Category Archives: Local Governmental Entities
Municipal Regulation of Group Homes in Texas
What is the current state of the law on municipal regulation of group homes in Texas? More specifically, which ordinances regulating group homes in a residential area have been upheld as enforceable? And, perhaps as important a question: which ones have not been upheld or called into question? The short answer is: If the… Read More »
Southeast Texas Astros? What Happens When Texas Hampers Local Control?
Who wants to write a legal blog while basking in the glow of the Houston Astros winning the World Series in Game 7 or when the biggest-ever parade in the City of Houston’s history is happening? Go ‘Stros! This win has made Houston Strong, stronger. But as I watched most of the government leaders… Read More »
Is Texas Empowering Texas Cities?
If you have been reading our firm blogs recently or just watching the local news here in our part of Texas, you know our state elected officials met this summer in the 85th Legislative session to write more laws; and write they did. At last unofficial count by me, there are 213 new laws… Read More »
Freedom of Speech and City Regulation: Signs of the Times
With all the discussion surrounding the “take a knee” protests at the NFL recently, there have been a lot of references to the First Amendment right to freedom of speech. However, the First Amendment is not implicated by these protests; and, in my experience, people are quick to proclaim First Amendment protection in many… Read More »
Trail of Tiers: the New Texas Annexation Rules
From 1836 to 1850, the U. S. Government’s policy was to force the various American Indian Civilized Tribes to relocate, on foot, to lands west of the Mississippi River. Most ended up in Indian Territory now known as Oklahoma. The journey was so arduous that over 10,000 Indians died on the way. The trek… Read More »
Hurricane Harvey: Unprecedented in Scope, Overcome by Enduring Human Spirit
Randle Law Office is proud to serve multiple cities in southeast Texas within a region loosely referred to as “Houston,” and these communities are rising to an occasion of enormous scope. Despite this staggering strain, local officials and residents are finding new strength. In this week’s blog, we depart from our typical legal discussions… Read More »
Incentives for Real Estate Development: 3 Key Steps for Texas Tax Abatement
Tax abatement agreements are popular with cities and developers in Texas, and with good reason. Utilizing Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code, which allows taxing entities (other than school districts) to limit the property taxes they collect, tax abatements are an excellent way for cities to attract real estate developments that will improve… Read More »
So You Want To Help The Old Lady?
Issues in municipal government seem to come in waves. Recently the wave issues have been, at the crest, wanting to help citizens using public tax dollars and, in the trough, accepting gifts on the city’s behalf from grateful citizens. What is a public official to do to not violate the law or ethics? The… Read More »
No Solicitors? How Texas Allows Cities to Regulate Door-to-Door Visitors
When it comes to doorbell ringers, a parade of possibilities emerges: fundraisers, salesmen and religious organizations. Businesses seeking to sell home services, such as security or repairs, are typically among the peddlers. Can a city in Texas outright ban door-to-door solicitors? The Texas Local Government Code generally gives municipalities the power to act in a way that… Read More »
Property Tax Payer Empowerment Act of 2017: The World is Watching Austin
If you own real property (real estate) in Texas, you pay taxes to the tax assessor known here as “ad valorem taxes.” Property taxes are always a hot topic and source of complaint or debate, depending on how you interpret the shouting that surrounds the issue. The Texas House recently passed legislation in an… Read More »