When I was appointed six years ago by Gov. Greg Abbott to be the chairman of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (the Commission), I had no idea of the complexities of what this position involved. I knew as a County Judge that you did not want your county jail to be out of compliance with the Commission. I did not realize the challenges Texas counties faced to stay in … [Read more...] about Challenges To Our County Jails
87th Legislative Session
87th Texas Legislature – Lawmakers Address Uncollectible Fees/Fines, Jail Credits
While no sweeping collections changes were put into place, uncollectable fines and fees and jail credits were addressed by the 87th Texas Legislature, along with a bill that corrected unintended consequences from past collections-related legislation. Senate Bill 346 passed in 2019 presented several challenges, observed Jim Lehman, former collection program manager for the … [Read more...] about 87th Texas Legislature – Lawmakers Address Uncollectible Fees/Fines, Jail Credits
The 87th Legislature and the Office of the Tax Assessor-Collector
Tax assessor-collectors have worked diligently throughout the years to be a trusted resource for lawmakers as they consider new legislation. As the role of tax assessor-collectors is unique, they are qualified to offer their expertise on a multitude of issues, always with the goal of highlighting the impact certain legislation will have on their constituents, Texas … [Read more...] about The 87th Legislature and the Office of the Tax Assessor-Collector
Changes in County Government Legal Requirements
Counties are governed by the Texas Constitution, legislative statutes, court decisions, and orders and regulations from the governor and state agencies. This column will discuss some recent changes affecting Commissioners Courts. VIRTUAL MEETINGS OF COMMISSIONERS COURTS In March 2020, Gov. Greg Abbott suspended certain provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act to allow … [Read more...] about Changes in County Government Legal Requirements
Comptroller Creates Broadband Development Office
On Aug. 2, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced the creation of the Broadband Development Office (BDO). Mandated by the 87th Texas Legislature’s House Bill 5, the BDO will award grants, low-interest loans, and other financial incentives to internet service providers who expand access to broadband service in underserved areas. “Easy, secure internet access is increasingly … [Read more...] about Comptroller Creates Broadband Development Office