On Nov. 5, Texas voters will consider passage of nine proposed constitutional amendments. Each of these passed both houses of the Texas Legislature with at least two-thirdssupport. Some amendments simply remove obsolete language, but others are substantive changes. Those affecting county government include the following: Proposition 1 (HJR 62): Authorizes the … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report: Constitutional Amendment Election
Jim Allison
General Counsel’s Report – September 2013
House Bill 1513 by Rep. Tryon Lewis provides an increase in the maximum fees that may be assessed by district and county clerks for records archives and by county clerks for records management and preservation. Although the legislation is effective on Sept. 1, 2013, the increases cannot be implemented until Jan. 1, 2014, due to the provisions of Section 51.607, Government … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report – September 2013
General Counsel’s Report: Legislative Changes With Immediate Effect
Bills approved by the Texas Legislature and the governor are normally effective 90 days after the session unless otherwise specified in the bill. However, bills have immediate effect if they contain an Emergency Clause and received a two-thirds vote in each house. Some bills with immediate effect may need the attention of Commissioners Court in the near future. Some of these … [Read more...] about General Counsel’s Report: Legislative Changes With Immediate Effect
Regular Session Results
At the conclusion of the Regular Session of the 83rd Texas Legislature, 1,631 bills and resolutions were sent to Gov. Rick Perry for his approval or veto. Several hundred of these affect counties. The deadline for veto actions by the governor was June 16. Approved bills may have immediate effect if they received a two-thirds vote in each house. However, many bills will be … [Read more...] about Regular Session Results
From the General Counsel – Legislative Reflections
As the end of the legislative session approaches, most major issues remain unresolved, and the possibility of a special session remains. Major differences have emerged between the House and the Senate over the funding for water projects, transportation infrastructure, and education, particularly over the potential use of the Rainy Day Fund. If these issues are not resolved, … [Read more...] about From the General Counsel – Legislative Reflections