With a total of 8,898 bills and joint resolutions filed, the legislative session will definitely include numerous bills with significant effect on counties. Bills often undergo major changes as they progress through the committee and floor process. To receive timely updates, please monitor the Texas Association of Counties listserv. Under Section 5, Article III, Texas … [Read more...] about Significant Legislative Activity
From the General Counsel
Significant Legislation – 89th Texas Legislature
With over 5,000 bills currently filed, the legislative session will definitely include numerous bills with significant effect on counties. Bills often undergo major changes as they progress through the committee and floor process. To receive timely updates on significant bills, please monitor the Texas Association of Counties listserv. Under Section 5, Article III, Texas … [Read more...] about Significant Legislation – 89th Texas Legislature
The Eroding Foundation of County Government
When the current state constitution was adopted in 1876, Texas was a rural, frontier state. With limited communication and transportation systems, a centralized government was not feasible, and county government was a necessity. The framers relied upon locally elected officials to provide essential governmental services, such as law enforcement, courts, public records, roads, … [Read more...] about The Eroding Foundation of County Government
The Effects of Revenue Caps and Inflation on Tax Abatements
Since 1987, Section 51-a, Article III, of the Texas Constitution and Chapter 312, Tax Code have authorized counties to engage in economic development through tax abatement agreements. The purpose of these agreements is to encourage additional investment and employment within the county. Tax abatement agreements waive the property taxes on new investment for all or a percentage … [Read more...] about The Effects of Revenue Caps and Inflation on Tax Abatements
Traps for the Unwary – Conflicts of Interest
Previous columns have discussed the requirements and prohibitions concerning the oath of office under Chapter 81, Local Government Code, and nepotism under Chapter 573, Government Code. Statutory conflicts of interest are another area where an unwary member of Commissioners Court may commit an inadvertent violation with serious consequences. Two principal statutes govern these … [Read more...] about Traps for the Unwary – Conflicts of Interest