LRL Home - Legislation - Legislative History and Intent
Before you begin > Legislative history vs. legislative intent > Typical materials > Starting with what you know > Other helpful resources
Other types of useful information may be available in addition to what has already been described:
Reports of studies by standing or special legislative committees in the "interim" (the time period between sessions) can often be helpful resources for discussion and background prior to a bill's passage, or discussion and monitoring of a bill's implementation after it is passed. Interim reports are listed in the Legislative Reference Library's on-line catalog by subject, title, chair, and call number. The LRL also provides internet access to full-text electronic versions of interim reports beginning with the 1st session (1846) under Legislative Reports. Online legislative reports are searchable by session, subject, and keyword.
A "companion" is a bill filed in one chamber that is identical or very similar to a bill filed in the opposite chamber. Researching the legislative history of a companion may provide insight into the legislative intent of your bill. To find a designated companion, consult the bill history, available in print format at the Legislative Reference Library. For bills from the 74th Legislature (1995) forward, you can find companion(s) on Texas Legislature Online by clicking on "Companion" in the top menu bar.
The Legislature may direct a state agency or commission to research a particular problem. Since these studies often result in legislation, the report and recommendations of the agency or commission may provide insight into legislative intent. These publications are listed in the Legislative Reference Library's on-line catalog by name of the agency or commission, title, and subject. Some publications are also listed by the legislative session and bill number.
Reports produced during the review of state government agencies, or "Sunset" process, can also provide insight into legislation about specific state agencies or policy issues addressed in Sunset bills. Self-Evaluation reports by state agencies and Staff Reports and Commission Decisions by the Sunset Advisory Commission can be found at the Commission's website for recent sessions, and in the Library collection.
A uniform state law is a statute that has been promulgated by the Uniform Law Commission of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform Laws. Search final uniform acts & legislation here.
Texas Bar Journal and law review articles published after passage of legislation can often provide insight into legislative history and intent.
The General Appropriations Act contains the budget of each agency to carry out legislation, as well as appropriations riders on various topics.