Author Archives: Judith El Masri
Texas, Environmental Sanctuaries and Certified Local Government Grants
The topic of sanctuary cities or the use of that terminology has been discussed quite a bit in recent years. Sanctuaries, protected areas, nature reserves, are not limited to animals, plants and land. Historically, environmental protections are not topics at the top of the list of priority action items for Texas cities; but perhaps… Read More »
Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation in Texas
I don’t mind admitting that the legal terms eminent domain and inverse condemnation cause me to pause to do the mental gymnastics required to understand them. The same pause that’s necessary when you need to figure out the tip at an expensive restaurant when the bill comes – you pause at seeing the cost,… Read More »
Texas Legislature to Begin 86th Legislative Session with 900 Bills Already on Deck
This blog is my last for 2018; 2019 is merely days away, and federal government is shut down. Not so for Texas, where the Legislature is gearing up for a busy session. In one of my previous blogs prior to election day, I wrote about Texas property taxes, the re-election of Governor Greg Abbott,… Read More »
Preparing for City Budget Planning in Texas
Texas cities have already passed their operating budgets, but it is never too early to start taking the necessary steps for adopting the next annual budget. The tax-rate setting process takes place at the same time municipalities are performing all steps towards budget approval, passage and adoption. The fiscal year for Texas cities generally… Read More »
Robots are Rolling into Cities in Texas for a Variety of Purposes, including Security
The Robots are coming to a city near you. We all knew the day was coming in light of living in the age of computers, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Robots have been used by law enforcement for a few decades to aid with explosive devices. For some time, the U.S. military… Read More »
Texas Property Tax Debate Illustrates How State Government Pressures Municipalities
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is running for re-election in a few weeks and a lot of the information and news coming out of the governor’s office is geared to ensure a successful campaign. The governor released his legislative blueprint on his campaign page which he has labeled the “Texas Bicentennial Blueprint,” and similar content… Read More »
Texas Ethics Commission Regulates State Campaign Finance Rules, for Now
Lately, we have been hearing a lot about campaign finance. Any individual that chooses to run for an elected public office in Texas has election and finance laws to follow. We are about 10 weeks away from election day on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, and we know who our Texan candidates are. Texans will… Read More »
Texas Homeowners’ Association Rules vs. Municipal Ordinances
Houston, Texas, is a sprawling municipality, encompassing 655 square miles, the largest land area by far of the 10 most populated American cities. [1] When you travel our city, you quickly realize there are no true commercial, residential or high-rise areas of town, as there are no strict “zoning” laws that regulate development. There… Read More »
Dark Sky Ordinances Keeping the Stars Bright in Texas
The classic musical tribute to the Lone Star state, “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” boasts of how “the stars at night are big and bright,” an attribute many municipalities would like to maintain in the sky above. In an era of state preemption of city laws in Texas, my recent blog concerning city… Read More »
Plastic Bags and Local Control: Laredo Ordinance Case Pitches State vs. Cities
A gradual and steady decline of local control by municipalities in Texas began in the last five years and this erosion continues. Our firm has written several blogs on this topic. I continually discover new areas of preemption by State law, such as fracking, oil and gas development, driving and texting, all of which… Read More »