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

• Explore the effects of social media challenges on car thefts. (USAFacts. Updated May 26, 2023)
• Consider the decline in scores for reading and mathematics assessments of thirteen-year-olds. (National Assessment of Educational Progress, June 21, 2023)
• Review hurricane preparedness tips. (Texas General Land Office, accessed June 21, 2023)
• Read about missing and trafficked children under DFPS conservatorship. (Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, May 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 June 22, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 731 views. Print this entry.

Sunday, June 18, 2023 was the last day the governor could sign or veto an enrolled bill from the 88th Regular Session. If neither action was taken, the bill became law without his signature.

88th Legislature, R.S., Statistics

The following bill statistics were calculated on June 20, 2023, at 4 p.m.

To see how these statistics have changed, please view our previous bill statistics blog posts:

• Bill Statistics, Two Weeks After Sine Die, June 12, 2023
• Updated Bill Statistics, June 5, 2023
• What's Next? Post-Session FAQ and Bill Statistics, 88th R.S.
• Bill Statistics, 133rd Day, 88th R.S.
• Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, May 15, 2023
• Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, May 8, 2023
• Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, May 1, 2023

You can also view lists of bills by the governor's action on Texas Legislature Online (TLO).

1. On TLO's homepage, click on the "Reports" link under Additional Searches.

 

2. Then click on the "General Reports" tab to see the lists of bills by the governor's action.

This entry was posted on June 22, 2023 at 12:35 PM and has received 1323 views. Print this entry.

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our June 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. The Science of Gun Policy: A Critical Synthesis of Research Evidence on the Effects of Gun Policies in the United States
By Rosanna Smart, et al.
Examines what the scientific literature reveals about the likely impact of various gun laws. Analyzes the effects of eighteen types of state firearm policies on firearm deaths, violent crime, suicides, the gun industry, defensive gun use, and other outcomes. Presents a series of conclusions and recommendations relating to safe gun storage laws, stand your ground laws, permitless carry, background checks, minimum age of purchase, and other firearm policies. Note: This report is part of the RAND Corporation’s Gun Policy in America initiative.
RAND, 2023, 427 pages
363.33 SM636S 2023

 

 

2. The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic
By Stephen I. Vladeck
Analyzes the U.S. Supreme Court's increased usage of their emergency docket, also known as the shadow docket. Reviews the history of the Court's authority and the procedures for expediting emergency cases that do not require oral arguments and often result in unsigned and unexplained orders. Examines recent cases and policies addressed in the shadow docket, including COVID mandates, immigration, and abortion. Discusses the Court’s treatment of the case involving SB 8, 87th Legislature, R.S., the Texas Heartbeat Act.
Basic Books, 2023, 334 pages
347.73 V865 2023

 

 

3. Steeped in a Culture of Violence: Murder, Racial Injustice, and Other Violent Crimes in Texas, 1965-2020
By Brandon T. Jett and Kenneth W. Howell, editors
Compiles a collection of essays that examines the culture of violence in Texas along with the social and political responses to violent events from 1965 to 2020. Presents case studies of brutality against racial minorities, the LGBTQ community, and intimate partners, as well as gang violence and mass shootings. Offers insight regarding the underlying causes of violent crime and how to mitigate it.
Texas A&M University Press, 2023, 266 pages
364.152 J58ST 2023

 

 

4. We Were Once a Family: A Story of Love, Death, and Child Removal in America
By Roxanna Asgarian
Investigates the murder-suicide of the Hart family, consisting of Jennifer and Sarah Hart, as well as their six adopted children from Texas. Offers an in-depth examination regarding the lack of action concerning the child abuse allegations against the adoptive parents. Advocates for reform of the foster care system and addresses relevant federal and Texas foster care and child welfare laws.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2023, 297 pages
364.152 AS818W 2023

 

 

5. For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America
By Jonathan D. Cohen
Presents a history of state run lotteries since 1964 through late twentieth century American political, religious, and economical perspectives. Posits that the rise of state lotteries in the modern era arose from the allure of tax-free revenue to state legislatures. Examines the role of advertising on promoting the industry to communities in lower income and African American neighborhoods.
Oxford University Press, 2022, 281 pages
795.3 C678F 2022

 

 

6. Impeached: The Removal of Texas Governor James E. Ferguson
By Jessica Brannon-Wranosky and Bruce A. Glasrud, editors
Collects a series of essays exploring the historical context of the 1917 impeachment of Governor James E. "Pa" Ferguson, including his relationships with The University of Texas, prohibition, women’s suffrage, and the Texas Press. Reflects on the role of the Texas legislature and the impact of the impeachment on Texas state politics over the following century. Presents contextualized primary source documents such as Ferguson's Texas Farm Tenant Law, annotated by scholars to allow a better understanding of the ideas and groups surrounding the impeachment of Ferguson.
Texas A&M University Press, 2017, 202 pages
342.764 B735I 2017

 

 

This entry was posted on June 20, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 3235 views. Print this entry.

Sunday, June 18, 2023, is the last day the governor can sign or veto an enrolled bill. If neither action is taken, the bill becomes law without his signature.

88th Legislature, R.S., Statistics

The following bill statistics were calculated on June 13, 2023, at 8:45 a.m.

Previous bill statistics posts:

• Updated Bill Statistics, June 5, 2023
• What's Next? Post-Session FAQ and Bill Statistics, 88th R.S.
• Bill Statistics, 133rd Day, 88th R.S.
• Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, May 15, 2023
• Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, May 8, 2023
• Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, May 1, 2023

This entry was posted on June 13, 2023 at 11:25 AM and has received 1195 views. Print this entry.

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

• Review how the Air Quality Index works. (AirNow.gov, accessed June 7, 2023)
• Consider teachers’ views on school safety. (RAND Corporation, ©2023)
• Read a report on the security risks of drug shortages. (U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, March 2023)
• Search the General Land Office’s Land Grants database. (Texas General Land Office, accessed June 7, 2023)
• See what some states have done to reduce property taxes. (National Conference of State Legislatures, May 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 June 8, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 489 views. Print this entry.

Sunday, June 18, 2023, is the last day the governor can sign or veto an enrolled bill. If neither action is taken, the bill becomes law without his signature.

88th Legislature, R.S., Statistics

The following bill statistics were calculated on June 5, 2023, at 10:50 a.m.

Previous bill statistics posts:

• What's Next? Post-Session FAQ and Bill Statistics, 88th R.S.
• Bill Statistics, 133rd Day, 88th R.S.
• Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, May 15, 2023
• Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, May 8, 2023
• Bill Statistics & Upcoming Deadlines, May 1, 2023

This entry was posted on June 5, 2023 at 3:20 PM and has received 1127 views. Print this entry.

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

• Explore digitized sound recordings of the U.S. Supreme Court. (National Archives and Records Administration, May 30, 2023)
• Consider issues related to the use of generative AI such as ChatGPT. (Electronic Privacy Information Center, May 2023)
• Read about the newspaper industry and how it has contracted with the advent of online news platforms. (Congressional Research Service, May 24, 2023)
• Review swimming safety tips for summer. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 19, 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 June 1, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 433 views. Print this entry.

Bill Statistics:

*Statistics as of May 30, 2023, at 3 p.m. See our bill statistics page to compare these numbers with historical statistics.

Post-Session FAQ:

What happens now?

The 88th Regular Session ended Monday, May 29, 2023. Bills that pass both the House and the Senate are sent to the governor to sign, veto, or allow to become law without his signature.

When the Legislature passes a bill, does it become a law right away?

No. Under Article 4, Section 14 of the Texas Constitution, bills passed by the Legislature must be submitted to the governor for approval. The governor can sign a bill, veto it, line-item veto an appropriation, or allow a bill to become law without his signature.

How much time does the governor have to act on a bill?

The deadline for the governor to act on a bill is contingent upon the point in time in which the bill is presented to the governor.


If a bill is sent to the governor during the legislative session, the governor has 10 days (excluding Sundays) to sign the bill or return the bill to the Legislature with objection. If after 10 days the bill is not returned to the Legislature by the governor with objections or he has not yet signed it, the bill becomes law as if the governor had signed it.


If the Legislature has adjourned sine die, or if the bill is presented to the governor less than 10 days (excluding Sundays) prior to final adjournment, the governor has 20 days (including Sundays) after the final day of the session to sign or veto the bill. If neither action is taken, the bill becomes law without the governor's signature (Texas Const. art. IV, § 14).


Sunday, June 18, is the 20th day following the final adjournment of the 88th Regular Session. It is the last day the governor can sign or veto bills passed during the 88th Regular Session. The LRL's vetoes database will be updated for the 88th Regular Session as we receive those documents.

If the governor approves a bill, when will it take effect?

The text of a bill may include effective date provisions requiring the bill to take effect immediately, to take effect on a specified day, or there may be no mention of an effective date. Different sections of a bill may have different effective dates.


According to Article III, Section 39 of the Texas Constitution, a bill cannot become effective until at least 90 days after the session ends unless the bill passes both chambers with a favorable vote by two-thirds of the members.


Monday, August 28, 2023, is the 91st day following final adjournment; bills that do not specify an effective date and those that did not have the two-thirds vote necessary to take effect earlier will take effect on Monday, August 28, 2023.


If a bill received the votes necessary to become effective immediately, it will take effect on the date of the last action necessary for it to become law. This could be when the governor signs it, when the governor files it with the Secretary of State without approving or vetoing it, or when the time for the governor to act expires, if the bill has not been approved or vetoed during that time.

What happens to bills that do not pass?

Bills that do not make it completely through the legislative process die with the end of the session and are not automatically refiled during the next session.

What about other types of legislation?

Joint resolutions that pass both chambers of the Legislature are filed with the Secretary of State, and will be on the ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment for the November 7, 2023, election.


Concurrent resolutions generally require action by the governor. Concurrent resolutions used for administrative matters in the House and Senate do not require approval from the governor.


Simple resolutions are passed by only one chamber of the Legislature, and do not require the governor's approval.

Where can I find more information about special sessions?

You can start with the LRL's FAQ about special sessions. The LRL website's section devoted to special sessions also includes historical information, links to statutory authority pertaining to special sessions, and more.

Sources:

• The Legislative Process in Texas, Texas Legislative Council, November 2022
• Dates of Interest | 88th Legislature, Texas Legislative Council

This entry was posted on May 31, 2023 at 10:25 AM and has received 883 views. Print this entry.

Impeachment is an extraordinary method for removing and disqualifying from holding public office an official who has abused the public trust by serious misconduct. Technically, 'impeachment' is merely an accusation, analogous to a criminal indictment, and must be followed by trial and conviction for removal. However, the entire procedure is customarily called impeachment.

Texas Constitution and Statutes
Article XV of the Texas Constitution provides various methods for the removal of public officers and officials, including impeachment; address; removal of district court judges by the Supreme Court; and removal of gubernatorial appointees by the Governor.

• Article XV § 1 of the Texas Constitution vests the power of impeachment in the Texas House of Representatives.
• Article XV § 2 of the Texas Constitution lists the officers for whom a trial of impeachment shall be by the Senate: the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Commissioners of the General Land Office, Comptroller of Public Accounts, and Judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and the District Courts.

Statutes related to impeachment and removal are found in Chapter 665 of the Government Code.

• Government Code Section 665.002 additionally authorizes removal from office by impeachment for a state officer; a head of a state department or state institution; or a member, regent, trustee, or commissioner having control or management of a state institution or enterprise.

Examples of cases in which officials were impeached and removed from office
The library has compiled information on two prominent cases in which a state official was impeached by the House and removed by the Senate.

The impeachment of Governor James E. Ferguson
House Committee to Investigate Charges Against James E. Ferguson
House Committee of the Whole on Investigation of Impeachment Charges Against Governor James E. Ferguson
House Committee to Prepare Articles of Impeachment Against Governor James E. Ferguson
House Committee on Select an Attorney to Represent the House during the Investigation of Impeachment Charges Against Governor James E. Ferguson
Senate Committee to Formulate the Rules of Procedure in the Trial Upon the Articles of Impeachment of Governor James B. Ferguson, Governor. (Includes Rules of Procedure on Impeachment.)
House Journal, 35th 2nd C.S. Appendix: testimony and arguments related to impeachment charges against Governor James E. Ferguson
Record of proceedings of the High Court of Impeachment on the trial of Hon. James E. Ferguson, governor : before the Senate of the state of Texas (PDF) (Rules of impeachment found on pp. 857–859)
Senate Journal, 35th 3rd C.S.

Ferguson resigned from office before the Senate officially announced its judgment and argued that since he had resigned, the prohibition on future office holding did not apply to him. The Texas Supreme Court disagreed in Ferguson v. Maddox, 263 S.W. 888 (Tex. 1924).

The impeachment of Judge O. P. Carrillo, judge of the 229th district court
HR 167 64th R.S. 1975 – Judge O.P. Carrillo, creating House Committee to investigate charges.
HR 161 64th R.S. 1975 – Impeachment charges filed against Judge O. P. Carrillo.
HR 221 64th R.S. 1975 – Judge O.P. Carrillo, continuing the committee and providing for convening of the House.
Documents related to the impeachment of O.P. Carrillo (Legislative Reference Library, Collections)

This entry was posted on May 26, 2023 at 3:30 PM and has received 3931 views. Print this entry.

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

• Consider recent federal and state-level legislation related to policing. (Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law, May 2023)
• Explore the USDA’s climate hub for the Southern Plains. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, accessed May 24, 2023)
• Read about steps the Postal Service is taking to reduce mail theft and improve consumer protection. (U.S. Postal Service, May 12, 2023)
• Review survey results related to economic well-being in the U.S. in 2022. (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, May 2023)
• Examine the dilemma of Social Security, the fund for which pays out more benefits than it receives in taxes. (U.S. Government Accountability Office, May 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 May 25, 2023 at 3:15 PM and has received 628 views. Print this entry.