Category Archives: Local Governmental Entities
ALERT: New Open Meetings Act Notice Deadline
Once upon a time, municipalities and other entities subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act (the “Act”) were required to post notice of their meetings seventy-two (72) hours prior to the date and time of the actual meeting. This meant that an entity with regularly scheduled Monday night meetings would be perfectly in compliance… 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 »
Sparklers and Statutes: Your Legal Guide to Holiday Fireworks
Today, June 2nd, marks the final day of the Texas Legislature’s session, meaning Texas is safe for another two years. This day also marks 72 years since Queen Elizabeth II was crowned Queen. In 32 days, we can shoot off fireworks celebrating the 4th of July and our independence from British rule, and in… Read More »
Beyond Borders: The Law Behind Mutual Aid Agreements
Many Texans pride themselves on being good neighbors and lending others a helping hand. In the Lone Star State, this trait exists not only in citizens, but among cities as well. There are countless examples of cities and other local governmental entities working together with neighboring cities or other local governments by cooperating and… Read More »
Oh, Zone: Proposed Senate Bill Shrouds Cities’ Zoning Laws and Procedures in a Haze of Uncertainty
Senate Bill 2215, sponsored by Senator Campell out of the 25th District, and currently in the House Committee of Land and Resource Management, would, if passed, add a new subchapter to Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code (“211”), which relates to municipal zoning authority. The new “Subsection D. Enforcement” would allow any… Read More »
Elections 101: How to Resolve a Tie Vote
Many municipalities have completed their May elections, and some are in the middle of runoffs. Although it is uncommon, tie votes can happen, and they are more likely to occur in smaller jurisdictions with fewer votes cast in a particular election. So, what happens in the unlikely event of a tie vote? The Texas… 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 »
Show Up
This blog serves as a friendly reminder that you are the government. The Texas City Attorneys Association and the Texas Municipal League, both Texas organizations crucial to the success of functioning Texas cities, provide training materials for city employees, officials and city attorneys and include this adage. Curious? You can find these materials here… Read More »
TikTok, TikTok, . . . Time is Running Out
Do you remember back in 2023 when the Texas Legislature banned the use of certain social media applications on government devices? Senate Bill 1893 added Chapter 620 to the Texas Government Code to require certain governmental entities to adopt policies that prohibit the installation of certain social media applications on government-owned and -leased devices… Read More »