On Oct. 5, 2022, the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas (CJCAT) unanimously passed a slate of resolutions covering crucial county issues including unfunded mandates, revenue caps, and local option revenue sources. Commissioners Court members from across the Lone Star State voted on each resolution during the Association’s Business Meeting.
“At the recent State Conference, County Judges and Commissioners passed resolutions that will affect every county across the State of Texas,” reported CJCAT Legislative Committee Chairman Rick Bailey, Johnson County Commissioner. “These resolutions were sent by our Association to all elected legislators. What is needed of us now is a follow-up with those representatives and senators, asking them to please review these resolutions as they prepare for the upcoming 88th Legislative Session.”
Since May 1, 1983, the Association has retained a general counsel to expand its efforts to support strong county government, especially during the legislative process. Jim Allison of Allison, Bass & Magee, LLP, in Austin fulfills this role as senior general counsel. As a former Senate staff employee, county attorney, and assistant attorney general, Allison understands county and state government from firsthand experience, observed Bailey, CJCAT immediate past president.
“With a permanent staff to monitor legislative issues, the CJCAT has earned recognition as an advocate for Commissioners Courts and county government,” Bailey continued.
Under the CJCAT Constitution, the State Conference Resolutions are automatically included in the Association’s legislative program, Allison explained. Throughout the upcoming 88th Regular Session, Allison will be joined at the Capitol by members of the CJCAT Legislative Committee, Legislative Director Rick Thompson, and General Counsel Eric Magee.
“These resolutions, especially the Opposition to Unfunded Mandates, enable our leadership to present a united effort to oppose legislation that would restrict local decision-making while supporting legislation to enhance county options and discretion,” Allison emphasized.
“The resolutions that the CJCAT passes and the legislative efforts we engage in are driven entirely by our member counties,” noted Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller, a CJCAT past president. “It’s a good idea for individual Commissioners Courts to pass identical resolutions to showcase the fact that these priorities reflect the needs and issues facing our local communities.”
County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Legislative Committee
- Committee Chairman: CJCAT Immediate Past President Rick Bailey, Johnson County Commissioner
- CJCAT President Harold Keeter, Swisher County Judge
- CJCAT First Vice President Jen Crownover, Comal County Commissioner
- CJCAT Second Vice President Byron Ryder, Leon County Judge
- Regional Presidents and three additional members from each Regional Association
Support Staff:
- Senior General Counsel Jim Allison, Allison, Bass & Magee
- General Counsel Eric Magee, Allison, Bass & Magee
- Legislative Director Rick Thompson