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Current Articles & Research Resources, July 25, 2024

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

  • Read about a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on social media and First Amendment rights. (Electronic Frontier Foundation, July 22, 2024)
  • Review state government spending. (U.S. Census Bureau, July 18, 2024)
  • Find weekly fishing reports from all areas of Texas. (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, issued weekly)
  • Explore the Airline Customer Service Dashboard. (U.S. Department of Transportation, updated May 31, 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.

Interim Hearings – Week of July 29, 2024

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.

 

July 29, 2024
Senate Special Committee on Hurricane & Tropical Storm Prep, Recovery, & Electricity
Topic: Review the state and electric utility companies' preparedness and response to hurricanes and tropical storms.

 

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July 31, 2024
House Committee on State Affairs
Charge: 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 9, relating to the development and funding of broadband and telecommunications services;

HB 2555, relating to transmission and distribution system resiliency planning by and cost recovery for electric utilities;

HB 5174, relating to the establishment and administration of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium;

SB 1699, relating to electricity service in the ERCOT power region, including the participation of aggregated distributed energy resources in the ERCOT market;

SB 2627, relating to funding mechanisms to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities; and

In addition to the above legislation, the Committee will also be considering the implementation of:

HB 1500, relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region; increasing an administrative penalty.

Charge: Assessing utility preparedness, response, and recovery protocols, as well as reviewing recent performance in addressing severe weather events.

 

House Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety
Charge 2: Behavioral Health Services for At-Risk Youth: Evaluate programs and services currently available to children and families that are either involved with, or at a high risk for becoming involved with, the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Study the current barriers for accessing community-based behavioral health services for children with intense behavioral health needs, with an emphasis on ensuring that parents do not have to give up custody of children to gain access to services.

 

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New & Noteworthy Books and Reports: July 2024

The Library is continually adding new books to its collection. Below are the titles from our July 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. Desire to Serve: The Autobiography of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
By Eddie Bernice Johnson and Cheryl Brown Wattley
Traces the personal and political memoir of former U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson from her youth in segregated Waco to her service as congresswoman from 1993 to 2023. Includes her career as a nurse; her introduction to politics; her work in the Texas House of Representatives from 1973 to 1977; her appointment as the regional director for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and her time in the Texas Senate from 1987 to 1993. Details the origin of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and her rise to chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Highlights Johnson's impact on the field and advancement of science and her quest to eliminate discrimination. Contains quotes and details of former members of the Texas Legislature and other public officials including Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, Texas Speaker Bill Clayton, U.S. Representative Ralph Hall, U.S. Representative Mickey Leland, Attorney General James 'Jim' Mattox, State Representative Jesse Oliver, and U.S. Representative Lamar Smith.
University of North Texas, 2024, 414 pages
973.92 J66D 2024

 

 

2. Six Constitutions Over Texas: Texas' Political Identity, 1830-1900
By William J. Chriss
Presents a historical analysis of the Texas state constitution as a guiding legal document and details its evolution from 1836 to 1876. Examines the social, political, military, and other considerations at play during different stages of Texas’ development and how that is reflected in the six Constitutions of Texas. Provides historical context to the events surrounding the constitutional conventions and discusses how the political identity of Texans influenced the different versions. Concludes with an examination of the birth of conservative modern Texas. The six Constitutions of Texas: Constitution of the Republic of Texas, 1836; Constitution of 1845; Constitution of 1861; Constitution of 1866; Constitution of 1869; and the Constitution of 1876, which is still in force but has been amended hundreds of times.
Texas A&M University Press, 2024, 312 pages
342.764009 C554 2024

 

 

3. William Hanson and the Texas-Mexico Border: Violence, Corruption, and the Making of the Gatekeeper State
By John Weber
Examines how William Hanson, a Texas Ranger and Immigration Service official of South Texas, shaped U.S. immigration policy in the 1920s. Details his career to illustrate the intersections of corruption, state-building, and racial violence in Texas. Reveals how Hanson used his positions to disparage the Texas-Mexico border region as dangerous and influence U.S. policymakers’ understanding of the area and its residents. Argues that the current nativist politics that are seeking to malign the border population can be traced back to Hanson’s era. Mentions Governor Greg Abbott and his immigration policies.
University of Texas Press, 2024, 230 pages
972 W373W 2024

 

 

4. Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation
By Pete Hegseth
Criticizes the influence of Progressives and the left in America’s public schools, from the educational transformation of the early 20th century to controlling the “supply lines” of future citizens and an emphasis on racial and gender identity. Offers a “field guide” for remaking school in the U.S. in the mold of classical Christian education, including a philosophy of education grounded in virtue and excellence.
Broadside Books, 2022, 269 pages
370.11 H464B 2022

 

 

5. A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door: The Dismantling of Public Education and the Future of School
By Jack Schneider and Jennifer Berkshire
Highlights ongoing attempts by a conservative movement to dismantle public education in the U.S. Details the ideological origin of the movement and the core policies of their agenda. Discusses current public education policies focusing on performance standards, accountability, and school choice and outlines the factors and history contributing to the recent crisis public schools are facing. Examines topics such as deregulation, teacher unions, private school vouchers, market-based school choice, tax credit scholarships, virtual school programs, and more.
The New Press, 2020, 264 pages
370.973 SCH358 2020

 

 

6. American Heroines: The Spirited Women Who Shaped Our Country
By Kay Bailey Hutchison
Profiles historical and contemporary female pioneers and leaders in various fields including art, education, government, and healthcare. Written by former Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison, who weaves her own background and career as the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from the State of Texas through the inspiring stories of these incredible women. Highlights influential Texas women including former House parliamentarian Oveta Culp Hobby; Mary Austin Holley, cousin of Stephen F. Austin; Adina Emilia De Zavala; Clara Driscoll; and Selena Quintanilla Perez.
William Morrow, 2004, 384 pages
920.72 H973A 2004

 

 

 

Current Articles & Research Resources, July 18, 2024

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

  • Considers the recent increase within the past decade in threats against public officials. (Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, May 2024)
  • Explore recent state legislation on housing and homelessness. (National Conference of State Legislatures, updated May 20, 2024)
  • Read the full transcript of the Businessweek recent interview with former President Donald Trump. (Bloomberg Businessweek, July 16, 2024)
  • Read the full transcript of the recent NBC News interview with President Joe Biden. (NBC News, July 15, 2024)
  • Review an FAQ about the presidential nominating process. (Congressional Research Service, July 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.

Interim Hearings – Week of July 22, 2024

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.

 

July 24, 2024
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.

 

 

Current Articles & Research Resources, July 11, 2024

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

 

  • Examine how electric vehicles (EVs) respond in guardrail crash tests. (Texas A&M Transportation Institute, June 24, 2024)
  • Review which companies scammers impersonate the most. (Federal Trade Commission, May 24, 2024)
  • Read about the citrus soda ingredient the FDA no longer considers safe. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration, July 2, 2024)
  • Consider how to pay for roads when gas taxes fall short. (Stateline, July 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.

Interim Hearings – Week of July 15, 2024

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.

 

July 16, 2024
House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
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 2719, relating to the powers of the Texas Historical Commission over historic sites in this state

SB 1648, relating to the centennial parks conservation fund.

 

Charge: Conservation of Texas Farm and Ranch Lands: Evaluate the purpose and effectiveness of the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program. Identify the trends and impacts of land fragmentation given the state’s rapid population growth and proud legacy of private land stewardship and evaluate the risks of increased foreign ownership of Texas land resulting from fragmentation. Examine the ecological and economic benefits of existing land conservation programs and the potential future role of strategic conservation initiatives to assist in the preservation of critical natural resources for the benefit of Texans in future generations.

Charge: Support for Coastal Shrimping and Fishing Industries: Study the impact of excessive imports of shrimp from other countries and related trade practices on local economies, domestic shrimp populations, and public health and safety. Identify measures to promote Texas gulf shrimp and support local fisherman and coastal communities.

 

July 17, 2024

House Committee on General Investigating

The committee will meet to consider committee business.

The committee may enter into an executive session to consider any matter authorized to be considered in an executive session under Subchapter B, Chapter 301, Government Code, the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Housekeeping Resolution, and the committee’s rules.

Interim Hearings – Week of July 8, 2024

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.

 

July 8, 2024
House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety CANCELED
Charge 1: Monitoring: Conduct active oversight of all associated rule making and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

HB 3290, relating to the next generation 9-1-1 service fund;

SB 602, relating to the law enforcement authority of federal border patrol agents.

Charge 2: Firearm Purchasing Fees: Examine existing firearm purchasing and transfer fees. Consider their efficacy and the impact of reducing or eliminating the fees.

Charge 3: Use of Less-Lethal Devices in Law Enforcement: Study the use of less-lethal devices in law enforcement encounters, including recent incidents, and their potential to reduce the risk of death or injury to officers and suspects. Consider methods to increase the use of less-lethal devices for the safety and benefit of all parties.

Charge 4: Communications Interoperability: Study the communications challenges of first responders and emergency personnel. Make recommendations, considering the need for a cross-agency communications upgrade or statewide interoperability plan, to increase reliable, available, and modern communications for public safety and emergency response purposes in communities across the state.

 

House Committee on State Affairs CANCELED
Charge: 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 9, relating to the development and funding of broadband and telecommunications services;

HB 2555, relating to transmission and distribution system resiliency planning by and cost recovery for electric utilities;

HB 5174, relating to the establishment and administration of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium;

SB 1699, relating to electricity service in the ERCOT power region, including the participation of aggregated distributed energy resources in the ERCOT market;

SB 2627, relating to funding mechanisms to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities; and

In addition to the above legislation, the Committee will also be considering the implementation of:

HB 1500, relating to the continuation and functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Office of Public Utility Counsel, and the functions of the independent organization certified for the ERCOT power region; increasing an administrative penalty.

 

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July 9, 2024
House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
Charge 1: 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 17, relating to official misconduct by and removal of prosecuting attorneys.

In addition to the above legislation, the committee will consider the implementation of:

HB 842, Relating to prohibiting the suspension of a person's driver's license or extension of the period of a driver's license suspension for certain driving while license invalid convictions; authorizing a fee.

HB 1826, Relating to the establishment of an organized retail theft task force.

HB 2897, Relating to the prosecution of the offense of theft of service.

HB 3956, Relating to the creation of DNA records for a person arrested for a felony offense and the expunction of DNA records in certain circumstances.

HB 4906, Relating to the installation and use of tracking equipment and access to certain communications by certain peace officers.

 

House Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety CANCELED
Charge 2: Behavioral Health Services for At-Risk Youth: Evaluate programs and services currently available to children and families that are either involved with, or at high risk for becoming involved with, the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Study the current barriers for accessing community-based behavioral health services for children with intense behavioral health needs, with an emphasis on ensuring that parents do not have to give up custody of children to gain access to services.

 

Top

 

 

 

Current Articles & Research Resources, June 27, 2024

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

  • Read about the impact of a hybrid work schedule on employee productivity. (Nature, June 27, 2024)
  • Consider an alternative to opiates yet to be approved by the FDA. (Reason, June 20, 2024)
  • Find climate quick guides for any state or county. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, accessed June 26, 2024)
  • Explore how Americans access news via social media. (Pew Research Center, June 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.

Members Not Returning, 89th Legislature

Below is a list of members (as of June 25, 2024) not returning to the 89th Texas Legislature in their current offices. Note that regardless of election outcomes, all of these legislators will keep their respective seats until January 2025, unless they resign earlier.

To learn more about who will be on the general election ballot, information about candidates by county and party is available on the Texas Secretary of State's candidate ballot order page. Results of the primary election and primary runoff elections are available on the Texas Secretary of State's election results page.

 

Total members not returning to the 89th Legislature (as of June 25, 2024) = 35

House = 33; Senate = 2

 

Texas House of Representatives

 

 

Rep. Steve Allison Defeated in Republican primary election, 3/5/2024
Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson Retiring
Rep. Ernest Bailes Defeated in Republican primary election, 3/5/2024
Rep. DeWayne Burns Defeated in Republican primary runoff election, 5/28/2024
Rep. Travis Clardy Defeated in Republican primary election, 3/5/2024
Rep. Jill Dutton Defeated in Republican primary election, 3/5/2024
Rep. Frederick Frazier Defeated in Republican primary runoff election, 5/28/2024
Rep. Craig Goldman Running for U.S. House District 12
Rep. Abel Herrero Retiring
Rep. Justin Holland Defeated in Republican primary runoff election, 5/28/2024
Rep. Jacey Jetton Defeated in Republican primary election, 3/5/2024
Rep. Jarvis Johnson Defeated in Democratic primary runoff election for Texas Senate District 15, 5/28/2024
Rep. Julie Johnson Running for U.S. House District 32
Rep. Kyle Kacal Retiring
Rep. Tracy O. King Retiring
Rep. Stephanie Klick Defeated in Republican primary runoff election, 5/28/2024
Rep. John Kuempel Defeated in Republican primary runoff election, 5/28/2024
Rep. Geanie W. Morrison Retiring
Rep. Andrew Murr Retiring
Rep. Victoria Neave Criado Defeated in Democratic primary election for Texas Senate District 16, 3/5/2024
Rep. Lina Ortega Retiring
Rep. Walter "Four" Price Retiring
Rep. John Raney Retiring
Rep. Glenn Rogers Defeated in Republican primary election, 3/5/2024
Rep. Matt Schaefer Retiring
Rep. Carl O. Sherman, Sr. Defeated in Democratic primary election for U.S. Senate, 3/5/2024
Rep. Hugh Shine Defeated in Republican primary election, 3/5/2024
Rep. Bryan Slaton Expelled 5/9/2023
Rep. Reggie Smith Defeated in Republican primary election, 3/5/2024
Rep. Lynn Stucky Defeated in Republican primary runoff election, 5/28/2024
Rep. Shawn Thierry Defeated in Democratic primary runoff election, 5/28/2024
Rep. Kronda Thimesch Defeated in Republican primary election, 3/5/2024
Rep. Ed Thompson Retiring

 

 

 

Texas Senate

 

 

Sen. Drew Springer Retiring
Sen. John Whitmire Elected mayor of Houston, sworn in 1/1/2024

 

 

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