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 […]
Regular Session Results
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 […]
From the General Counsel – Legislative Reflections
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 […]
83rd Session of the Texas Legislature
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 […]
Keep Your Eye Out…For Unfunded Mandates, and Legislation to Prohibit Them
By Julie Anderson | Editor, County Progress Two years ago when Rep. Burt R. Solomons (R-Carrollton) filed House Joint Resolution 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,” stressed Allred, a past president […]
