- How Spread Out Is the U.S. Population?

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilling_effect

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2025/03/04/justices-again-reject-case-against-bias-response-teams#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBias%2Dresponse%20teams%20are%20the,ideas%20that%20make%20them%20uncomfortable.%E2%80%9D

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobbs_Act

https://www.stlouisfed.org/on-the-economy/2020/june/spread-out-us-population

https://www.oyez.org/cases/2024/23-1300

Texas Tribune: U.S. Supreme Court takes up Texas nuclear waste disposal case

- Click for it. 

From the Texas Tribune: Texas House and Senate lawmakers have laid out their property tax cut proposals. How do they compare?

- Click here for it. 

Dear ChatGPT: Outline the Iron Triangle Surrounding the Hemp Industry

The "Iron Triangle" refers to a close and mutually beneficial relationship between three key actors: government agencies, interest groups (such as lobbyists), and legislators. These relationships are characterized by the idea that these groups form a "triangle" of influence, with each of the three parties benefiting from cooperation with the others. In the context of the hemp industry, the Iron Triangle can be applied to the interactions between the government (at the federal and state levels), hemp-related businesses or lobbyists, and legislators who enact laws related to the hemp market.

Here’s how the Iron Triangle applies to the hemp industry:

Government Agencies:

- The U.S. government, through agencies like the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulates hemp production, processing, and commercialization. These agencies establish policies and regulations regarding hemp cultivation, testing, and distribution.

- With the legalization of hemp through the 2018 Farm Bill, the government agency’s role has expanded to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks for things like THC levels and quality control.

Interest Groups (Lobbyists & Industry Associations):

- Hemp industry groups like the Hemp Industries Association (HIA), National Hemp Association (NHA), and other lobbyists work to influence government policies and push for legislation that benefits hemp growers, processors, and product manufacturers. These interest groups often advocate for less restrictive regulations, subsidies, or tax incentives to support the hemp sector.

- They often fund research or provide expert testimony to shape the direction of hemp legislation or regulation.

Legislators:

- Elected officials play a key role in crafting laws that either support or restrict hemp cultivation and its associated markets. They act as the bridge between government agencies and interest groups.

- Lawmakers in states like Colorado, Oregon, or Kentucky, for instance, have played a significant role in advancing hemp legalization and ensuring that favorable laws are enacted for growers, manufacturers, and consumers.

Key Interactions:

- Regulation & Legalization: In the early 2000s, the push from hemp lobbyists and industry groups led legislators to legalize hemp in certain states, setting the stage for broader national legal reforms.

- Policy Advocacy: Interest groups regularly lobby legislators to craft laws that favor their business interests. For example, they might advocate for less restrictive federal rules on how hemp can be grown or sold.

- Supportive Legislation: Legislators, especially those with hemp-growing constituents, often sponsor bills that favor the expansion of the hemp industry, offering incentives like tax breaks for hemp farmers or legal protections for hemp-derived CBD products.

- Challenges & Criticisms: One potential downside of an Iron Triangle in the hemp industry could be the close-knit, potentially non-transparent relationship between lobbyists, legislators, and government regulators, which can sometimes result in policies that favor corporate interests over public health or environmental concerns.

- Balancing the Market: As hemp becomes more commercially viable, the influence of large agricultural corporations could overpower smaller, independent farmers or processors in the sector.

In summary, the "Iron Triangle" in the hemp industry involves the strategic collaboration between the hemp industry (interest groups), government agencies, and legislators to shape policies and regulations that benefit the expansion and growth of the hemp market.

For more ask: Outline the Iron Triangle Opposing the Hemp Industry.

From the Texas Tribune: Hemp industry pushes back against Senate bill to ban THC

- Click here for the story. 

Six years after Texas lawmakers inadvertently triggered the state’s booming consumable hemp market, one chamber of the Legislature is pushing to shut down the industry by barring products that contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.

Yet even with the backing of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the powerful Texas Senate leader, the proposal to ban THC faces uncertain prospects in the House, where the hemp industry is bullish about getting lawmakers to tighten regulations rather than quashing most of their products altogether.

In the lower chamber, efforts to ban THC products have failed to gain traction, and this session no House lawmaker has filed anything akin to Senate Bill 3, which would outlaw products containing any amount of THC. House leadership has avoided weighing in on the matter, including Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, who did not respond to a request for comment.

Mark Bordas, executive director of the Texas Hemp Business Council, said his group is “cautiously optimistic” that House lawmakers will forgo a ban and accept “thoughtful regulations” such as restricting THC products to Texans 21 and older, requiring tamper-proof packaging, and barring sales within a certain distance of schools. Some have also proposed tighter and more consistent testing requirements to ensure hemp products do not contain excessive levels of THC.

- Click here for the bill.

- Fiscal Note.

- Bill Analysis.

- HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE - CHAPTER 443.

- Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs.

Due Process cases before the U.S. Supreme Court

From ScotusBlog.

- Glossip v. Oklahoma.

The court has jurisdiction to review the judgment of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals; the prosecution violated its constitutional obligation to correct false testimony.

- Barrett v. United States.

Whether the double jeopardy clause of the Fifth Amendment permits two sentences for an act that violates 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) and (j).

- Speech First, Inc. v. Whitten.

Whether university bias-response teams — official entities that solicit anonymous reports of bias, track them, investigate them, ask to meet with the perpetrators, and threaten to refer students for formal discipline — objectively chill students’ speech under the First Amendment.

 

Links - 3/3/25

- How a chance meeting helped Texas become the nation’s top beekeeping state.

- A surge in bee deaths is hurting Texas beekeepers — and could affect the price of produce.

- Wait, does America suddenly have a record number of bees?

- Mike Morath.

- Texas Health and Human Services org chart.

- HHS Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young.

- TACC: Community College Day.

- When a smoke shop opened near a Montrose school, parents took action. Now the Lege is involved.

- Alex Azar.

- District of Columbia v. Heller.

- Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Mexico.

- Tariff.

- BRIEF FOR AMICUS CURIAE NATIONALSHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION, INC.,IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONERS.

- At Supreme Court, Mexico to Offer Culprit for Cartel Violence: Gun Makers.

- Texas Cemeteries and Crematories Association.

- Death care industry in the United States.

- Self-Evaluation Report - Texas Funeral Service Commission.

- History of the Coroner System.

- Coroner.

- pharmacy benefits manager

- Anti-Kickback Enforcement Act.

- Tobacco Politics.

- Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Hearing - Step by Step: The Artemis Program and NASA's Path to Human Exploration of the Moon, Mars, and Beyond.

- what iron triangle surrounds the school voucher movement in Texas?
- what iron triangle surrounds opposition to the school voucher movement in Texas?
- what forces in the Texas legislature oppose school vouchers?
- what iron triangle surrounds policies involving cemeteries in Texas?
- What iron triangle exists surrounding the National Rifle Association?

 

Laugh Track Sound Effect | Soundboard Link 🔽🔽

Gun Cocking Sound Effect

Dear ChatGPT: What do we need to know about lobbying in Texas?

Lobbying in Texas plays a significant role in shaping the state's policies and laws. It is an important part of the political landscape, as interest groups, advocacy organizations, businesses, and individuals seek to influence lawmakers on a wide range of issues, from education to healthcare to taxes. Here’s what you need to know about lobbying in Texas:

1. The Role of Lobbying in Texas

• Influencing Legislation: Lobbyists aim to influence the actions of legislators by providing information, offering expertise, and advocating for or against specific bills or policies. Lobbying is seen as a way to ensure that lawmakers are aware of the interests and concerns of various stakeholders.
• Building Relationships: Lobbying often involves building relationships with legislators, their staff, and other key decision-makers in government. This can include meetings, testifying at hearings, and providing research or data that supports a particular stance on an issue.

2. Who Can Lobby in Texas?

• Professional Lobbyists: These are individuals or firms hired by organizations to represent their interests before the Texas Legislature and other government agencies. Professional lobbyists are required to register with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) and report their activities.
• Corporate and Organizational Lobbyists: Many businesses, industries, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations hire lobbyists to advocate for their positions on issues relevant to their interests. For example, a healthcare association may lobby for changes in healthcare policy, or an oil and gas company may lobby for tax breaks.
• Grassroots Lobbying: While professional lobbyists are common, grassroots lobbying is also significant in Texas. This involves mobilizing ordinary citizens to contact their legislators, participate in campaigns, or testify at hearings in support of a cause. Grassroots lobbying helps show that there is broad public support for a specific issue.

3. Lobbying Laws and Regulations in Texas

• Registration and Disclosure: Lobbyists in Texas are required to register with the Texas Ethics Commission. They must disclose the names of their clients, the issues they are lobbying on, and how much money they are spending on lobbying efforts. This includes paying for travel, food, or gifts for legislators.
• Limits on Gifts: Lobbyists are restricted in the types of gifts they can give to lawmakers. Texas law limits the value of gifts that lobbyists can provide to state legislators, their staff, and other state officials. For example, the value of individual gifts is capped at $250 per year.
• Reporting Requirements: Lobbyists are required to file regular reports with the Texas Ethics Commission, detailing the money they have spent on lobbying activities, including expenditures for meals, travel, and entertainment related to lobbying.

4. The Texas Ethics Commission (TEC)

• Oversight and Enforcement: The TEC oversees lobbying activities in Texas, ensuring that lobbyists comply with state laws and regulations. It also provides transparency by making lobbyist registration and expenditure reports available to the public.
• Enforcement: If a lobbyist violates lobbying rules, such as failing to register or submit accurate reports, they may face penalties, including fines.

5. Lobbying and Political Campaigns

• Political Action Committees (PACs): Many interest groups and industries use PACs to influence elections by contributing to the campaigns of candidates who support their positions. These PACs often play a significant role in both legislative elections and in pushing issues before the legislature.
• Direct vs. Indirect Lobbying: Direct lobbying involves directly contacting lawmakers to influence their decisions. Indirect lobbying, or "grassroots" lobbying, involves mobilizing public support to sway lawmakers or other government officials. Both forms of lobbying can be effective in influencing policy.

6. The “Revolving Door”

• Former Legislators Becoming Lobbyists: The "revolving door" phenomenon refers to former legislators or state officials who leave their public service positions and then become lobbyists for organizations seeking to influence policy. This raises concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for undue influence over the legislative process.
• Revolving Door Restrictions: Texas has some rules in place to limit the potential for conflicts of interest. For example, former legislators are prohibited from lobbying the legislature for a certain period after leaving office (two years for state legislators and one year for other state officials).

7. Lobbying Impact on Policy and Lawmaking

• Powerful Interests: In Texas, some of the most influential lobbyists represent major industries such as oil and gas, healthcare, education, and business. These groups often have the resources to exert significant influence on state lawmakers and push their preferred policies.
• Bipartisan Influence: Lobbying in Texas is bipartisan, with lobbyists working across party lines to influence the legislature. Many lobbyists focus on building long-term relationships with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to ensure their interests are represented, regardless of party control.

8. Public Perception and Criticism

• Concerns About "Big Money" in Politics: One common criticism of lobbying is that it allows wealthy and powerful interest groups to have more influence over the political process than ordinary citizens. Critics argue that this creates a system where laws are made to benefit the well-funded few, rather than the needs of the broader public.
• Calls for Reform: There have been ongoing calls for more transparency and reform in lobbying practices, such as stricter limits on campaign contributions or stronger regulations on lobbying activities to reduce the influence of money in politics.

9. Recent Trends and Developments

• Increased Lobbying on Education and Healthcare: In recent years, there has been a surge in lobbying related to education and healthcare, especially with debates over public school funding, school choice, and Medicaid expansion. Various stakeholders, including teachers' unions, business groups, and healthcare providers, have been heavily involved in pushing for policies in these areas.
• Tech and Energy Industry Influence: Texas, being a leader in the oil, gas, and tech industries, sees significant lobbying efforts from companies within these sectors. Issues such as energy regulations, environmental policies, and tech innovation often attract intense lobbying.

Conclusion:

Lobbying in Texas is a crucial element of the state's political process. It is highly regulated, and professional lobbyists must adhere to strict registration and disclosure requirements. While lobbying is a tool for interest groups to influence legislation, it also raises concerns about the role of money in politics and the balance of power between public and private interests. Understanding the regulations, the key players, and the influence of lobbying is essential for anyone involved in or interested in Texas politics.

Week 8 . . .

Iron Triangles

Issue Networks

The Revolving Door

Lobbying 

PACs and SuperPACs

Agency Capture

Get out the Vote Drives

Fed 51

Elections to Governing Institutions

Review of U.S. and Texas Constitutions