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
As we begin FY21, there are two items for county officials to be aware of. These two items are the last portions of the 85th Legislature’s Senate Bill 1849, commonly referred to as the Sandra Bland Act, and their effective dates. The first deals with how quickly a county must provide access to medical and mental health services. When first passed into law, the way the bill … [Read more...] about Jail Commission Update
Throughout 2019, local governments dependent upon the property tax carefully followed the progress of Senate Bill 2, passed by the 86th Texas Legislature and signed by the governor last June. Property taxes are the primary funding source for Texas counties, and S.B. 2 reduces this funding potential. “Maximizing additional revenue sources will be essential,” said Jim … [Read more...] about Fine and Fee Collection
The Sandra Bland Act, passed by the 85th Texas Legislature, calls for a multitude of changes that are affecting and will affect Texas county jail operations and Minimum Jail Standards including education requirements, installation of specific equipment, and inmate access to health and mental health professionals. Throughout the last several years, the Texas Commission on … [Read more...] about Sandra Bland Act
In 2017, the 85th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1913/House Bill 351 which, among other changes, allows courts to consider community service as an option for defendants who are unable to pay court fines and fees. However, Aransas County collections specialist Misty Kimbrough had been exploring a community service non-monetary option for at least two years before the … [Read more...] about Mindset of Success
