As this column is being written, the pre-filing period for the legislative session begins. Legislators can file bills during a period from 60 days before the session through the first 60 days of the session. Over 500 bills were pre-filed on the first day. With no restrictions on the number of bills, over 7,000 bills have been filed in recent sessions with approximately 1,500 … [Read more...] about Legislative Pre-Filings Begin
From the General Counsel
Recognizing the Importance of Education
During its 98 years of existence, the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas has implemented several services to meet the needs of members of Commissioners Courts including communication through our excellent magazine, County Progress, legal advice through the CJCAT general counsel, and legislative representation through the state officers and legislative … [Read more...] about Recognizing the Importance of Education
Preparing for an Unusual Legislative Session
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
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