The performance of public officials comes under routine scrutiny in Texas. When assessing the work of an official, ethics laws become the central measuring stick. Everyone who receives a public-service role has a responsibility to the public they serve. Ethics is...
Government Ethics And Compliance
El Paso wrestles with serious matter: Frivolous ethics complaints
Texas city and county governments take ethics complaints against employees seriously. El Paso is no exception. However, in an increasingly litigious world, El Paso is also like other Texas municipalities in that it sometimes must contend with frivolous ethics...
Explainer (part two): the Texas Public Information Act
Regular readers of our municipal law blog will undoubtedly recall that we recently wrote about the Texas Public Information Act. Please check out that July 28 introductory post. At the end of it, we promised to pick up the topic where we left off: exceptions to the...
Violating notice requirements can have consequences
Texas takes transparency seriously. The state’s Open Meetings Act, the roots of which date back more than a half-century, is meant to provide members of the public a window into the actions of their government. Among the key aspects of this act are notice...
Another reason not to sleep on the job
There are numerous rules and regulations with which government workers must comply. Some of these rules are obvious and widely understood. Others are more obscure, even for employers and employees who seem to eat, sleep and breathe government work. But no matter...
Challenges of managing ethics compliance
In a perfect world, every government worker would know and follow the rules of conduct. There would be no financing violations or conflicts of interest, and there would be little need for elaborate compliance systems.However, the fact is that violations do occur. The...
Can an internet broadcast count as an “open meeting”?
In today’s world, going to work can include sitting in a café on the other side of town, or joining a meeting while on the other side of the world. What was once a luxury has become common in more industries and offices.While you may be able to do some of...
What is excluded from the Texas Public Information Act?
The Texas Public Information Act (PIA) allows the public to request large quantities of information about what is going on in the government. Although citizens may see it as a reassurance, it may seem more complicated for your government office.While you may not...
What is the Texas Public Information Act?
Texans are an essential part of the Texas government. The wants and needs of the citizens should be part of every action their elected officials take.Part of the process for Texans being involved in their government includes having information about what is happening...
Making a government meeting open
There is a lot that goes into the everyday business of running a Texas governing body. Whether you are supporting your city or other municipality, it can seem like there is an endless list of obligations and rules for completing those tasks.When it comes time to...
