Many of the statutes adopted by the 86th Legislature were effective on Sept. 1, 2019. Some require action by the Commissioners Court to assure compliance. Below are summaries and recommendations for implementation of some of the new statutes. Mental Health Interview: H.B. 601 by Rep. Price requires an interview and mental health report on any jail inmate suspected of mental … [Read more...] about Implementing New Laws
From the General Counsel
Pretrial Intervention Program Fund
The Texas Attorney General has provided guidance on the proper use of the pretrial intervention program fund. Attorney General Opinion KP-0263 (2019) determined that the Commissioners Court must “ultimately decide how to expend the pretrial intervention program special fund.” Article 102.0121 of the Code of Criminal Procedure provides that a prosecutor may … [Read more...] about Pretrial Intervention Program Fund
Mandated Mental Health Jail Inmate Interviews and Reports
For several years, the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas has supported legislative proposals to improve mental health programs. There have been some improvements in state funding. In 2010, Texas ranked 50th among the states in mental health funding; by 2017, we had improved to 40th. Nevertheless, county jails continue to hold more mentally ill persons than … [Read more...] about Mandated Mental Health Jail Inmate Interviews and Reports
From the General Counsel: Speed Cameras and Nursing Homes
The legal landscape is constantly changing with our society and technology. Counties are often called upon to be the “first responders” to new needs and opportunities. Counties try to provide the services needed by our citizens in a responsible, efficient manner. However, counties, unlike cities, have no general ordinance power. Our programs must be authorized by the Texas … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel: Speed Cameras and Nursing Homes
From the General Counsel: County Debt Analysis
The Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations has received an interim charge to study and make recommendations on the immediate and long-term fiscal impact that bonds and other types of obligations issued by local governments have on current and future generations of taxpayers. I was invited to testify at a recent hearing on this issue and presented some important … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel: County Debt Analysis