Although private property rights are guaranteed by both the U.S. and Texas constitutions, they have been systematically scaled back over time. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2005 Kelo decision, however, Texas has begun the march toward restoring those rights. Here are some next steps for Texas.
Criminal Justice
Safer Communities Through Second Chances: The Case for Federal Expungement
When criminal records follow people forever, families struggle, employers lose workers, and communities lose productive citizens. Federal law offers almost no path to redemption, even though second chances strengthen public safety and the economy. Key Points The federal expungement system is effectively nonexistent. Permanent criminal records for non-violent federal offenses undermine work opportunities, family stability,...
September 15, 2026