The 83rd Legislature has begun its 140-day regular session. With the re-election of Speaker Joe Straus, the major state leadership remains unchanged. However, with redistricting, retirements, and unsuccessful election bids, there have been major changes in the membership. With a majority of the House being freshman or sophomores, new leadership will be required in the … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report: Legislative Session Underway
From the General Counsel
General Counsel’s Report – January 2013
As the new legislative session begins on Jan. 8, we will again gather for the Texas Association of Counties Legislative Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday to discuss legislative issues. During the period following the general election and the beginning of the session, legislators may pre-file bills. These bills are assigned a bill number, but no further action can be … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report – January 2013
Report from the General Counsel
Commission Publishes Rules for Local Records Storage The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (the Commission) posted new rules for the storage of local government records in the Nov. 2, 2012, issue of the Texas Register. These rules are required by Section 441.026, Government Code, and Section 203.048, Local Government Code. An earlier proposed version of the … [Read more...] about Report from the General Counsel
From the General Counsel
A Time for Problem-Solving This year has certainly been a busy time for politics. With redistricting and delayed primaries, the election cycle has consumed a great deal of time and energy. However, with the completion of the November election, we must immediately assume a problem-solving role. Legislative pre-filing of bills will begin the week after the … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel
From the General Counsel
Anniversary Prompts Reflection and Re-Dedication In 1922, members of commissioners courts organized the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, the first organization of county officials. While the precise motives of those early officials have faded into history, the constitution and by-laws of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel