Texas Government Law Blog
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So you think you want to buy a short-term rental in the Austin area
We’ve written about how the City of Austin is refusing to issue new permits to non-homestead rental properties. If you’re a short-term rental (STR) investor in Central Texas, or want to become one, you might be considering properties located near Austin (but outside...
Fall back, for the last time? The end of daylight saving time in Texas
In March 2022, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent year-round for most states, including Texas. But the bill lost momentum in the House and has not become law. The Texas Legislature has...
How can I find out if I live in a city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction?
Living in a city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) has its downsides. ETJ residents generally can’t vote in a city election, but the city still has authority in the ETJ, including authority to regulate things like subdivision platting, utility systems, outdoor...
Ridin’ Dirty: Does your car need one license plate or two in Texas?
If you’re rollin’ with only one Texas license plate, you could get hit with a $200 fine. Most vehicles in Texas, with the exception of road tractors, motorcycles, trailers and semitrailers, are required to have both a front license plate and a rear license plate—even...
Small business exception in Texas Antitrust Act should be expanded to prevent AG overreach
In an antitrust investigation, the Texas attorney general can issue a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to “any person” requiring the production of documents. Unlike federal antitrust laws, however, the Texas antitrust law has an exception that prevents the attorney...
I already hired a team of lobbyists—why do I need a regulatory lawyer, too?
Texas government significantly impacts Texas businesses. Although Texas is well known for being a business-friendly state, every legislative session carries the promise and threat that newly-enacted laws (or the repeal of existing laws) will make or break companies...
Seceding from your City: Disannexation Procedures
The Municipal Annexation Act, enacted by the Texas Legislature in 1963, sets out the procedures for annexation (and disannexation) of territory by cities. Landowners who wish to be disannexed from their city have limited options for doing so, and the divorce is...
“Micromobility” companies can’t scoot by much longer without more laws and regulation
Every day, people who live and work in urban Texas areas use app-based electric scooters to get from one meeting to the next, grab lunch, or meet with friends after work. Others are less concerned about riding them as much as they are avoiding getting hit by them,...
Gun “discrimination” can cost you government contracts in Texas
If you refuse to do business with the gun industry, Texas won’t do business with you. In 2021, Texas enacted a bill to prohibit governmental entities from contracting with companies that discriminate against the firearm and ammunition industry. The prohibition applies...
Off Topic, Out of Bounds: How to handle non-agenda items during a public meeting
Members of the public (and members of the governmental body itself) sometimes raise an issue during a public meeting that was not included on the posted agenda for the meeting. When a non-agenda item is raised, the safest response is no response. If members of the...
Municipal Noise Ordinances: One Man’s Noise is Another Man’s Nuisance
From car stereos and barking dogs, to rowdy bars and music venues, noise pollution is all around us. The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized that government “has a substantial interest in protecting citizens from unwelcome and excessive noise,” even in public areas like...
Can you hear me now? Technology requirements for public meetings by videoconference
A governmental body’s IT department plays an important role in a running a meeting where one or more members of the governmental body or staff are participating remotely by videoconference call. Governmental bodies should carefully plan ahead to ensure that a meeting...