During the past legislative session, certain special interest groups launched an effort to silence local government officials. Determined to dominate the discussion concerning equitable taxation and appraisals, these groups proposed legislation to 1) prevent local governments from retaining professional lobbyists to present information on their behalf; 2) prohibit local … [Read more...] about Expanding the Dialogue on Legislative Communications
Jim Allison
County Budget Preparation Under Senate Bill 2
Early Coordination, Continual Communication Keys to Navigating New Process
“You’re going to have to start earlier and inform other departments. This is not a Commissioners Court problem. This is a county problem.” CJCAT General Counsel Jim Allison The new requirements resulting from Senate Bill 2 passed by the 86th Texas Legislature have compressed budget-related deadlines and will require careful coordination and systematic … [Read more...] about County Budget Preparation Under Senate Bill 2
COVID-19 Pandemic – Part 2
Commissioners Courts Navigate Uncharted Territory
County Judges, statutorily tasked with emergency preparedness and response, are on the frontlines as they seek to protect their communities from the Coronavirus. “We hope to defeat this virus and to one day look back at it as a battle fought and won by Texans who gave of themselves for their state, their counties, and their citizens,” Jasper County Judge Mark Allen shared … [Read more...] about COVID-19 Pandemic – Part 2
Mental Health Jail Backlog Increase
When accused persons are unable to assist in their defense because of mental incompetency, the trial court orders them committed to a state mental institution for treatment and restoration of their competency. These defendants have not been convicted of a crime, but they cannot be tried or released until they are mentally competent. For several years, the legislature has failed … [Read more...] about Mental Health Jail Backlog Increase
Overtime Eligibility Rule Change
After several years of proposals, withdrawals, and litigation, the U.S. Department of Labor has implemented a final rule that raises the minimum salary threshold for employees from $23,660 per year to $35,568 per year to qualify as exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act, effective Jan. 1, 2020. The new limit does not change the duties test or the method of … [Read more...] about Overtime Eligibility Rule Change