Category Archives: Local Governmental Entities
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 »
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 »
Fly Your Flag
With Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day all in close proximity on the calendar, summer is one of the most patriotic times of the year. That means there are plenty of opportunities to proudly display the flags of our nation and our state. Let’s take a look at what regulations there are around… Read More »
Chopped and Screwed: Mass Gatherings and Concerts in Texas
It’s summertime and events are popping up left and right! On June 19th the nation celebrated a holiday that started right here in Texas, Juneteenth. On June 27th Houstonians honored a homegrown music legend with DJ Screw Day. On July 4th we will celebrate America with Independence Day, and on July 13th Houstonians will… 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 »
Don’t Tow the Line
Experts estimate that cars are parked 95% of the time. But if you park in the wrong place, you could come back to find your vehicle missing. It has been taken across town by the local towing company and now your day is ruined. Or even worse, you go to leave for work in… Read More »
Transfer of Power
The transfer of power after municipal elections follows a structured process outlined in Texas laws and regulations. This process is designed to assist the peaceful and orderly transition. Election Night: The elections administrator is responsible for the counting of votes. Unofficial tallies are usually posted before midnight on election day. Canvass: The city… Read More »