Policy Reports

The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, and the public’s reaction to his death, prompted Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows to create Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education. …

The Governor’s call expanded from 19 items to 26 by the end of the 21-day special. After legislators passed redistricting maps, the Governor continued to prioritize a political agenda over flood relief, including punishing quorum breakers, allowing ivermectin to be…

Proposition 1  (SJR 59 – Author: Sen. Birdwell; Sponsor: Rep. Lambert)  “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of educational programs offered…

This report highlights key legislation that passed during the 89th Session and will soon become law. For each bill, we’ve included links to our in-depth analysis — typically based on the version considered on 2nd reading.  Jump to a specific…

As Texas grows, the demand on the state’s energy resources and infrastructure is intensifying. At the same time, the state is still addressing vulnerabilities in its power grid exposed by Winter Storm Uri in 2021. This report outlines the challenges…

Texas faces a healthcare crisis characterized by three significant challenges: a large uninsured population, adversities in women’s healthcare, and a growing physician shortage. With federal pandemic-era health protections expiring and over half of Texas counties lacking access to primary care…

Introduction Across the country, states’ revenue growth has been leveling off since 2021, when an influx of federal stimulus funds, increased consumer spending, and a strong labor market boosted revenues (NCSL). Still, most states, including Texas, remain on solid financial…

Introduction Child care programs provide children with safe, nurturing environments to learn and grow, enabling parents to work to support their families and the state’s economy. Recent reports show Texas is home to about 2.3 million children under six, with…

Introduction Water is the world’s most precious resource — crucial for human survival, food production, energy generation, and economic prosperity. However, it is also a finite resource that varies widely by location. Because of our interconnected water systems, any individual…