Previous columns have discussed the requirements and prohibitions concerning the oath of office under Chapter 81, Local Government Code, and nepotism under Chapter 573, Government Code. Statutory conflicts of interest are another area where an unwary member of Commissioners Court may commit an inadvertent violation with serious consequences. Two principal statutes govern these … [Read more...] about Traps for the Unwary – Conflicts of Interest
From the General Counsel
Silencing County Officials
Certain legislators continue their efforts to obtain legislation to prohibit local officials and their nonprofit associations from communicating with the legislature. Using the term “taxpayer-funded lobbying,” this legislation would bar local officials from expending funds to contact the legislature or support nonprofit associations that communicate on their behalf, like the … [Read more...] about Silencing County Officials
Senate Releases 2024 Interim Charges
The Texas Legislature meets in regular session for 140 days in odd-numbered years. During the even-numbered years, the committees of the Senate and House of Representatives conduct hearings, prepare reports, and draft legislation on issues assigned by the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house. Although many other subjects will be addressed in the 8,000 bills introduced … [Read more...] about Senate Releases 2024 Interim Charges
County Weight Enforcement
The Rolling Stones offered the following advice: “You can’t always get what you want, but you just might get what you need.” A recent Opinion from the Attorney General provides insight into the authority of county officers to enforce weight limitations on state highways and county roads. In AG Opinion KP-0458 (2024), Attorney General Ken Paxton held that a deputy sheriff … [Read more...] about County Weight Enforcement
Elections in a Democratic Republic
Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of our system of government. Every two years, the voters have an opportunity to express their will and select their leaders. Required biennial elections are not common in other countries, even in democracies. The framers of our constitution ensured that our leaders would be required to undergo frequent review by the voters. The two-year … [Read more...] about Elections in a Democratic Republic