The Texas Legislature meets in regular session for 140 days in odd-numbered years. During the even-numbered years, the committees of the Senate and House of Representatives conduct hearings, prepare reports, and draft legislation on issues assigned by the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house. Although many other subjects will be addressed in the 8,000 bills introduced … [Read more...] about Senate Releases 2024 Interim Charges
From the General Counsel
County Weight Enforcement
The Rolling Stones offered the following advice: “You can’t always get what you want, but you just might get what you need.” A recent Opinion from the Attorney General provides insight into the authority of county officers to enforce weight limitations on state highways and county roads. In AG Opinion KP-0458 (2024), Attorney General Ken Paxton held that a deputy sheriff … [Read more...] about County Weight Enforcement
State Association Resolutions
The State Association Resolutions Committee presents a report for consideration and adoption during the business session of the annual October conference of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas. This item of business is required by the Constitution of the CJCAT. Committee members spend several hours reviewing and revising draft resolutions. These resolutions … [Read more...] about State Association Resolutions
Strengthening Legislative Relationships
The legislative districts in the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate have been drawn to produce predictable results according to party affiliation. Using computer modeling, the boundaries are manipulated to ensure a “safe” district for either a Republican or Democratic candidate. Consequently, the district representation is determined by the March primary, not … [Read more...] about Strengthening Legislative Relationships
Elections in a Democratic Republic
Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of our system of government. Every two years, the voters have an opportunity to express their will and select their leaders. Required biennial elections are not common in other countries, even in democracies. The framers of our constitution ensured that our leaders would be required to undergo frequent review by the voters. The two-year … [Read more...] about Elections in a Democratic Republic