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
Key Concept
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
KEY CONCEPT: Education Requirements
KEY QUESTION: What are the education requirements for County Judges and County Commissioners? 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 of judicial education. These rules are posted on the Texas Judicial Branch website at … [Read more...] about KEY CONCEPT: Education Requirements
Key Concept: Competitive Bidding
QUESTION: What are the statutory regulations regarding competitive bidding? MAIN REFERENCE POINT: Texas Local Government Code Chapter 262 – The County Purchasing Act KEY ADDITIONAL REFERENCE POINTS (Note: There are many more laws that impact County purchasing.): Local Government Code Chapter 271, subchapters B, C and D, relating to competitive bidding on certain … [Read more...] about Key Concept: Competitive Bidding