There were several bills introduced this legislative session concerning county responsibility for indigent health care services. This responsibility is defined in Chapter 61, Health and Safety Code. Severe reductions in the state health care budget have placed regional public hospitals in a budgetary crisis. An interim study by the Senate Committee on Health examined the … [Read more...] about Indigent Healthcare Legislation
From the General Counsel
A Lesson in Legislative Relations
On May 5, 2005, the Denton Record Chronicle published an editorial titled: “It’s Official: We’re Governed by Idiots.” The newspaper bemoaned the inability of the Legislature to achieve any progress on public education issues while wasting time on frivolous issues like cheerleader routines. The same message could be easily applied to county issues. The … [Read more...] about A Lesson in Legislative Relations
The County and State Partnership in Decline
“Fair ain’t got nothing to do with it.” Clint Eastwood in “Unforgiven.” As they observe the present legislative session, commissioners court members certainly are gaining a clear understanding of the above quote. Mandate bills, revenue caps and appraisal caps slide through the process, while unfunded mandate protection languishes in committee. … [Read more...] about The County and State Partnership in Decline
79th Texas Legislature and Indigent Defense
Several bills have been filed that would alter key provisions of the Fair Defense Act (FDA). House Bill 268 by Terry Keel Transfers the responsibility for adopting attorney standards for attorneys to be appointed to represent indigent defendants in habeas corpus proceedings in death penalty cases from the Court of Criminal Appeals to the Task Force on Indigent Defense. … [Read more...] about 79th Texas Legislature and Indigent Defense
Statutory County Courts at Law
Throughout 2004-2005, County Progress is featuring a series of articles depicting the various offices and positions that make up county government. Our April focus is the County Court at Law. Statutory County Courts at Law are created by the Texas Legislature to address a local need; they initially were created to handle the judicial functions of the county judge. The … [Read more...] about Statutory County Courts at Law