Jim Allison

As the session reaches its final weeks, bills that remain in committee are in serious difficulty. Bills are being scheduled for floor action in the House and Senate.  Bills will change by floor amendment during this process.  However, some issues and subjects are beginning to be discarded.  Some significant areas and bills include the following: Good Bills – Need … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report – May 2013

  With almost 6,000 bills and constitutional amendments filed, the Legislature begins evaluation and revision of these bills in committee and final consideration on the floor of the House and Senate.  Bills will change during this process.  However, some issues and subjects are beginning to develop.  Some significant areas and bills include the following: Good Bills … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel – April 2013

With the appointment of committees, legislative hearings will begin.  Rep. Garnet Coleman has been re-appointed as chairman of the House County Affairs Committee.  Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa has been designated to assume the chairmanship of the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Some important county bills are listed below with a very brief analysis.  We are … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report – Legislative Session Underway

The 83rd Legislature has begun its 140-day regular session.  With the re-election of Speaker Joe Straus, the major state leadership remains unchanged.  However, with redistricting, retirements, and unsuccessful election bids, there have been major changes in the membership. With a majority of the House being freshman or sophomores, new leadership will be required in the … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report: Legislative Session Underway