Author Archives: Brandon Morris
Dog Ordinances: Texas Cities Putting a Paw Down Against Vicious Pets
Many, if not all, Texas cities have at least some regulations when it comes to dogs and other pets. The extent of pet-related ordinances varies from city to city. As discussed in previous Randle Law Office blogs, some cities have ordinances in place to control dogs who won’t stop barking. Others have ordinances in… Read More »
Secret Deliberations? Texas Open Meetings Act Deemed Too Vague to Enforce
Earlier this week, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals dealt a major blow to the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) by ruling a portion of the Act, which had been around for more than two decades, was unconstitutionally vague. TOMA was essentially enacted to ensure public access to governmental meetings. A provision of TOMA… Read More »
It’s Not Just a Game: the Super Bowl is a Play for Economic Development
The New England Patriots are Super Bowl champs yet again after defeating the Los Angeles Rams. What some casual fans might not realize is that prior to the Super Bowl, New Orleans Saints fans threw one last Hail Mary pass aimed at replaying a portion of the NFC title game against the LA Rams…. Read More »
On Texas Side of the Border, State Suing City over Handling of Suspected Human Smuggling Case
It’s no secret that immigration issues have been at the forefront of American politics over the past few years. In fact, just last night President Trump gave a nationally televised speech asserting a need for a border wall. Immigration has become a hot button issue not only at the national level, but in many… Read More »
City Ordinances Facing Societal, Technological Changes: Robot Brothels and SOBs
The City of Houston was recently in the news for a rather unusual reason. A robot brothel was set to open its doors in the heart of the city. A Canadian company which already operates an “adult love dolls rent before you buy service” in Toronto attempted to open a Houston location. Even a… Read More »
Shabby Chic Yard or Public Nuisance? How Texas Cities Can Cover Costs of Weed Abatement
Most Texans take pride in keeping their home looking good, maintaining a well-kept lawn, and preventing junk from piling up in their yard. Of course, there are always those who don’t seem to mind having waist-high weeds or an old junked vehicle sitting on their front lawn. For the neighborhood and the community as… Read More »
Bulletproof Backpacks Are Now a School Supply Item, But Are Schools Safer?
It’s August and for millions of young Americans, the first day of the new school year is just around the corner. Time for parents to stock up on all those school supplies. Time for new clothes, pens, pencils, notebooks, highlighters, and bulletproof backpacks. Wait, what? Yes, bulletproof backpacks have become a very real thing…. Read More »
Blueprint for Good Governance: Review Your City Charter
A City Charter establishes a town and sets up the municipality’s form of government. In a sense, a City Charter can be thought of as a town’s constitution. So what happens when the city charter is unclear, or even worse, the Mayor or Council fail to uphold the rules of the Charter? The City… Read More »
Free Speech, Public Forums and Government Social Media Accounts
The internet has made communication much easier and infinitely further reaching. With a few strokes of the keyboard, anyone with internet access can express their thoughts or opinions to thousands or even millions of individuals. Many government officials have opted to use popular social media platforms for this very purpose. Probably the most well-known… Read More »
Make It Count, Texas: Participate in the U.S. Census
With the 2020 Census looming, the Census Bureau is currently working to make the process more efficient, but it’s important that Texans do their part. Here’s how the census works; the Census Bureau mails out forms to each household which are to be filled out and returned. Citizens can also opt to respond to… Read More »