KEY QUESTION: What is the county’s role in emergency management? REFERENCE POINT: Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code, also referred to as the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 TALKING POINTS: Every county is required by law to maintain an emergency management program or participate in an interjurisdictional emergency management program, as stated in Section 418.102 … [Read more...] about Emergency Management
Key Concept
Nepotism
Can Commissioners Court members appoint or hire relatives or conduct county business with relatives? REFERENCE POINTS: Texas Government Code Chapter 573, Nepotism Statute Local Government Code Chapter 171 and Section 81.002 NEPOTISM TALKING POINTS: A member of Commissioners Court may not appoint, confirm the appointment of, or vote for the appointment or … [Read more...] about Nepotism
Commissioners Court Meetings During an Emergency
KEY QUESTION: What is the proper procedure for scheduling or rescheduling Commissioners Court meetings as necessitated by an emergency? REFERENCE POINT: Texas Government Code Chapter 551, The Open Meetings Act, Sections 551.0411 and 551.045 TALKING POINTS: Background: Commissioners Court is required by law to give written notice of the date, hour, place, and … [Read more...] about Commissioners Court Meetings During an Emergency
Commissioners Court Decorum
KEY QUESTION: Are Commissioners Court meetings required to be conducted under formal parliamentary procedure or specific rules of Commissioners Court decorum? MAIN REFERENCE POINTS: Attorney General Opinion DM-228 Texas Local Government Code Sections 81.005 and 81.006 Texas Government Code Section 551.007 TALKING POINTS: No legal requirement obligates … [Read more...] about Commissioners Court Decorum
Continuing Education for County Judges and Commissioners
What do the statutes say about continuing education for County Judges and Commissioners? Read our talking points in this month’s installment of Key Concept. KEY CONCEPT: Continuing Education MAIN REFERENCE POINTS: Judges: Texas Government Code Sections 56.006 and 74.025. The State of Texas delegated to the Court of Criminal Appeals the authority to establish the rules … [Read more...] about Continuing Education for County Judges and Commissioners