Certain legislators continue their efforts to obtain legislation to prohibit local officials and their nonprofit associations from communicating with the legislature. Using the term “taxpayer-funded lobbying,” this legislation would bar local officials from expending funds to contact the legislature or support nonprofit associations that communicate on their behalf, like the … [Read more...] about Silencing County Officials
From the General Counsel
Traps for the Unwary – Nepotism
Continuing our series of columns on traps for the unwary, this month we will discuss the Nepotism Prohibition in Chapter 573, Government Code. Since 1907, this statute has applied to all public officials of this State and its political subdivisions, including members of Commissioners Courts. Appointment and Confirmation. The statute prohibits a public official from … [Read more...] about Traps for the Unwary – Nepotism
Traps for the Unwary – The Oath of Office
The members of Commissioners Court have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the county and its citizens. This duty of trust requires that these officers act prudently to protect and preserve the assets of the county. This duty is enshrined in the constitutional oath of office in Section 1 of Article XVI of the Texas Constitution. Before assuming the duties of the … [Read more...] about Traps for the Unwary – The Oath of Office
2024 House Interim Committee Charges
Speaker of the House Dade Phelan has assigned interim charges for study by the committees of the House of Representatives. The entire 24 pages of charges are available at www.house.texas.gov. The County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas will monitor the hearings and recommendations of each House committee on these charges. Items affecting counties include the … [Read more...] about 2024 House Interim Committee Charges
Senate Releases 2024 Interim Charges
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