There were several bills introduced this legislative session concerning county responsibility for indigent health care services. This responsibility is defined in Chapter 61, Health and Safety Code. Severe reductions in the state health care budget have placed regional public hospitals in a budgetary crisis. An interim study by the Senate Committee on Health examined the … [Read more...] about Indigent Healthcare Legislation
Jim Allison
A Lesson in Legislative Relations
On May 5, 2005, the Denton Record Chronicle published an editorial titled: “It’s Official: We’re Governed by Idiots.” The newspaper bemoaned the inability of the Legislature to achieve any progress on public education issues while wasting time on frivolous issues like cheerleader routines. The same message could be easily applied to county issues. The … [Read more...] about A Lesson in Legislative Relations
The County and State Partnership in Decline
“Fair ain’t got nothing to do with it.” Clint Eastwood in “Unforgiven.” As they observe the present legislative session, commissioners court members certainly are gaining a clear understanding of the above quote. Mandate bills, revenue caps and appraisal caps slide through the process, while unfunded mandate protection languishes in committee. … [Read more...] about The County and State Partnership in Decline
79th Texas Legislature and Indigent Defense
Several bills have been filed that would alter key provisions of the Fair Defense Act (FDA). House Bill 268 by Terry Keel Transfers the responsibility for adopting attorney standards for attorneys to be appointed to represent indigent defendants in habeas corpus proceedings in death penalty cases from the Court of Criminal Appeals to the Task Force on Indigent Defense. … [Read more...] about 79th Texas Legislature and Indigent Defense
Major Issues of Legislative Session
As the legislative session progresses, two major county issues are emerging. First, revenue caps and appraisal caps will be pushed at every opportunity by their supporters. Amendments will be proposed to every tax or appraisal bill to insert these state controls. Second, the Legislature will continue to propose unfunded mandates. Please continue your communication with … [Read more...] about Major Issues of Legislative Session