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.
Higher Education
Federal Findings Raise Alarming Questions About Texas A&M’s Research Security
A new report from the House Select Committee on China, released Oct. 13, documents why stronger research security safeguards are necessary. The case of Dr. Enrique Lavernia, now a professor at Texas A&M University, raises serious questions about whether the university’s screening procedures are sufficient. The committee’s report, “How to Stop China’s Theft of America’s...
October 20, 2026