May 02, 2014, Number 14

.pdf Version: TML Legislative Update Number 14 

 

Handgun Opinion Broadly Interprets Law

The attorney general recently released Opinion No. GA-1051, relating to the carrying of a concealed handgun on school premises.

 

The Texas Penal Code expressly prohibits anyone (including a concealed handgun license [CHL] holder) from carrying a handgun on the premises of a high school interscholastic or... 

 

Committee Lauds Local Economic Development Incentives
The House Economic and Small Business Development Committee met last week to discuss state and local economic development tools.  Specifically, the committee heard testimony from the governor's Office on Economic Development on how the office could more efficiently coordinate with local and regional economic development entities to help further the economic...

FDA to Regulate E-Cigarettes
The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun the process of subjecting e-cigarettes to federal regulation.  The proposed rules, which may not be adopted for many months, treat e-cigarettes similarly to other tobacco products.  For instance, they would ban the sale of the devices to minors, require manufacturers to register with and provide ingredients to the...

New TML Webinar: Best Practices for Working with the Media

Whether you're an elected or appointed city official, it always helps to have the media on your side. The media can help you tell your story, deliver messages to the people you want to reach, and raise awareness and support for key initiatives.

 

In this one-hour webinar, Reyne Telles, Communications Director for Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, and Alicia Dean, Senior Public Relations Specialist for the City of Austin, will share practical tips for effective media relationships. They'll discuss:

  • Your role with the media
  • What makes a story newsworthy
  • How to get ready for an interview
  • How to prepare others to communicate on your behalf

Thursday, July 10, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $65 per computer connection
Learn more and register.

 

Required Public Funds Investment Act Training, June 26-27

The Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA) requires treasurers, chief financial officers, and investment officers of local governments to participate in 10 hours of training on PFIA topics within the first 12 months of taking office, and every two years thereafter.

 

Focused on the needs of cities with populations of 15,000 and less, this workshop satisfies the state's training requirements.

 

The recent April PFIA training sold out. Register early for June to ensure your space.

 

TML loses contact with many veteran elected and appointed officials when they conclude their time in public service to Texas cities. With these departures, the knowledge and experience these former city officials gained over the years are lost to the League. The Texas Association of Former Municipal Officials (TAFMO) provides an opportunity for former municipal officials and TML to stay in touch. Benefits include a subscription to Texas Town & City magazine, special registration rates to the TML Annual Conference and Exhibition, and the opportunity to network with former colleagues.

 

Visit the TAFMO page on the TML website for additional information and to join.

Handbook for Mayors and Councilmembers

The Handbook for Mayors and Councilmembers presents an overview of the functions, powers, and responsibilities of mayors and councilmembers. Topics include policy development, goal-setting, council meetings, conflicts of interest, standards of official conduct, budgeting, personal liability, and media relations.

TML member cities can receive one copy of the handbook at no charge for each elected official, plus a reference copy for staff. Additional copies are $20 and can be ordered on the Publications page of the TML website. To inquire about your city's complimentary copies, contact us by email, or call 512-231-7400.

Show your commitment to continuing education by participating in the Texas Municipal League Institute (TMLI)--a voluntary certification program for elected officials. TMLI is sponsored by the Texas Municipal League and the Association of Mayors, Councilmembers and Commissioners (AMCC). The highest level of recognition an elected official can obtain is Certified Municipal Official (CMO).  Obtaining certification is easier than you may think. For details on the CMO designation and other certificate levels, go to the TMLI section of the TML website.   
May 6
Hallsville
May 16-17
South Padre Island
Jun 19
Region 3
Lubbock
Jun 19
Lakeside City 
Aug 8
Region 13
Mesquite 
Sep 23
Region 3
Lubbock 
Sep 30
Region 7 
Houston 
    
May 7-9
Galveston
May 9
Fredericksburg
May 9
Abilene
May 14-16
Fredericksburg
May 29-30
Austin
Jun 6
Conroe
Jun 18-20
South Padre Island
Jun 18-20
Jun 19-20
Jun 26-27
Jun 26-29
Texas City Management Association Annual Conference
Galveston
Jul 10
Best Practices for Working with the Media
Webinar
Jul 17-18
TML Leadership Academy: Course 2 - Citizen Engagement and Collaboration
Austin
Jul 24-25
TML Newly Elected City Officials' Orientation
Bastrop
Jul 31-
Aug 1
Dallas
Aug 7-8
Ethics for Public Officials: Laws, Liability, and Learning to Govern Ethically
Austin
Aug 15-16
TML Newly Elected City Officials' Orientation
Las Colinas 
Aug 21-22
TML Leadership Academy: Course 3 - Leading into the Future
Austin
Sep 30 - Oct 3
TML Annual Conference and Exhibition
Houston
    



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Texas Municipal League
1821 Rutherford Lane, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78754
Phone: 512-231-7400
Fax: 512-231-7495

 

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