Texas County Progress
The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas
During the Regular Session of the 82nd Texas Legislature, Rep. Burt R. Solomons filed House Joint Resolution 56 (HJR 56) calling for the prohibition of unfunded mandates. Oldham County Judge Don R. Allred was there in person to offer his applause. “This was an important piece of legislation for counties,” recalled Allred, a past president of the County Judges and … [Read more...] about Unfunded Mandate Legislation
During the 83rd Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, Gov. Rick Perry vetoed 26 bills, signed 1,361 bills, and allowed 13 bills to become law without his signature. Of the 1,361 signed bills, four bills are of particular interest for indigent defense: S.B. 1, S.B. 1044, H.B. 1318, and H.B. 1245. Per the Texas Indigent Defense Commission’s Legislative Appropriation … [Read more...] about Texas Indigent Defense Commission: Legislative Impact Report
At the conclusion of the Regular Session of the 83rd Texas Legislature, 1,631 bills and resolutions were sent to Gov. Rick Perry for his approval or veto. Several hundred of these affect counties. The deadline for veto actions by the governor was June 16. Approved bills may have immediate effect if they received a two-thirds vote in each house. However, many bills will be … [Read more...] about Regular Session Results
As the end of the legislative session approaches, most major issues remain unresolved, and the possibility of a special session remains. Major differences have emerged between the House and the Senate over the funding for water projects, transportation infrastructure, and education, particularly over the potential use of the Rainy Day Fund. If these issues are not resolved, … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel – Legislative Reflections
The Texas Legislature will consider a wide variety of topics during this regular session. Public education and health care are expected to top the agenda, with a variety of other important topics, such as tax policy, corrections management, and the financing of transportation and water planning projects, expected to feature prominently in discussions. A total of 24 agencies … [Read more...] about 83rd Session of the Texas Legislature
