Category Archives: Local Governmental Entities
Constitutionality of Emergency Orders – Just How Long Can It Go On?
These are unprecedented times in America, and federal, state, and local governments have taken unprecedented measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But as the emergency orders have expanded in scope and duration, citizens have begun to protest in greater numbers that these restrictions are “unconstitutional.” Are they? The answer is a complicated one…. Read More »
A Handy List of Texas Open Meetings Act Suspensions, Illustrated
On March 16, 2020, the Governor of the State of Texas temporarily suspend a limited number of open meeting laws in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disaster declared by the Governor on March 13, 2020. The suspensions are in effect until terminated by the Office of the Governor, or until the March 13, 2020… Read More »
COVID-19 Emergency Orders (UPDATED)
(Updated with Liberty County order) The pandemic of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has spurred the adoption of stay-at-home or stay-safe orders by local jurisdictions in the Houston region. We are linking to these documents here: Liberty County as well has issued an executive order with Stay Safe Emergency Measures, effective… Read More »
Update: COVID-19 Response and Governmental Actions in Texas
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has resulted in profound disruptions across America and the state of Texas. While the political and legal landscape is constantly and rapidly changing, as of Friday, March 20, 2020, these are the governmental actions that have most affected Texas cities and their governing bodies. On March 13, 2020, Texas Governor Greg… Read More »
Texas Open Meetings Act – Videoconferencing/Teleconferencing
Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, the state of Texas has relaxed requirements for local governments under the Texas Open Meetings Act. The Texas Municipal League has created a guide for local governments when opting to use videoconferencing or teleconferencing to hold public meetings. “Even as the State of Texas takes… Read More »
State of Emergency: How Cities Play a Role in Responding to COVID-19 and Other Disasters
In recent weeks, the COVID-19 virus has been at the forefront of the news and the minds of most people. The federal government and many state governments have taken steps to set regulations in an effort to help contain or slow the spread of the deadly virus. The federal government has implemented travel restrictions… Read More »
What Are They Requesting? The Difference Between Public Information and a Judicial Record
If you work in local government anywhere in the State of Texas, you are all too familiar with the open records request. Most of the time it is simple to determine what legal authority to turn to in responding, but every now and then a request comes in that leaves us scratching our heads… Read More »
Can You Hear Me Now? How to Define a Public Hearing in Texas
In the United States, where the government derives its power from the consent of the governed, the opportunity for public input is cherished and revered not only on election day but also throughout the legislative process. In Texas, for example, the Legislature has recently enacted a statute requiring governmental bodies — other than those… Read More »
Why Did the City Cross the Road? – To Annex the Other Side
Texas annexation laws underwent a major overhaul in 2019, a subject our firm addressed in a prior blog post. Often, the full ramifications of new legislation are not immediately apparent, until the new laws are put into practice. As with any new innovation, sometimes there are some bugs to work out. Over the past… Read More »
You’re Up in My Business – Suing the AG Over an Open Records Ruling
Elected officials often chafe at the intrusiveness of the Texas Public Information Act when requests come in asking, for example, to obtain text messages sent during a city council meeting on a personal cell phone. The answer: “Dad can you bring some “queso” home after the meeting.” Public employees and managers chafe equally because… Read More »