Author Archives: Brandon Morris
Short-Term Rentals in Texas – Can Cities Regulate Airbnb?
Over the past few years, short-term rentals (STRs) such as Airbnb have spread like wildfire. Many people have benefited from this service whether finding a room for the night or making a few extra bucks by renting out extra space. Looking at the situation in its most narrow form, the homeowner makes a little… Read More »
A Growing Problem: Distinguishing Between Hemp and Marijuana under Texas Law
The laws surrounding hemp and marijuana have become increasingly convoluted in recent years. What’s legal in one state isn’t necessarily legal in another. Then last year, President Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law. The bill legalized hemp products federally and gave the primary authority to the individual States to develop State plans… Read More »
Cities in Texas May No Longer Restrict Building Materials Approved in International Codes
Most Texas cities have a sort of visual harmony when it comes to either the community as a whole, or specific neighborhoods within the city. This is because most Texas cities have ordinances regulating the construction of residential and commercial buildings. These ordinances are typically aimed at providing safety for citizens by requiring high-quality… Read More »
No More Tiers: Annexation Becomes More Challenging for All Texas Cities
Annexations have been a hot-button issue in Texas in recent years. Texas annexation laws, which underwent major changes a couple of years ago, were again addressed by the Texas legislature in the most recent legislative session. In 2017, Senate Bill 6, also known as The Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act, was aimed at… Read More »
Dog Ordinances: Texas Cities Putting a Paw Down Against Vicious Pets
Many, if not all, Texas cities have at least some regulations when it comes to dogs and other pets. The extent of pet-related ordinances varies from city to city. As discussed in previous Randle Law Office blogs, some cities have ordinances in place to control dogs who won’t stop barking. Others have ordinances in… Read More »
Secret Deliberations? Texas Open Meetings Act Deemed Too Vague to Enforce
Earlier this week, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals dealt a major blow to the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) by ruling a portion of the Act, which had been around for more than two decades, was unconstitutionally vague. TOMA was essentially enacted to ensure public access to governmental meetings. A provision of TOMA… Read More »
It’s Not Just a Game: the Super Bowl is a Play for Economic Development
The New England Patriots are Super Bowl champs yet again after defeating the Los Angeles Rams. What some casual fans might not realize is that prior to the Super Bowl, New Orleans Saints fans threw one last Hail Mary pass aimed at replaying a portion of the NFC title game against the LA Rams…. Read More »
On Texas Side of the Border, State Suing City over Handling of Suspected Human Smuggling Case
It’s no secret that immigration issues have been at the forefront of American politics over the past few years. In fact, just last night President Trump gave a nationally televised speech asserting a need for a border wall. Immigration has become a hot button issue not only at the national level, but in many… Read More »
City Ordinances Facing Societal, Technological Changes: Robot Brothels and SOBs
The City of Houston was recently in the news for a rather unusual reason. A robot brothel was set to open its doors in the heart of the city. A Canadian company which already operates an “adult love dolls rent before you buy service” in Toronto attempted to open a Houston location. Even a… Read More »
Shabby Chic Yard or Public Nuisance? How Texas Cities Can Cover Costs of Weed Abatement
Most Texans take pride in keeping their home looking good, maintaining a well-kept lawn, and preventing junk from piling up in their yard. Of course, there are always those who don’t seem to mind having waist-high weeds or an old junked vehicle sitting on their front lawn. For the neighborhood and the community as… Read More »