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Current Articles & Research Resources, October 10, 2024

Oct 10

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

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

  • Compare the fiscal plans of the presidential campaigns. (Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, October 7, 2024)
  • Explore a media bias chart. (Ad Fontes Media, accessed October 9, 2024)
  • Track wildfire risk in your area. (Texas A&M Forest Service, accessed October 9, 2024)
  • Search congressionally mandated reports. (U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), accessed October 9, 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 October 10, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 46 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of October 14, 2024

Oct 8

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 88th Session

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.

 

October 15, 2024
Senate Committee on State Affairs
Charge: Impeachment Reform: Evaluate the constitutional and statutory impeachment procedures in our state. Make recommendations to ensure a fair and transparent process.

Charge: Lottery: Study “lottery courier services,” which allow their clients to purchase lottery tickets over the internet. Report on the number of couriers and the magnitude of sales from such services in Texas. Determine whether courier services are operating legally in Texas and whether a change in law is needed to respond to technological advancements to protect children in our state and to maintain original legislative intent. Recommend legislation to clarify Texas’s laws regarding online lottery sales.

Charge: Addressing Homelessness: Study programs that address the homelessness crisis in Texas. Specifically, review programs like Haven for Hope and determine whether such programs could be a model throughout our state. Propose legislation to address the root causes of homelessness by expanding successful programs for cities of all sizes.

Charge: Public Trust in Government: Examine the current state of accountability, ethics, and transparency in local government. Recommend ways to bolster public trust in local government by strengthening the Public Information Act and Open Meetings Act.

 

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October 16, 2024
House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Charge: Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

  • HB 1859, relating to the regulation of air conditioning and refrigeration contracting, including eligibility for an air conditioning and refrigeration technician registration or certification;
  • HB 3579, relating to the regulation of massage therapists and massage establishments by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and political subdivisions; and
  • HB 4446, relating to certain licensing and permitting requirements for game rooms; authorizing an occupational permit or license; authorizing a fee.

The Committee will be hearing invited testimony only regarding the following agencies: Texas Racing Commission, State Office of Administrative Hearings, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and Texas Lottery Commission.

The Committee will also hear invited testimony only relating to the Texas Lottery Commission current rules and regulations regarding “lottery courier services,” and single buyer mass purchases.

 

House Select Committee on Securing Texas from Hostile Foreign Organizations
Charge: Study the threat posed by hostile foreign organizations and related entities on the Texas economy, security, and values.

Charge: Evaluate the ways in which hostile foreign organizations acquire property, including real property, in Texas as well as the attendant risks. Recommend policy changes to mitigate the risks posed by ownership of Texas assets by hostile foreign organizations

Charge: Examine rates of intellectual property (IP) theft in the state and identify the industries most impacted. Make recommendations to better secure the IP of government and businesses operating in the state and ensure Texas remains competitive in the face of economic aggression by hostile foreign organizations.

 

Senate Committee on State Affairs
Charge: Runoff Elections: Study the prerequisites, timing, and efficiency of runoff elections. Make recommendations to increase the efficiency and lower the costs of runoff elections. Examine the 50% vote threshold to avoid a runoff, particularly when four or more candidates are running for the same office. Report whether the vote percentage threshold should be lowered in some instances.

Charge: Stop Noncitizen Voting: Evaluate the current safeguards in place to prevent noncitizens from voting in elections. Recommend legislation to facilitate the removal of noncitizen voters from the voter rolls as well as legislation to prevent noncitizens from registering to vote in Texas.

Charge: Election Audit Reports: Evaluate the Secretary of State’s election audit reports. Make recommendations to secure our elections and ensure counties follow the law.

Charge: Unmasking Protestors: Study the use of face coverings and hoods designed to conceal the identity of those bent on committing crimes at protests. Recommend legislation to stop the chaos and destruction by those who attempt to commit crimes while concealing their identity during public gatherings.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on State Affairs passed by the 88th Legislature. Specifically, evaluate the impact of Senate Bill 2284, relating to the sale of distilled spirits to ultimate consumers by the holder of a distiller's and rectifier's permit. Report whether the increased sale of distilled spirits has had a positive impact on economic development and public safety in this industry.

 

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October 17, 2024
Senate Committee on State Affairs
Charge: Social Media & Protecting Children: Study the impact of social media use on children. Review current mechanisms in place to protect minors online. Monitor the implementation of House Bill 18, 88th Legislature, relating to the protection of minors from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices in connection with the use of certain digital services and electronic devices, including the use and transfer of electronic devices to students by a public school. Make policy recommendations to further protect Texas children online.

Charge: Responsible Investing: Study the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors on our state’s public pensions, with a focus on proxy voting services. Make recommendations to ensure our state’s pension systems vote and invest in accordance with their fiduciary responsibility to maximize profit. Additionally, monitor the implementation of Senate Bill 13, 87th Legislature, relating to state contracts with and investments in certain companies that boycott energy companies. Specifically, examine how a company is removed from the list of companies that boycott energy companies when the company ceases to boycott energy companies. Report on how frequently the list maintained by the comptroller is updated and make recommendations to ensure an ongoing accurate list.

Charge: Beverages with THC: Evaluate Texas laws and regulations concerning THC beverage manufacturing and delivery. Report on the current regulations and safeguards Texas may or may not have in place for drinks with any amount of THC. Recommend legislation to protect Texas consumers.

 

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This entry was posted on October 8, 2024 at 3:20 PM and has received 141 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, October 3, 2024

Oct 3

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

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

  • Read about mortgage lending practices in flood risk-prone areas. (Federal Reserve Bank of New York, September 25, 2024)
  • Track Texas Department of Transportation projects across the state. (Texas Department of Transportation, accessed October 2, 2024)
  • Consider middle-class households by state, metropolitan area, and income. (Pew Research Center, September 16, 2024)
  • Explore sea level changes along the Texas coast. (Interagency Sea Level Task Force, accessed October 2, 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 October 3, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 147 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of October 7, 2024

Oct 2

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 88th Session

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.

 

October 8, 2024
Texas Energy Fund Advisory Committee
Topic: Review the operation, function, and structure of the Texas Energy Fund.

 

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October 9, 2024
Senate Committee on Finance
Charge: Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program: Review the expenditure of funds appropriated to the Texas Film Commission for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) by the 88th Legislature and assess the effectiveness of the program in promoting media production and stimulating local economies through job creation and business growth. Analyze application trends before and after the appropriation, with attention to high_profile or large-budget productions. Additionally, review other states and international incentive programs and evaluate Texas's workforce and educational needs in media production. Provide recommendations to improve the TMIIIP’s transparency and enhance Texas's competitive position.

Charge: School Enrollment Trends: Study post-pandemic student enrollment trends, and examine the possible causes behind the shift in student enrollment, including the rise in homeschooling, micro-schools, and other parental choice options. Make recommendations to ensure parents and educators have the tools and resources needed to respond to the projected enrollment changes and ensure that every child has the best educational options available to learn.

 

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October 10, 2024
House Committee on Transportation
Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

  • HB 718, relating to the issuance of certain tags, permits, and license plates authorizing the movement of vehicles and the transfer and renewal of certain license plates.
  • HB 1885, relating to the authority of the Texas Transportation Commission to establish variable speed limits.
  • HB 2170, relating to toll collections by a toll project entity.
  • HB 3288, relating to notice of transfer of a used motor vehicle.
  • SB 505, relating to imposing an additional fee for the registration of an electric vehicle.

Charge: Port Infrastructure and Maritime Industry: Study long-term needs of the maritime industry in Texas. Evaluate the implementation status of the Maritime Port Mission Plan and make recommendations to improve port planning, safety measures, and project delivery. Examine status of TxDOT seaport projects that received funding during the 88th Legislature.

Charge: Bridge Safety: Evaluate the current status of state-maintained bridges, existing safety standards related to bridges, and long-term financial needs for bridge planning, construction, maintenance, and inspection. Examine ways to improve bridge project delivery.

Charge: Alleviating Road Traffic: Identify the state's most congested roadways and review state forecasts for future congestion and the expected impact on economic activity. Evaluate TxDOT plans for alleviating congestion and consider the necessity of additional options to ensure economic development, congestion, and safety goals are achieved in a timely manner with reduced cost to public tax dollars.

 

Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
Charge: Retail Theft: Study the effects of organized retail crime in Texas and in other states. Evaluate the reporting and legislative suggestions from the statewide Organized Retail Theft Task Force. Make recommendations to protect the safety of retail employees and business owners in Texas.

Charge: Financial Crimes: Evaluate financial criminal activity trends in Texas, including the fiscal impact on consumers, financial institutions, local economies, and businesses. Determine the extent of payment fraud by transnational criminal gangs. Study the impact of the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC). Make recommendations that enhance penalties for check and payment fraud and identify ways to strengthen financial crime investigations in Texas.

Charge: Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault: Examine the collection and processing of “rape kits” by law enforcement agencies and testing laboratories. Make recommendations to ensure that forensic evidence collected from victims of sexual assault is processed in a timely manner.

 

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This entry was posted on October 2, 2024 at 3:35 PM and has received 243 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, September 26, 2024

Sep 26

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

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

  • Examine rural road infrastructure and safety in the U.S. (TRIP, September 2024)
  • Read about causes of and rates of obesity throughout the country. (Trust for America’s Health, September 2024)
  • See how to sign up for emergency alerts via smartphone settings, email, or text message. (LLRX, September 23, 2024)
  • Consider vehicle miles traveled and congestion issues. (StreetLight, accessed September 25, 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 September 26, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 209 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of September 30, 2024

Sep 25

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 88th Session

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.

 

September 30, 2024
House Committee on State Affairs
Charge: Securing the border: Conduct a review of functions and operations of state agencies involved with carrying out Operation Lone Star as they relate to securing the border and preventing transnational criminal activity. Evaluate whether agencies have sufficient resources and authority to carry out their prescribed duties. Make recommendations to increase the safety and wellbeing of personnel and efficiency of agency operations as needed.

 

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October 1, 2024
House Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
Charge: Determining the impact of the application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on various sectors of society, including transportation, healthcare, licensed industries, and unlicensed industries.

Charge: Formulating recommendations for legislative, policy, regulatory, and remedial actions needed to address the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

 

House Select Committee on Business & Commerce
Charge: Managing Texas Sized Growth: Evaluate the state's ability to keep pace with increasing electricity demand related to population growth and energy intensive technologies such as electric vehicles and data centers. Recommend ways to increase reliability via demand-side response programs. Study ERCOT's forecasting methodology and recommend ways to increase transparency. Monitor ongoing efforts at the Public Utility Commission related to energy efficiency programs and distributed energy resources, including the implementation of Senate Bill 1699, 88th Legislature.

Charge: Innovative Power Generation: Explore emerging technologies with the potential to add new dispatchable power to our electric grid including, but not limited, to small modular nuclear reactors, advanced batteries, and new developments in hydrogen and geothermal resources. Identify and recommend regulatory and policy actions required to deploy emerging technologies within the state's electric grid.

Charge: Addressing the Rising Cost of Insurance: Assess the impact of rising property and casualty insurance costs on Texas property owners, real estate lenders, and commercial and industrial development. Identify ways to increase consumer transparency to better inform coverage decisions and make recommendations to ensure a competitive and affordable insurance market for consumers.

Charge: Non-Compete Agreements: Examine the impact of the Federal Trade Commission’s final rule on non-compete agreements on Texas employers including, but not limited to, contractual exceptions and limitations on independent contractors, for-profit and non-profit businesses, and senior executives. Identify ways to address balancing legitimate business interests of employers while also protecting employment mobility, increasing innovation, and fostering new business formation. Report on whether any changes should be made to existing law on the criteria, procedures, and remedies on enforcing non-compete and alternative agreements.

 

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October 2, 2024
House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Examine proposals to increase judicial compensation.

Review proposed modifications allowing paraprofessionals to provide limited legal services.

Review the current use and misuse of the Texas Citizens Participation Act.

Discuss the use of civil nondisclosure agreements in settlements involving the sexual abuse of a child.

Discuss the use of court orders seeking to change an individual's sex on government documents.

 

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This entry was posted on September 25, 2024 at 3:00 PM and has received 299 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, September 19, 2024

Sep 19

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

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

  • Explore state and federal actions related to the impact of AI (artificial intelligence) in elections. (National Conference of State Legislatures, update September 12, 2024)
  • Review the 2023 Cryptocurrency Fraud Report. (Federal Bureau of Investigation, released September 9, 2024)
  • Consider recent state legislation related to the regulation of AI. (Future of Privacy Forum, September 2024))
  • Track landslides and landslide susceptibility throughout the U.S. (U.S. Geological Survey, September 9, 2024)
  • Read about the FDA’s approval of over-the-counter hearing aid software. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, September 12, 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 September 19, 2024 at 3:15 PM and has received 362 views. Print this entry.

Interim Hearings – Week of September 23, 2024

Sep 18

posted by TexasLRL in Interim hearings, 88th Session

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.

 

September 24, 2024
House Committee on Appropriations
1. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of House Bill 3447 as it relates to the Texas Space Commission and the Space Economy.

2. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of House Bill 5174 as it relates to the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium and Fund.

3. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of Senate Bill 2627 and potential opportunities to expand the allowable uses of the Texas Energy Fund.

4. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of House Bill 9 as it relates to the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund.

5. Review the state finance implications of future population growth trends.

6. Review the state finance implications of the implementation of Senate Bill 1648 as it relates to the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund.

7. Interim Charge 2: Examine cross-article funding streams within the Texas Education Agency, such as School Health and Related Services (SHARS), determine where overlapping programs are best fit and funded, and make policy recommendations to improve transparency and accountability between agencies.

 

House Committee on Natural Resources
Monitoring: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

  • SB 28, relating to financial assistance provided and programs administered by the Texas Water Development Board.

Water Reuse Expansion: Examine opportunities to expand the reuse of waters in Texas as an additional water supply and identify funding deficiencies for water reuse projects and regulatory impediments that make expansion of water reuse difficult in Texas.

Reliability of Clean Water Access: Evaluate the causes, durations, and incidence of boil water notices issued by public water systems. Identify solutions to keep critical water infrastructure online during public water system failures and consider whether policy changes are necessary to prevent interruption to the public’s access to clean, reliable drinking water.

Groundwater Infrastructure: Examine Texas groundwater data infrastructure, data collection, and monitoring practices and identify policy solutions for improvement in the areas of understanding local groundwater conditions; groundwater modeling for planning and decision-making; and resource management

 

Senate Subcommittee Higher Education
Charge: Public Junior College State Finance Program: Monitor the implementation of the new community college funding model as recommended by the Texas Commission on Community College Finance. Report on whether the rulemaking process is being successfully completed to focus on student outcomes and enhancing the role of public junior colleges in workforce training and preparation.

Charge: Innovation and Technology in Higher Education: Investigate the opportunities and challenges of emerging technology on teaching and learning, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), online education, and digital resources. Examine aspects of intellectual property as they relate to the development of AI programs and platforms by institutions of higher education and explore the ethical issues institutions of higher education should contemplate when developing AI programs and platforms. Make recommendations to responsibly and ethically utilize emerging technology to enhance learning in higher education

Charge: Core Curriculum Course Accessibility: Review student access to core curriculum courses at Texas institutions of higher education. Examine the availability of these courses both online and in-person, as well as any issues that would prevent or reduce in-person access. Make recommendations for any needed reforms to ensure that all students have equal in-person access to core courses.

 

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September 26, 2024
House Committee on Ways and Means
Charge: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

HB 5, the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing penalties; and

HB 796, relating to the creation and maintenance by an appraisal district of a publicly available Internet database of information regarding protest hearings conducted by the appraisal review board established for the district.

 

House Committee on Ways and Means and House Select Study Committee on Sustainable Property Tax Relief (Joint Hearing)
Charge: Review the impact of HJR 2/SB 2 (88S2), which provides property tax relief through various mechanisms, on achieving the goal of providing sustainable property tax relief for Texas property owners.

Charge: Evaluate the effects of tax rate compression, limits on taxable value, and homestead exemption increases to maximize savings to property owners, and evaluate whether Texas’ economic performance and state tax revenues support further compression of school district tax rates.

Charge: Study the viability and sustainability of eliminating maintenance and operations taxes by 2035.

Charge: Examine historical rates of appraisal increases, and methods to reduce the tax burden of appraisal increases on all real property. Evaluate whether to extend the limitation on appraised value of certain non-homestead real property past the current expiration date of December 31, 2026, and whether to further reduce the limit on appraised value of homesteads.

Charge: Examine the long-term value of homestead exemptions to Texas homeowners in conjunction with the impact of appraisal increases and evaluate whether to maintain the homestead exemption at its current rate.

 

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This entry was posted on September 18, 2024 at 3:20 PM and has received 337 views. Print this entry.

New & Noteworthy Books and Reports: September 2024

Sep 17

posted by TexasLRL in New & Noteworthy

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting books from our collection on Hispanic members of the Texas Legislature as well as Hispanic history, politics, and culture.

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our September 2024 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. Latinoland: A Portrait of America's Largest and Least Understood Minority
By Marie Arana
Explores what it means to be Hispanic and Latino through in-depth historical research, interviews, and personal narratives. Studies perceptions of Hispanics and Latinos and the discrimination they encounter in America. Describes the diversity of these communities and the historical shifts within their ethnic, religious, and political makeup. Advocates for greater respect for Hispanic and Latino people and a better understanding of America’s "largest and fastest-growing minority." Mentions U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro.
Simon & Schuster, 2024, 554 pages
305.868 AR662 2024

 

 

2. Women Across Time = Mujeres a Través del Tiempo: Sixteen Influential South Texas Women
By Susan L. Roberson, editor
Features the sixteen South Texas women represented in the public mural Mujeres a Través del Tiempo (Women Across Time) by former Representative Arnold Gonzáles, Sr., housed on the campus of Texas A&M University–Kingsville. Examines the lives of ranchers, educators, politicians, artists, and others who served the community. Includes biography of former Representative Irma Rangel.
Texas A&M University Press, 2022, 233 pages
976.4 R638W 2022

 

 

3. Civil Rights in Black and Brown: Histories of Resistance and Struggle in Texas
By Max Krochmal and J. Todd Moye, editors
Draws from the oral history database Civil Rights in Black and Brown Oral History Project to further record a "people's history" of the grassroots civil rights movement in Texas. Emphasizes the intersection between Black and Hispanic activism in the 1960s and 1970s. Offers essays on student protests at Prairie View A&M, the leadership of Héctor P. García in Corpus Christi, the collaborative activism in 1970s San Antonio involving former State Representative G.J. Sutton, and the military experience of former State Representative Ben T. Reyes and others.
University of Texas Press, 2021, 469 pages
323.09764 K912C 2021

 

 

4. Mexican American Civil Rights in Texas
By Robert Brischetto and J. Richard Avena
Compiles essays by multiple authors to present an examination of the social change of Mexican Americans in Texas over the past 50 years. Addresses civil rights issues and changes to policies relating to immigration, voting, education, labor, housing, employment, and criminal justice. Includes an evidence-based examination of racial and ethnic inequalities along with discussion of litigation pursued on behalf of minorities and the legislative changes that followed.
Michigan State University Press, 2021, 499 pages
323.1168 B859 2021

 

 

5. Reverberations of Racial Violence: Critical Reflections on the History of the Border
By Sonia Hernandez and John Moran Gonzalez, editors
Collects a series of essays inspired by the 1919 Joint Committee to Investigate the Ranger Force, which addressed the violence committed against Mexican-Americans by Texas Rangers. Explores the historical context surrounding the Ranger investigation, the life of former State Representative José Tomás Canales (whose activism led to the investigation), and how the history of violence against Texans of Mexican descent has been rediscovered by a new generation of historians, writers, and filmmakers.
University of Texas Press, 2021, 310 pages
363.209764 H557R 2021

 

 

6. West Side Rising: How San Antonio's 1921 Flood Devastated a City and Sparked a Latino Environmental Justice Movement
By Char Miller
Focuses on the aftermath of the devastating 1921 flood in San Antonio, Texas. Highlights the racial discrimination present in flood control efforts, which caused continued flooding to the impoverished, majority-Latino West Side while eliminating flooding downtown and in the adjoining wealthy neighborhoods. Addresses the efforts of grassroots organizations and former U.S. Representative Henry B. González to require flood protection for the West Side. Documents how flood control advocacy changed the political landscape in San Antonio, giving lower-income areas more say in city government.
Maverick Books/Trinity University Press, 2021, 245 pages
363.34 M647W 2021

 

 

7. Agent of Change: Adela Sloss-Vento, Mexican American Civil Rights Activist and Texas Feminist
By Cynthia Orozco
Describes the activism of essayist Adela Sloss-Vento, a Latina leader in Texas throughout the Mexican American civil rights movement beginning in 1920 and the Chicano movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Examines Sloss-Vento’s role in the League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) along with her political involvement in the issues of agribusiness, the Bracero program, and the U.S.-Mexico border. Includes discussion of her influence on government officials at all levels, including candidates for the Texas Legislature.
University of Texas Press, 2020, 254 pages
323.092 OR6AG 2020

 

 

8. El Norte: The Epic and Forgotten Story of Hispanic North America
By Carrie Gibson
Creates a dialogue on the complex history of the Hispanic culture in North America from the 15th to the 21st century, and its impact on current day issues. Challenges the narrative that America’s settlers and influence were primarily Protestants from England. Focuses on various Spanish territories, including San Antonio de Bexar and Del Rio, Texas, arguing that Hispanics were equal protagonists in the story of America. Includes a map with Spanish exploration routes and photographs of historical events and remnants of the early Spanish presence in America.
Atlantic Monthly Press, 2019, 560 pages
327.7308 G357N 2019

 

 

9. Albert A. Peña Jr.: Dean of Chicano Politics
By José Angel Gutiérrez
Profiles Albert A. Peña Jr., a longtime Bexar County Commissioner and central leader in the history of the Chicano movement who championed the advancement of political inclusion and representation of Mexican Americans in San Antonio and beyond. Discusses Peña’s mentorship of political leaders and his influence on Latino political organizations.
Michigan State University Press, 2017, 308 pages
324.2092 G985A 2017

 

 

10. Tejano Tiger: José de los Santos Benavides and the Texas-Mexico Borderlands, 1823-1891
By Jerry Thompson
Provides an in-depth study of former State Representative Santos Benavides, considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Laredo, Texas. Traces Benavides’ military and political career with the Republic of Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and finally in the State of Texas, where he became the highest-ranking Tejano in the Confederate army and later a member of the Texas Legislature. Describes his devotion to the Texas border (as the only Tejano in the Texas Legislature in 1879) and his tireless work to raise the economic and political status of the region.
TCU Press, 2017, 412 pages
976.4 T374T 2017

 

 

11. Mexican American Baseball in South Texas
By Richard A. Santillan, et al.
Highlights the contributions of Mexican American baseball teams and players from the Rio Grande Valley, from the late 19th century through the 1950s. Discusses the role of baseball in bridging the cultural divide and providing opportunities for Mexican Americans in a variety of areas including education and politics. Includes the story of former State Senator Joe J. Bernal and his father.
Arcadia Publishing, 2016, 127 pages
796.35709764 SM 2016

 

 

12. José Antonio Navarro: In Search of the American Dream in Nineteenth Century Texas
By David R. McDonald
Presents the biography of former State Senator Jose Antonio Navarro, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence; a participant at the 1836 Consultation; and a drafter of the Constitution of 1845. Addresses his efforts to advance the rights of Tejanos along with his service in the legislatures of Coahuila y Texas, the Republic of Texas, and the state of Texas. Note: The 1846 Texas Legislature named the newly established Navarro County in his honor.
Texas State Historical Association, 2010, 340 pages
976.4 N228M 2010

 

 

13. Latina Legislator: Leticia Van de Putte and the Road to Leadership
By Sharon A. Navarro
Delves into the political career and leadership roles of former State Senator Leticia Van de Putte to better understand the behavior of Latinas in electoral politics. Examines Van de Putte’s legislative efforts to reform the state welfare system, revamp the Juvenile Code, challenge redistricting, and provide a healthcare safety net for children in Texas. Highlights her effectiveness as a lawmaker and her many leadership roles, including her election as Senate President Pro Tempore during the 83rd Legislature.
Texas A&M University Press, 2008, 178 pages
328.764 V26N 2008

 

 

14. The Journey to Latino Political Representation
By John P. Schmal
Recounts the struggle Latino Americans have faced in their fight for political representation from 1822 to the present, paying special attention to U.S. Congress and the state legislatures of California and Texas. Discusses the anti-immigration legislation and political influences that contributed to the deterioration and subsequent restoration of Hispanic representation. Includes short biographies of Latino politicians and lists of Hispanic members of the Texas Legislature from the 1980s onward.
Heritage Books, 2007, 211 pages
329.023 SCH43J 2007

 

 

15. Las Tejanas: 300 Years of History
By Teresa Palomo Acosta and Ruthe Winegarten
Celebrates the contributions made to Texas by women of Spanish/Mexican origin from the 1700s to 2000. Provides a historical account of Tejanas in all aspects of life, focusing on their struggles and triumphs in politics; education; the arts; and business. Profiles notable Tejanas, including former and current members of the Texas Legislature. Supplements this history of achievements with a selection of photographs and artwork. Mentions former and current legislators including, State Representatives Leticia van de Putte and Judith Zaffirini; and State Representatives Diana Davila; Jessica Farrar; Lena Guerrero; Christine Hernandez; Irma Rangel; and Elvira Reyna.
University of Texas Press, 2003, 436 pages
301.45 AC72T 2003

 

 

16. The Illusion of Inclusion: The Untold Political Story of San Antonio
By Rodolfo Rosales
Studies the history and political events of the Chicano community in San Antonio, Texas from 1951 to 1991. Focuses on efforts to open the electoral process for direct political participation by the Chicana/o middle class. Discusses various influential organizations within the movement, such as the Good Government League (GGL); League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); and Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF). Includes a table of San Antonio mayors and city council members from 1951-1999. Mentions former legislators, including former State Representative John C. Alaniz; State Senator Joe J. Bernal; and U.S. Representatives Henry B. González and Frank Tejeda.
University of Texas Press, 2000, 236 pages
324.089 R71I

 

 

17. Henry B. González: A Political Profile
By Eugene Rodriguez
Details the impact that former U.S. Representative Henry B. González had on local, state, and national political arenas throughout his career. Provides a history of San Antonio to give context to Mexican American and Chicano involvement in politics up to the 1950s. Discusses González's campaign  for State Senate and the five years he served in the Legislature. Includes his legislative priorities and the combined filibusters by himself and former State Senator Abraham "Chick" Kazen of the segregation bills in 1957. Presents his congressional campaign, priorities, influence, and successes through 1965.
Arno Press, 1976, 174 pages
923.2764 G589R

 

 

 

This entry was posted on September 17, 2024 at 3:30 PM and has received 242 views. Print this entry.

Current Articles & Research Resources, September 12, 2024

Sep 12

posted by TexasLRL in Current Articles, Research Resources

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

  • View the 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant awards. (U.S. Department of Transportation, September 5, 2024)
  • Consider CEO-worker pay gaps at large companies. (Institute for Policy Studies, August 29, 2024)
  • Read about the Social Security Administration eliminating some signature requirements. (Social Security Administration, September 5, 2024)
  • Explore the Mortgage Loan and Natural Disaster Dashboard. (Federal Housing Finance Agency, last updated August 21, 2024)
  • Review election misinformation by theme or type. (News Literacy Project, updated September 11, 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 September 12, 2024 at 3:25 PM and has received 505 views. Print this entry.

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