Our Blogs

When the Barking Won’t Stop: Man’s Best Friend or Public Nuisance?

• Brandon Morris
• February 2, 2018

I’m of the belief that dog is man’s best friend. But when the pup in question isn’t yours, sometimes they can do some pretty annoying […]

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Home Equity Loan Restrictions Lifted in Texas with Low Voter Turnout

• Judith El Masri
• January 26, 2018

Texas voters amended the state Constitution in the last election (November 2017), to make home equity loans more accessible in the Lone Star state. In […]

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Icy Roads, Respondeat Superior and Scope of Employment

• Byron L. Brown
• January 19, 2018

This week, much of Texas experienced icy conditions on the roadways, resulting in many school and business closures. Some such “inclement weather” closures may be […]

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Resign to Run? If a City Official in Texas Runs for Another Office, Is Resignation Required?

• Drew Shirley
• January 15, 2018

It seems a day does not pass without speculation or news about elected officials announcing retirement and/or facing challenges for office, on the national level […]

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Net Neutrality and Economic Development: Why Cities are Getting into the Wi-Fi Business

• J. Grady Randle
• January 8, 2018

One of the Christmas presents I received is a Ring doorbell. It is a nifty little device that comprises a doorbell, camera and speaker. In […]

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Texas Legislature Enacts Sexual Harassment Policies: Time for Change

• Judith El Masri
• December 22, 2017

This year, prior to the very recent barrage of local and national media coverage regarding reports of sexual assault and harassment, Texas lawmakers created policies […]

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The Law of Gifts: No Strings Attached (For the Most Part)

• Byron L. Brown
• December 15, 2017

‘Tis the season of giving, and hopefully by now all the things you intend to give have been got. I know of some folks who […]

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Setting Up a Municipal Zoning Review Board in Texas

• Drew Shirley
• December 8, 2017

In the state of Texas, municipal zoning authority is governed by Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code. Section 211.003 specifically authorizes cities to […]

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Why Are States Fighting with Their Cities?

• J. Grady Randle
• December 4, 2017

This past week, I just finished fighting off a surprise attack in the form of a lawsuit that included an emergency hearing on an application […]

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