Counties Step Up Delinquent Fine and Fee Collection In an effort to boost county coffers and resolve millions in unpaid fines and fees, Hidalgo County launched a pilot program in September 2011 giving debtors the opportunity to “clean their slate before it’s too late.” “Operation: Clean Slate” targeted those owing money to the county’s justice of the peace courts for … [Read more...] about Clean Your Slate
79th Legislative Session
Vote CentersLegislation Allows Countywide Polling Places
Qualified counties have until April 30 to complete an application with the Office of the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) requesting participation in the Countywide Polling Place Program during the Nov. 4, 2008, general election. Countywide election precincts allow voters the option of voting at countywide polling places on Election Day instead of their assigned precinct polling … [Read more...] about Vote CentersLegislation Allows Countywide Polling Places
From the President
At this writing, the 79th Legislature is still in session. I was thinking there for a while that I might have some very good news for you county leaders. I was hoping that the finance caps bill would fail, but instead it was suddenly tucked underneath the skirt of the school finance bill. I cannot for the life of me try to guess at this time what the outcome will be of this and … [Read more...] about From the President
79th Texas Legislature and Indigent Defense
Several bills have been filed that would alter key provisions of the Fair Defense Act (FDA). House Bill 268 by Terry Keel Transfers the responsibility for adopting attorney standards for attorneys to be appointed to represent indigent defendants in habeas corpus proceedings in death penalty cases from the Court of Criminal Appeals to the Task Force on Indigent Defense. … [Read more...] about 79th Texas Legislature and Indigent Defense
The 79th Texas Legislature
Lawmakers to Convene Jan. 11 – May 30 The County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas (CJCAT) has always approached legislative sessions with resolve. This time around, that resolve will be bolstered by momentum. Since the last regular session of the Texas Legislature, 253 counties have adopted resolutions opposing unfunded mandates. “I think we will be going … [Read more...] about The 79th Texas Legislature