Author Archives: Scott Francis
Good Boy! Modifying Employee Policies for Service Animals Under the ADA
In recent years, Texas cities have seen a rise in requests from employees to bring service animals to work. Texas municipalities face unique legal considerations in determining when and how to provide such an accommodation. Understanding the intersection of federal and state laws is crucial for cities to establish policies ensuring employee protection and… Read More »
Texas Legislature Provides Some Clarification on Municipal Authority over Short-Term Rentals
The rapid growth of short-term rental (STR) platforms has created regulatory challenges for Texas municipalities seeking to balance property rights with community interests. While recent judicial decisions have attempted to clarify the extent of municipal authority to regulate these operations, without a state statute which specifically preempts or authorizes a Texas municipality to regulate… Read More »
AI Confidential (PART 2): Navigating Potential Issues When Using Artificial Intelligence Tools in Closed Meetings
In Part 1 of this article, we explored the possibilities, advantages, and legal challenges Texas cities face when using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to aid municipal record-keeping processes and workflows for public meetings. We determined that such AI tools likely comply with legal standards and requirements, so long as cities establish reasonable policies and… Read More »
AI Confidential: Navigating Potential Issues When Using Artificial Intelligence Tools in Open Meetings
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have permeated business operations throughout both the private and public sector. Texas municipalities are no exception. According to a 2022 report from the Texas Department of Information Resources, more than one third of Texas State agencies are utilizing some form of artificial intelligence. Such agencies are using AI for translating… Read More »
Procuring Professional Services for Multi-Component Municipal Projects
When taking on large-scale public improvement projects, Texas cities face a litany of complicated legal and practical challenges long before the first stake is ever placed in the ground. Such challenges involve essential questions of who will perform the necessary work, how will the city go about procuring the services, how much will it… Read More »
No English, No Job?
These days it is not uncommon to see job postings containing statements such as, “Dual-language role,” “Spanish-speaker preferred,” or “Ability to read and speak Mandarin required.” Because the laws and provisions in the State of Texas originated in the English language, it would almost seem to be a given that speaking, reading, and understanding… Read More »
Staying On Par
If it seems like you’ve been seeing more and more golf carts cruising around neighborhood streets, city parks, and other unexpected places (i.e., anywhere other than a golf course), no, you’re not going crazy. Golf carts are on the rise in Texas. In a state that tops lists for home sales in master planned… Read More »
Public Building or Public Funds?
In a recent blog post, we discussed how Texas cities may inadvertently violate the Elections Code by authorizing the use of employee time for political advertising. However, does this statute also affect the ability of a municipality to allow political events at city-owned facilities? We are often asked the question of whether it is… Read More »
One Man’s Trash, Another Man’s Treasure: Abandoned Vehicles
Whether you’re in a major metropolitan area, or a small rural community, one thing all Texas cities have in common is the existence of unwelcome abandoned vehicles. Abandoned cars, trucks, and RVs are not only an eyesore to most members of the community but can be a particular nuisance when occupying valuable parking spaces… Read More »
New Laws Texas Cities Must Keep in Mind When Making New Year’s Resolutions
The 88th Texas Legislature Session ushered in hundreds of new laws that directly affect the way Texas municipalities conduct business. Through the latter half of 2023, cities across the state have already been making necessary adjustments to the manner in which they regulate agricultural and farming operations (H.B. 1750, H.J.R. 126), interact with their… Read More »