U.S. politics. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, updated September 12, 2023)
• Consider the role of Congress in regulating the use of AI. (U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions, accessed September 20, 2023)

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 September 21, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 409 views. Print this entry.

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our September 2023 New & Noteworthy list.

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

1. Analyses of Proposed Constitutional Amendments, 88th Texas Legislature, November 7, 2023, Election
By Texas Legislative Council
Provides detailed information on the fourteen joint resolutions passed during the 88th Regular and 2nd Called Sessions of the Texas Legislature that propose amendments to the Texas Constitution. Includes background information, detailed analysis, comments from both supporters and opponents, and the text of each joint resolution to assist voters during the November election.
Texas Legislative Council, 2023, 75 pages
L1400.7 C766 2023

 

 

2. The Buying and Selling of American Education: Reimagining a System of Schools for All Children
By Susan Tave Zelman and Margaret Erlandson Sorensen
Explores the history of American education, including how various educational models are organized, governed, funded, and the results each produces. Discusses trends, such as the standards movement and school choice, and how they have shaped the educational landscape over the years. Offers ways to reform education to create a system that balances the needs of society with those of children and families. Argues that schools' most important focus should be on student needs and desires rather than those of adults in the general public.
Rowman & Littlefield, 2023, 277 pages
370.973 Z51 2023

 

 

3. Condensed Analyses of Proposed Constitutional Amendments: 88th Texas Legislature, November 7, 2023, Election
By Texas Legislative Council
Presents a brief analysis for each of the fourteen joint resolutions proposed to amend the Texas Constitution that passed during 88th Regular and 2nd Called Sessions and will appear on the upcoming November election ballot. Includes the topic, a summary analysis, and a summary of comments made by supporters and opponents during the legislative process.
Texas Legislative Council, 2023, 15 pages
L1400.7 C766C 2023

 

 

4. Constitutional Amendments Proposed for November 2023 Ballot
By House Research Organization
Describes the process by which constitutional amendments are adopted. Provides information on each of the fourteen proposed amendments that will be submitted for voter approval at the November 7, 2023, general election. Includes background information, analysis, and arguments for and against each proposal.
House Research Organization, 2023, 33 pages
L1801.9 ST94 88-3

 

 

5. Merchants of the Right: Gun Sellers and the Crisis of American Democracy
By Jennifer Carlson
Examines how gun sellers’ responded to the 2020 surge in gun purchases by both conservative and atypical gun buyers due to the coronavirus pandemic, civil unrest, and heightened politics. Addresses gun sellers’ role in conservative politics, including their mobilization of conservative culture mainstays — armed individualism, conspiracism, and partisanship. Explores how conservative gun politics is shaping American democracy.
Princeton University Press, 2023, 272 pages
363.330973 C284 2023

 

 

6. Volatility in State Spending for Higher Education
By Jennifer A. Delaney, Editor
Compiles a collection of essays focusing on the consequences of volatility in state higher education funding and the reasons why higher education is particularly affected. Analyzes the risks of public colleges and universities operating in an uncertain financial environment, and the importance of funding predictability to institutions, students, families, and states.
American Educational Research Association, 2023, 354 pages
379.1 D337 2023

 

 

This entry was posted on September 20, 2023 at 4:25 PM and has received 460 views. Print this entry.

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

• Check data security breach reports. (Attorney General of Texas, accessed September 13, 2023)
• Review a federal appeals court decision related to public access to laws and rules. (Electronic Frontier Foundation, September 12, 2023)
• Consider the latest COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, updated September 12, 2023)
• Track overnight migration pattern forecasts of birds across the U.S. (BirdCast, accessed September 13, 2023)

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 September 14, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 322 views. Print this entry.

Following each legislative session in Texas, organizations, state agencies, and other entities publish "wrap-ups" summarizing new laws and key legislative developments in areas ranging from education to real estate to water conservation. Wrap-ups can range from a simple list of bills to a detailed report that includes background information and expert analysis.

The LRL tracks legislative wrap-ups, as we find them to be an excellent research tool and summary of the topics covered during a particular session. Listed below is a short selection. To find other wrap-ups on a topic that interests you, check the websites of organizations or state agencies that focus on the issue, or contact the library for assistance.

• State Agencies
• Associations & Organizations

State Agencies

Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS)
Summary of Legislative Action on ERS Programs and Operations

Hogg Foundation for Mental Health – University of Texas
Summary of Mental Health and Substance Use-Related Legislation

Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC)
Summary of the 88th Legislative Session

Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
2023 TRS-Related Legislation Summary

Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Fire Protection-Related Legislation, 2023 (88th Legislative Session)

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)
Summaries of Selected Legislation Passed by the 88th Legislature, Regular Session

Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)
Worker’s Compensation Legislation Enacted

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
88th Texas Legislature: TDLR Related Bills

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Texas Metals Program – 88th Legislation 2023

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
Delivering on Our Transportation Future: 88th Regular Legislative Session (2023) Summary of Enacted Transportation and General Government Legislation

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
The 88th Legislature: A Texas-sized Investment in Higher Education

Texas Judicial Council (TJC)
Texas Judiciary Legislative Update – 88th Legislature

Texas Pension Review Board
Pension Bill Summaries – 88th Legislative Session

Associations and Organizations

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas
The 88th Texas Legislature's Regular Session

Environment Texas
How the Environment Faired at the Texas Legislature (88th Regular Session)

Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT)
Legislative White Paper: An Executive Summary for Community Bankers, July 2023

LeadingAge Texas
88th Legislative Session Summary – Sine Die Edition

National Rifle Association-Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA)
Texas Legislature Ends Regular Session After Passing a Trio of Pro-Second Amendment Bills & Rejecting Gun Control Measures

Texas AFL-CIO
88th Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Texas Association of Business (TAB)
88th Results: 2023 Legislative Session

Texas Association of Dairymen (TAD)
Sine Die Report: 88th Texas Legislature

Texans Care for Children
Texas Children and the 2023 Legislative Session: What the Texas Legislature accomplished for children and where it fell short

• Review of Policy Progress During the 2023 Texas Legislative Session: Maternal and Child Health
• Review of Policy Progress During the 2023 Texas Legislative Session: Child Protection
• Review of Policy Progress During the 2023 Texas Legislative Session: Early Learning
• Review of Policy Progress During the 2023 Texas Legislative Session: Children's Mental Health

Texas Classroom Teachers Assocation (TCTA)
Final Bill Summaries – 2023

Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA)
Recap of the 88th Texas Legislative Session

Texas District & County Attorneys Association (TDCAA)
TDCAA Legislative Update: 88th Regular Session, Week 20.1 (Sine Die Edition)

Texas Gun Sense
Texas 88th Legislative Session Report

Texas Humane Legislation Network
2023 Legislative Session

Texas Land Title Assotication (TLTA)
Texas Legislature 88th Session Results

Texas Library Association (TLA)
88th Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Texas Medical Association (TMA)
2023 Legislative Wrap-Up

Texas Municipal League (TML)

• 88th Regular Session Concludes; Governor Calls Legislators Back for Overtime (Legislative Update No. 23)
• First Called Special Session Ends; Second Underway (Legislative Update No. 26)
• Texas Legislature Passes Property Tax Relief Package Ending Special Session (Legislative Update No. 28)

Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA)
88th Texas Legislative Session

Texas Realtors (TR)
Building a Better Texas: Broadband Improvements and Water Infrastructure Top the List of REALTOR wins at the 88th Texas Legislature

Texas Water Conservation Association (TWCA)
88th Legislative Wrap Up

This entry was posted on September 13, 2023 at 11:30 AM and has received 895 views. Print this entry.