Texas has been too lenient toward spousal violence. Create a database to track juvenile gangs. The Texas Attorney General's Office estimates that Texas has up to 145,000 members of youth gangs that are closely associated with violent and criminal activity. The Texas Department of Public Safety should be authorized to create a statewide electronic database on known gang members to be used by local police forces. Enhance penalties for sex offenders.
Sex offenders are particularly likely to repeat their criminal acts.
Reduce the Size of Government Even in good economic times, policymakers should remember whose money they are spending and make every effort to reduce the size, cost, and burden of government. Adjust agency budgets. Despite numerous attempts to rein in the growth of state government and state spending, both continue to spiral upward. A more direct approach may be required. The Legislature should reduce appropriations to each agency with 100 or more employees by 1.25 percent.