“Fair ain’t got nothing to do with it.” Clint Eastwood in “Unforgiven.” As they observe the present legislative session, commissioners court members certainly are gaining a clear understanding of the above quote. Mandate bills, revenue caps and appraisal caps slide through the process, while unfunded mandate protection languishes in committee. … [Read more...] about The County and State Partnership in Decline
CJCAT
79th Texas Legislature and Indigent Defense
Several bills have been filed that would alter key provisions of the Fair Defense Act (FDA). House Bill 268 by Terry Keel Transfers the responsibility for adopting attorney standards for attorneys to be appointed to represent indigent defendants in habeas corpus proceedings in death penalty cases from the Court of Criminal Appeals to the Task Force on Indigent Defense. … [Read more...] about 79th Texas Legislature and Indigent Defense
Statutory County Courts at Law
Throughout 2004-2005, County Progress is featuring a series of articles depicting the various offices and positions that make up county government. Our April focus is the County Court at Law. Statutory County Courts at Law are created by the Texas Legislature to address a local need; they initially were created to handle the judicial functions of the county judge. The … [Read more...] about Statutory County Courts at Law
Major Issues of Legislative Session
As the legislative session progresses, two major county issues are emerging. First, revenue caps and appraisal caps will be pushed at every opportunity by their supporters. Amendments will be proposed to every tax or appraisal bill to insert these state controls. Second, the Legislature will continue to propose unfunded mandates. Please continue your communication with … [Read more...] about Major Issues of Legislative Session
From the President
The year 2005 is almost one-fourth gone, and it has passed very swiftly. We have already witnessed a miracle in that 8 million people of Iraq flocked to the polls to resist tyranny and begin a long process to obtain a democratic government for their country. This is such a heart-warming moment for all who believe in freedom. We in America should be very proud that we have had a … [Read more...] about From the President