With the election concluded, it is time to prepare for the next legislative session beginning in January. While a few incumbent proponents of revenue caps and appraisal caps were replaced in the House of Representatives, there was no major shift in the leadership. Governor Perry and Speaker Craddick continue to advocate for additional spending limitations on local … [Read more...] about Caps on Legislative Agenda Again
From the General Counsel
Time for a Personal Visit With Legislators
As the November election and the January Regular Session draw near, it is the opportune time for a personal visit with your state legislators. Those who are facing an election contest will be easy to locate, and even those without opposition generally appreciate a visit before the hectic Austin schedule begins. There is much to discuss. Appraisal caps and revenue caps will … [Read more...] about Time for a Personal Visit With Legislators
Fireworks Lawsuits Fizzle
Facing severe drought conditions, several Texas counties adopted emergency measures to avoid fire dangers from fireworks during the July 4th holiday. Many commissioners courts prohibited the sale or use of "skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins" under the authority of Section 352.051, Local Government Code. Other commissioners courts also prohibited the use of all … [Read more...] about Fireworks Lawsuits Fizzle
The Test of Time Counties Offered Limited Opportunity to Adopt Official County Road Maps
Texas counties still have a window of opportunity to legally clarify the public interest in long-maintained roads, a measure that could save counties hundreds of thousands of dollars in litigation costs. House Bill 1117, passed by the 78th Texas Legislature, went into effect Sept. 1, 2003, and expires Sept. 1, 2009. Implementation of the bill, a discretionary measure found in … [Read more...] about The Test of Time Counties Offered Limited Opportunity to Adopt Official County Road Maps
Dodging Bullets
The Third Called Session of the 79th Legislature adjourned without imposing revenue caps or appraisal caps on county government. That is certainly good news. However, all reports indicate an intense effort to limit local government revenue options in the next regular session in January. Legislation to impose revenue caps and appraisal caps was introduced during the special … [Read more...] about Dodging Bullets