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 […]
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 governments from supporting associations that present […]
Mental Health Jail Backlog Increase
When accused persons are unable to assist in their defense because of mental incompetency, the trial court orders them committed to a state mental institution for treatment and restoration of their competency. These defendants have not been convicted of a crime, but they cannot be tried or released until they are mentally competent. For several […]
Overtime Eligibility Rule Change
After several years of proposals, withdrawals, and litigation, the U.S. Department of Labor has implemented a final rule that raises the minimum salary threshold for employees from $23,660 per year to $35,568 per year to qualify as exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act, effective Jan. 1, 2020. The new limit does […]
Interim Senate Committee Charges
Interim Senate Committee Charges After each legislative session, the standing committees are assigned issues to study during the interim. The committees will examine these issues, conduct public hearings, and prepare a report with legislative recommendations for the next session. The lieutenant governor assigns issues to the Senate committees, and the Speaker assigns issues to the […]
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