Evaluation Methodology

Our Approach

At Texas Policy Research, we believe that good public policy must be evaluated by principle, not politics. That’s why every bill we review is assessed using a consistent, nonpartisan framework rooted in our five core Liberty Principles.

Our methodology is designed to ensure that our research and vote recommendations are clear, credible, and actionable — whether you’re a legislator, staffer, journalist, or citizen following the process.

Our Framework: The Liberty Lens

Each bill is examined through the lens of the five principles that guide our work. We ask whether a bill advances, diminishes, or has a neutral effect on each principle — based on its plain language, legal implications, and likely real-world outcomes.

Individual Liberty

Personal Responsibility

Free Enterprise

Private Property Rights

Limited Government

Key Evaluation Questions

applied to every bill

Our bill reviews are guided by a core set of questions tailored to the specific content of the legislation:

Individual Liberty

Does this bill expand or restrict freedom of speech, religion, movement, association, or privacy?

Does it interfere with decisions that should be left to individuals or families?

Personal Responsibility

Does the policy promote self-governance and individual accountability?

Does it create or reinforce incentives for responsible behavior?

Free Enterprise

Does it lower or raise barriers to entrepreneurship or competition?

Does it favor one industry, business, or model over others through subsidies or restrictions?

Private Property Rights

Does it protect or erode the ability of individuals to control and benefit from their property?

Does it involve eminent domain, regulatory takings, or new restrictions on land use?

Limited Government

Does it require new enforcement mechanisms, agencies, or funding streams?

Does it increase the size, spending, or regulatory scope of government?

Does it preserve local control or concentrate authority at the state or federal level?

Our Vote Recommendation Scale

We use a five-part scale to recommend how legislators should vote on bills we evaluate. Each level reflects the bill’s alignment, or misalignment, with one or more Liberty Principles.

Yes

Strongly advances liberty — recommend passage

Yes: Amend

Positive direction but needs targeted improvements

Neutral

No significant impact on liberty principles

No: Amend

Problematic as written — requires substantive changes

Clearly erodes liberty — recommend opposition

Learn More About Our Vote Recommendations →

A Nonpartisan, Content-Driven Approach

Texas Policy Research does not base recommendations on:

Party Affiliation of Bill Authors or Supporters

Perceived Likelihood of Passage

Political Strategy or Coalition Dynamics

Public Polling or Popularity

Organizational Endorsements or Alliances

Our commitment is to content over politics and to the long-term constitutional and economic health of Texas.

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Texas Policy Research relies on the support of generous donors across Texas. Your contribution helps us deliver free, independent research to lawmakers and the public.

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