At Texas Policy Research, we believe that for proposed legislation to fulfill the government’s true purpose—protecting citizens’ rights—it must uphold the core pillars of a free and civil society. By evaluating each bill through the lens of our five liberty principles—individual liberty, personal responsibility, free enterprise, private property rights, and limited government—we ensure that legislation aligns with the government’s fundamental responsibility to safeguard freedom and prosperity. These evaluations are published as a “Floor Report” and made available to state lawmakers, their staff, and the general public.
Overall Evaluation Process
Texas Policy Research examines every piece of legislation that makes it beyond the committee process in the Texas Legislature with our five guiding liberty principles in mind. We meticulously evaluate whether each piece of legislation strengthens or weakens the freedoms and responsibilities essential to a thriving and prosperous Texas. Our recommendations reflect our commitment to defending these values, and we provide in-depth analysis so that Texans can be informed about how proposed laws align with the vision of a free and civil society.
Through this approach, we aim to ensure that Texas continues to be a beacon of liberty, where individuals are empowered to pursue their own happiness, contribute to the economy, and live free from unnecessary government interference.
As examples, the following are some of the questions we ask, consistent with our five liberty principles, when analyzing proposed legislation:
- Individual Liberty:
- Does the legislation impose unnecessary restrictions on personal choice or freedom of expression?
- Will this law protect or infringe upon the privacy rights of individuals?
- Does it enhance the ability of individuals to exercise their rights freely and without coercion?
- Could this law set a precedent for future restrictions on individual liberties?
- Does it limit individuals’ right to associate, assemble, or organize freely?
- Personal Responsibility:
- Does the legislation encourage personal accountability and self-reliance?
- Will this law promote individual initiative or foster dependence on government programs?
- Does it incentivize responsible behavior, such as work, education, or personal well-being?
- Does this legislation address the consequences of irresponsible behavior fairly?
- Will this law provide the right balance between personal freedom and accountability?
- Free Enterprise:
- Does this legislation reduce or increase barriers for businesses to operate and compete?
- Will it stifle innovation or entrepreneurship by imposing excessive regulations or taxes?
- Does it favor certain industries or companies over others, potentially creating monopolies?
- Does this law enhance or restrict consumer choice and market competition?
- Will it help or hinder the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities?
- Private Property Rights:
- Does this legislation respect and protect private property rights?
- Will this law expand or limit the government’s ability to seize property through eminent domain?
- Does it impose unfair restrictions or requirements on property owners?
- Will the legislation lead to higher property taxes or other burdensome financial impacts on property owners?
- Does it protect property owners from unnecessary regulatory interference or zoning restrictions?
- Limited Government:
- Does the legislation expand the government’s role beyond its essential functions?
- Will this law create new bureaucracies or expand existing ones, increasing government intervention?
- Does it shift power away from local or state government to the federal level, or vice versa, undermining federalism or local control?
- Will the law increase the government’s regulatory reach into private lives or businesses?
- Does it add new taxes, spending, or debt that could increase the size and scope of government?
- Additional General Questions:
- Does the legislation address an actual problem, or is it a solution in search of a problem?
- Are there less intrusive alternatives to achieving the same goal?
- Does the legislation respect the balance of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government?
- Will the law create unintended consequences that could undermine its intended goals?
- Does the legislation support or conflict with constitutional protections, both at the state and federal levels?
