From the General Counsel

County-Related House of Representatives Interim Charges             After each legislative session, the speaker of the house assigns issues to be studied by House committees.  The lieutenant governor assigns issues to the Senate committees.  These charges are the subject of public hearings, and recommendations … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel

Goods-in-Transit Legislation Requires Resolution               Under the provisions of Senate Bill 1, Special Called Session, a new property tax exemption will be granted to “goods-in-transit” unless each taxing entity, including counties, adopts a resolution by December 31, 2011, to continue … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel

Published October 2011 Counties Spared Worst of State Cuts, Still Face Economic Uncertainty   As the 82nd Session of the Texas Legislature approached, county officials shuddered at the predictions. Facing a $27 billion deficit, lawmakers proposed major shifts in public policy which would have forced additional expenditures by counties or reduction in county … [Read more...] about A Sigh of Relief Then Another Deep Breath

Published October 2011 Juror Pay Program Underfunded               In 2005, the Texas Legislature amended Chapter 61 of the Government Code to require that counties pay jurors at least $40 per day for each day of service after the first day.  Prior to this legislation, counties were only required to … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel

Commissioners Court May Authorize County Judge, Fire Marshal to Lift Burn-Ban Order               In 1999, the commissioners court was granted the authority to prohibit or restrict outdoor burning in all or part of the unincorporated areas of the county.  In times of drought, this authority has been … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel