HB 3816 would require regulatory impact analysis (RIA) of all environmental rules. By whatever label—cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness, impact analysis—regulatory analysis is a widely accepted step in the rule-making process.Unlike most other states, Texas has lacked a mechanism to estimate the regulatory costs imposed on the private sector and the general public. HB 3816 would require a simple cost-benefit analysis of proposed environmental rules to provide such transparency for all Texans. Such analysis should help in legislative oversight of agency implementation of state law.
Election Integrity
Ban Foreign Funding in Ballot Propositions
Despite federal laws prohibiting foreign funding of candidate elections, foreign individuals and entities are still able to fund campaigns related to state and local ballot initiatives in multiple jurisdictions, creating a loophole that hostile foreign actors can exploit to influence American elections. Key points: Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to candidate campaigns or...
April 6, 2026