From the General Counsel

            The Texas Ethics Commission issues advisory opinions under the authority of Subchapter D, Chapter 571, Government Code.  The Commission recently issued Advisory Opinion 484, re-interpreting the restrictions on accepting transportation, meals, and lodging by an elected officeholder from a corporation or … [Read more...] about Texas Ethics Commission Advisory Opinion No. 484

Several important bills affecting county government have been signed by the governor. A summary of these bills is listed below. Many of these bills are effective on Sept. 1 and will be discussed in later articles and conferences. However, the following were effective immediately and may need your attention: HB 383 by Rep. Heflin allows bail bond boards in counties with … [Read more...] about County Legislation

Every two years the Texas Legislature meets for 140 days. During that time everything and everybody is at risk. With more than 7,000 bills filed, a few are good, some are to correct mistakes from previous sessions, some are bad, and some are completely off the planet. We as county elected officials have a responsibility to support the good bills and work hard to defeat the bad … [Read more...] about Why Testify in Austin?

When the 81st Regular Session began, it had important business to conduct, most notably revision and continuation of the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Insurance. Under the Sunset Statutes, these agencies will be abolished unless continued by the Legislature. As the 140 days allowed by the Constitution expired, the Legislature failed to address … [Read more...] about Legislative Issues Left Undone

As the end of the legislative session approaches, we have once again expended much effort to defeat or change unfunded mandates and revenue caps. It is apparent that many members of the Legislature do not have a comprehensive awareness of the duties and responsibility of county government. Let us begin today to expand that awareness by implementing the following … [Read more...] about County/State Relationship