With the appointment of committees, legislative hearings will begin. Rep. Garnet Coleman has been re-appointed as chairman of the House County Affairs Committee. Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa has been designated to assume the chairmanship of the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Some important county bills are listed below with a very brief analysis. We are … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report – Legislative Session Underway
CJCAT
From the President – March 2013
Greetings! The year 2013 is now off and running. I just returned from Austin where I met with Jim Allison, our general counsel, and Brooks County Judge Raul Ramirez, the first vice president of our Association. Jim had us go over to the Capitol and meet with our representatives and senators to express some of our concerns with legislative issues that may affect county … [Read more...] about From the President – March 2013
From The President – February 2013
Greetings and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a good year in 2012. It is hard to believe that another year has gone by. On Jan. 2, Johnson County had its ceremony swearing in our newly elected officials. We had a good turn out from the community. I have always said that local government is the most efficient form of government. It was good to hear the comments made by … [Read more...] about From The President – February 2013
General Counsel’s Report: Legislative Session Underway
The 83rd Legislature has begun its 140-day regular session. With the re-election of Speaker Joe Straus, the major state leadership remains unchanged. However, with redistricting, retirements, and unsuccessful election bids, there have been major changes in the membership. With a majority of the House being freshman or sophomores, new leadership will be required in the … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report: Legislative Session Underway
General Counsel’s Report – January 2013
As the new legislative session begins on Jan. 8, we will again gather for the Texas Association of Counties Legislative Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday to discuss legislative issues. During the period following the general election and the beginning of the session, legislators may pre-file bills. These bills are assigned a bill number, but no further action can be … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report – January 2013