KEY QUESTION: What is the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, and how does the Commission affect county government? REFERENCE POINTS: Texas Administrative Code TITLE 37 – PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS PART 9 – TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS TALKING POINTS: The Texas Legislature created the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (Commission) in … [Read more...] about Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Key Concept
Filling a Vacancy on the Commissioners Court
KEY QUESTION: What is the procedure for filling a vacancy left by a County Judge or County Commissioner? MAIN REFERENCE POINT: Texas Local Government Code, Title 3 Organization of County Government, Subtitle B Commissioners Court and County Officers, Chapter 87, Subchapter D Filling of Vacancies TALKING POINTS: According to Sec. 87.041 of the Texas … [Read more...] about Filling a Vacancy on the Commissioners Court
Texas Constitution
KEY QUESTION: What is the procedure for amending the Texas Constitution? REFERENCE POINT: Texas Constitution ARTICLE 17. MODE OF AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION OF THIS STATE Sec. 1. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS; PUBLICATION; SUBMISSION TO VOTERS; ADOPTION TALKING POINTS: The Texas Constitution is one of the longest in the nation and is still growing. As … [Read more...] about Texas Constitution
Public Finance
KEY CONCEPT: Public Finance Options KEY QUESTION: Can a county finance debt? MAIN REFERENCE POINTS: Article XI, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution – a county that borrows money is required to establish an interest and sinking fund. Texas Government Code Chapter 1251 – bond election provisions. Texas Government Code Chapter 1431 – … [Read more...] about Public Finance
KEY CONCEPT: Eminent Domain
KEY QUESTION: What are the eminent domain reporting requirements for Texas counties?
MAIN REFERENCE POINT: Government Code Chapter 2206, Subchapter D TALKING POINTS: In 2015, Senate Bill 1812 amended the law relating to transparency in the reporting and public availability of information regarding eminent domain authority. B. 1812 required the comptroller of public accounts of the State of Texas (comptroller) to create and make accessible an internet … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Eminent Domain