Author Archives: Brandon Morris
With Early Voting Underway, Pandemic Brings Heightened Scrutiny of Texas Election Code
The fundamental basis of any democracy is the right of the people to vote. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on nearly every aspect of our day-to-day lives, and this year’s elections are no exception. In the past six months, we’ve seen orders issued by Governor Abbott allowing Texas cities to move their… Read More »
Texas Cities Remain Limited by Governor’s Order Over Pandemic Restrictions
We continue to live in confusing and unprecedented times amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past six months, we’ve seen a number of emergency orders and disaster declarations at both the local and state level, which are aimed at keeping Texans safe and helping to slow the spread of the coronavirus. As discussed… Read More »
Texas Law Provides for Cities to Adopt Cite and Release Ordinances for Some Offenses
As of June 26, 7,821 offenders and 1,321 staff have tested positive for COVID-19 in Texas prisons, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The spread of the virus has led to calls for many prisoners to be released, and state prisons have halted intake from county jails for the past three months…. Read More »
For Texas Voting By Mail, Debate over Definition of Disabled Appears Headed to U.S. Supreme Court
In Texas, eligible voters can participate in an election by mail, frequently referred to as absentee ballots, if they are going to be out of their home county during early voting and on election day, if they’re in jail but eligible to vote, if they’re 65 years or older, or if they are disabled…. Read More »
State of Emergency: How Cities Play a Role in Responding to COVID-19 and Other Disasters
In recent weeks, the COVID-19 virus has been at the forefront of the news and the minds of most people. The federal government and many state governments have taken steps to set regulations in an effort to help contain or slow the spread of the deadly virus. The federal government has implemented travel restrictions… Read More »
Why Did the City Cross the Road? – To Annex the Other Side
Texas annexation laws underwent a major overhaul in 2019, a subject our firm addressed in a prior blog post. Often, the full ramifications of new legislation are not immediately apparent, until the new laws are put into practice. As with any new innovation, sometimes there are some bugs to work out. Over the past… Read More »
Public Input Ahead of City Council Decisions on Agenda Items Now Required under Texas Law
In Texas, it has long been established that the public has a right to attend public meetings, such as city council meetings, so that they can be aware of what’s going on in their local government. There is an entire chapter in the Texas Government Code known as the Texas Open Meetings Act which… Read More »
Sick-Leave Ordinances by Texas Cities Face Opposition by State, Private-Sector Employers
At some point in our lives, we’ve all been under the weather and had to take a day or two off of work. Many employers offer paid sick leave for their employees when the inevitable stomach bug or flu strikes. However, millions of Texas workers are not so fortunate. For those without paid sick… Read More »
Short-Term Rentals in Texas – Can Cities Regulate Airbnb?
Over the past few years, short-term rentals (STRs) such as Airbnb have spread like wildfire. Many people have benefited from this service whether finding a room for the night or making a few extra bucks by renting out extra space. Looking at the situation in its most narrow form, the homeowner makes a little… Read More »
A Growing Problem: Distinguishing Between Hemp and Marijuana under Texas Law
The laws surrounding hemp and marijuana have become increasingly convoluted in recent years. What’s legal in one state isn’t necessarily legal in another. Then last year, President Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law. The bill legalized hemp products federally and gave the primary authority to the individual States to develop State plans… Read More »