HB = House Bill SB = Senate Bill HB266 Relating to regulating the provision of benefits and services to, and the verification of the employment status of, immigrants and to enforcing laws relating to immigrants; providing civil and criminal penalties. HB404 Relating to the enforcement of state and federal laws governing immigration by … [Read more...] about 81st Regular Session: Jail-Related Legislation
From the General Counsel
Texas Ethics Commission Advisory Opinion No. 484
The Texas Ethics Commission issues advisory opinions under the authority of Subchapter D, Chapter 571, Government Code. The Commission recently issued Advisory Opinion 484, re-interpreting the restrictions on accepting transportation, meals, and lodging by an elected officeholder from a corporation or … [Read more...] about Texas Ethics Commission Advisory Opinion No. 484
County Legislation
Several important bills affecting county government have been signed by the governor. A summary of these bills is listed below. Many of these bills are effective on Sept. 1 and will be discussed in later articles and conferences. However, the following were effective immediately and may need your attention: HB 383 by Rep. Heflin allows bail bond boards in counties with … [Read more...] about County Legislation
Why Testify in Austin?
Every two years the Texas Legislature meets for 140 days. During that time everything and everybody is at risk. With more than 7,000 bills filed, a few are good, some are to correct mistakes from previous sessions, some are bad, and some are completely off the planet. We as county elected officials have a responsibility to support the good bills and work hard to defeat the bad … [Read more...] about Why Testify in Austin?
Legislative Issues Left Undone
When the 81st Regular Session began, it had important business to conduct, most notably revision and continuation of the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Insurance. Under the Sunset Statutes, these agencies will be abolished unless continued by the Legislature. As the 140 days allowed by the Constitution expired, the Legislature failed to address … [Read more...] about Legislative Issues Left Undone