Our Blogs

Shabby Chic Yard or Public Nuisance? How Texas Cities Can Cover Costs of Weed Abatement

• Brandon Morris
• September 18, 2018

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, […]

Read More

Texas Tax Code Caps Homestead Exemptions at 20% of Property Value

• Drew Shirley
• September 15, 2018

Texas residents might enjoy a homestead tax break of up to 20% of the appraised value of their home, depending on what amount is provided […]

Read More

Texas Ethics Commission Regulates State Campaign Finance Rules, for Now

• Judith El Masri
• August 24, 2018

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 […]

Read More

A Cautionary Tale: Are Home Warranties Worth It?

• Byron L. Brown
• August 18, 2018

What follows is a case study on whether home warranties are “worth it.” I have been given permission to tell this story, but not to […]

Read More

Trademarking a City Slogan to Enhance Economic Development

• Randlelaw
• August 17, 2018

What’s in a name? Or, in a city slogan, for that matter? A city may adopt a slogan to boost civic morale, encourage economic development […]

Read More

Bulletproof Backpacks Are Now a School Supply Item, But Are Schools Safer?

• Brandon Morris
• August 7, 2018

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 […]

Read More

Texas Homeowners’ Association Rules vs. Municipal Ordinances

• Judith El Masri
• July 27, 2018

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 […]

Read More

Poison: Conflicts of Interest for Texas Local Public Officials

• Byron L. Brown
• July 20, 2018

There’s a saying in toxicology: “the dose makes the poison.” This saying is derived from the concept that any substance, including water and oxygen, can […]

Read More

Texas Law Supports Women’s Right to Breastfeed in Public

• Drew Shirley
• July 13, 2018

Recently, the United States surprised many by opposing a World Health Assembly resolution to promote breastfeeding as preferable to baby formula substitutes. A U.S. Department […]

Read More