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Local Government
Opponents plan lawsuit over Hill Country pipeline's impact on endangered birds
A new front has opened in the legal battle against a proposed, 430-mile natural gas pipeline through the Texas Hill Country, focusing on how the project will impact the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Hays County, the Travis Audubon Society and private…
Courts • By Mose Buchele, KUT • Jul 18, 2019
Despite property tax limits, Travis County remains committed to public defender's office
The Travis County Commissioners Court took another step Tuesday toward creating the county’s first public defender’s office. The court voted 4-1 to provide additional information to a state agency that is considering providing a multimillion-dollar grant to the county to…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Jul 17, 2019
Report finds Texas bipartisanship wins
Despite the “blue wave” election in 2018, Republicans maintained control of both houses of the Texas Legislature during the 2019 legislative session that just concluded. As expected, the majority of bills were authored and approved by Republicans. During the session,…
Texas State Legislature • By Jo Clifton • Jul 12, 2019
State Bar accepts complaint against former assistant city attorney
The State Bar of Texas has determined it will be pursuing a formal investigation of former Assistant City Attorney Brent Lloyd. Lloyd was the subject of a complaint filed last month by Board of Adjustment Chair William Burkhardt and former…
Courts • By Jessi Devenyns • Jul 3, 2019
County looks at increasing minimum wage
Generally, the city of Austin and Travis County view each other as partners, not competitors. However, when it comes to attracting and retaining talented employees, the two can’t help but compete. That’s why the Travis County Human Resources Department periodically…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • Jun 6, 2019
Texas lawmakers tried to take the reins from cities this session. The results were mixed.
For the last handful of legislative sessions, the Texas Legislature has had it in for Austin and other cities. GOP lawmakers who regularly thumb their noses at “big government”-minded efforts in D.C. have filed bills targeting city laws regulating everything…
Texas State Legislature • By Andrew Weber, KUT • May 31, 2019
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'Death of mobile voting' bill to complicate elections
Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir calls House Bill 1888, which won legislative approval with little fanfare, “the death of mobile voting.” The legislation requires that each early voting location be open for voters on each and every day that voting…
Texas State Legislature • By Jo Clifton • May 29, 2019
Travis County contemplates small wins, big losses at Legislature
Every week while the state Legislature is in session, Travis County’s chief lobbyist, Deece Eckstein, briefs members of the Commissioners Court on the bills that might affect the county. In recent months, the weekly briefing has usually been bleak, but…
Texas State Legislature • By Jack Craver • May 29, 2019
Landowners, pipeline company meet in court today
Attorneys for Hill Country landowners along with the city of Kyle and Hays County have prepared for a fight this morning with lawyers for Kinder Morgan Texas Pipeline and the Texas Railroad Commission over the route of the proposed natural…
Courts • By Jo Clifton • May 28, 2019
Travis County to establish first 'strategic plan'
The Travis County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to begin formulating a long-range strategic plan to guide county policies and budgeting practices for years to come. The executives in charge of the county’s eight major departments have put in place strategic…
Travis County • By Jack Craver • May 23, 2019
State lawmakers approve legislation shielding most Texans from surprise medical bills
Surprise medical bills may be a thing of the past for many Texans. In a unanimous vote, the Texas House approved a Senate bill banning health care providers from sending steep medical bills to insured Texans in emergencies. Senate Bill…
Texas State Legislature • By Ashley Lopez, KUT • May 22, 2019
Many parents at risk of losing their children look to Travis County's Office of Parental Representation
Low-income criminal defendants aren’t the only people Travis County is required to provide with legal representation. Parents at risk of losing custody of their children are also afforded assistance at no cost from the county Office of Parental Representation. OPR,…
