Category Archives: Local Governmental Entities
Legalization of Bingo in Texas
Bingo is a straightforward game that virtually everyone has played at some point in their lives. In Texas however, the road to allow this simple game is somewhat complicated. Legalized bingo actually began with an amendment to the Texas Constitution in 1980. The Constitutional amendment allowed the legislature to authorize and regulate bingo games… Read More »
Holiday Gifts vs. Holiday Bonuses
The question is often-asked this time of year: May a city give holiday gifts to its employees, such as a turkey, ham or gift basket? The analysis is important because our Texas Constitution prohibits the grant of public money or things of value to any individual unless it is for a public purpose. Article… Read More »
The End of the “Dead Suspect Loophole” and Other TPIA Changes
During the last legislative session, changes were made to Chapter 552 of the Texas Local Government Code which altered important government transparency provisions related to the release of information under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). Public Information Officers (PIOs) need to be aware of these changes which impact: 1) the release of information… Read More »
When is an Advisory Committee Subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act?
Under the Texas Open Meetings Act – except in certain scenarios dictated by the Act – Texas cities are required to hold every regular, special, or called meeting of the governmental body open to the public. The Act defines a governmental body to include any deliberative body that has rulemaking or quasi-judicial power and… Read More »
Stafford’s Case Study in No Property Taxes
Texas cities rely on taxpayer dollars to generate revenue to fund local governmental services and infrastructure. The vast majority of cities across our state generate the bulk of their revenue from property taxes. For nearly 30 years, however, the City of Stafford, Texas has operated without collecting any property taxes. Due to their unique… Read More »
Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
The federal law to regulate telephone solicitations is known as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA); implemented by President Bush over 30 years ago. Any person, business, or entity that conducts telephone solicitations should comply with the TCPA; this includes voice calls, faxes, VoIP calls, and text messages. The TCPA also introduced the requirement… Read More »
Order in the Council Chambers
At the beginning of a City Council meeting, the Mayor says: “I call this meeting of the city council to order.” But what does order in a city council meeting look like and how can it be established and maintained? Texas state law does not establish rules of order for city council meetings; however,… Read More »
Go Speed Racer, Go! (Or Maybe Don’t)
Those of a certain vintage might remember the late 1960’s animated Speed Racer series and others might be more familiar with the re-airing of the series in the 1990’s or even the 2008 movie remake, but either way, you probably now have the earworm opening song stuck in your head. Speed Racer sought to… Read More »
In Political Advertising, Time (and Slogans) Equal Money
Under the Texas Elections Code, an officer or employee of a political subdivision may not knowingly spend or authorize the spending of public funds for political advertising. Tex. Elec. Code § 255.003. Political advertising is defined as “a communication supporting or opposing a candidate for nomination or election to a public office or office… Read More »
Farmer Joe
Since we don’t have enough wars raging presently, Texas has declared war to protect farming. Did you know that was a problem? Proposition 1 (that’s how important this is, first place on the ballot) will seek to amend the Texas Constitution for the 518th time since 1876. It seeks to restrict regulations and ensure,… Read More »