At this time in even-numbered years, legislative committees are usually conducting interim hearings to receive testimony, analyze issues, and prepare reports and draft legislation for the upcoming legislative session. These interim activities provide a valuable opportunity for county officials to educate legislators and staff on the effects of potential legislation on their … [Read more...] about Preparing for an Unusual Legislative Session
From the General Counsel
Who Do You Trust During a Crisis?
When confronted with a crisis, our citizens turn to their elected officials for leadership and solutions. The present Coronavirus epidemic has created a tremendous crisis of public health, the economy, and leadership. As the COVID-19 cases have spread in Texas, our citizens have looked to our national, state, and local leaders for responsive plans and policies. A June … [Read more...] about Who Do You Trust During a Crisis?
Senate Bill 2: County Budgets During A Pandemic
By early March, it was clear that 2020 would be a challenging year for county budgets. Revenue caps and radical procedural changes imposed by the legislature require new procedures and a steep learning curve. The catastrophic decline in oil industry activity and production will force a massive shift in the local tax burden in many counties. Then, the COVID-19 epidemic struck, … [Read more...] about Senate Bill 2: County Budgets During A Pandemic
The Finest Hour
As this column is being written, Texas is entering its darkest days of the Coronavirus epidemic. Although mitigation measures will hopefully reduce the burden on our medical infrastructure, it is clear that more physical suffering and deaths are approaching. After the storm of disease has abated, the economic damage will continue. While we cannot cure or completely prevent … [Read more...] about The Finest Hour
Expanding the Dialogue on Legislative Communications
During the past legislative session, certain special interest groups launched an effort to silence local government officials. Determined to dominate the discussion concerning equitable taxation and appraisals, these groups proposed legislation to 1) prevent local governments from retaining professional lobbyists to present information on their behalf; 2) prohibit local … [Read more...] about Expanding the Dialogue on Legislative Communications