For the first time in over 100 years, the Texas Legislature will convene during a worldwide pandemic. While health concerns will affect the proceedings, the legislature will consider many bills that affect county government. With limited access to the Texas Capitol, county officials must use all available means to communicate with legislators. We will continue to post … [Read more...] about Legislative Session Begins
CJCAT
Happy New Year!
Time to Set Those County Resolutions
Get educated. Do more with less. Make a difference. Serve. Improve communities. Each of these is synonymous with a resolution. Tis the season to renew these commitments or lend thought to new goals and priorities, whether personal or professional. When it comes to Commissioners Court, the list practically creates itself. Fulfill My Mandated Duties As a part of the State … [Read more...] about Happy New Year!
Rebirth of Senate Bill 29 and its Proposal to Silence Local Officials
Misleading the public with the message that tax dollars are being wasted on associations and the hiring of legal representation.
Some legislators and private interest lobbyists are going to attempt to pass laws to silence local officials during the next session. Most of our large cities hire lobbyists to keep them informed on the effects of proposed bills on local decision-making. Our counties and smaller cities are represented by nonprofit associations and are being caught up in the mix. The legislative … [Read more...] about Rebirth of Senate Bill 29 and its Proposal to Silence Local Officials
State Association Convenes in Taylor County
The Opening General Session of the 98th Annual County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Conference was like no other. Some 365 County Judges and Commissioners gathered in Abilene for the Oct. 5-8 event, a carefully planned conference with CDC recommendations in place due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Opening-day speakers – addressing a socially distanced … [Read more...] about State Association Convenes in Taylor County
Legislative Pre-Filings Begin
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