pdf Version: TML Legislative Update Number 10

Attorney General Begins Firearms Sign Investigations
A new provision in the handgun licensing law (Section 411.209 of the Government Code) authorizes the attorney general to seek civil penalties from a city that posts a Penal Code 30.06 notice prohibiting licensed carry if doing so is allowed by law in that area. ...read more

Bi-Partisan Congressional Municipal Finance Caucus Launched
Last week, Congressmen from Illinois and Maryland launched the Municipal Finance Caucus to act as a forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges for states and local governments relating to bond issuance, including the preservation of the tax exempt municipal bond. ...read more

Comments Sought on 2017 State Water Plan
The public comment period for the draft 2017 State Water Plan is now open. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will receive public comments on the draft plan until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 2016. ...read more

Small Cities' Problem-Solving Clinics in Tom Bean and Balcones Heights
Small cities, we have a training workshop that is just your size - a TML Small Cities' Problem-Solving Clinic. Each clinic covers the basics (key legal requirements, legislative updates, and a review of TML services), and offers ample time to discuss the issues important to your city during the legal question-and-answer session and roundtable discussion. For just $40 per registrant, the clinic delivers a high educational impact at a low cost. Upcoming clinics will take place March 18 in Tom Bean and April 8 in Balcones Heights.

Reserve your place.

Every City Official Needs to Know About Liability
State and federal laws regulate how you govern as a city official, and what happens if you govern incorrectly. Public official liability issues can come up whenever you are making decisions on your city's behalf. At the April 22 TML Public Officials Liability Workshop, you will learn about conflicts of interest, procurement, media relations, ethics, employment law, and other potential pitfalls.

Attend in person or by webcast.

Grant Writing Workshop for Cities
Discover how to win competitive grants at the TML Grant Writing for Municipal Programs and Projects Workshop in Dallas on May 12-13. In this day-and-a-half long class, grant writing instructor Jack Smith will review the different categories of grants, and teach time-saving techniques and shortcuts in the grant writing process. The workshop will help you increase your city's chances of winning competitive grants through a better understanding of the grant writing process, from planning through writing.

Learn more and register.

Know the Way and Show the Way
TML announces the 2016 Leadership Academy - a two-course, six-day program designed to improve the leadership skills of officials who serve our Texas cities. Taking place May 18-20 and June 15-17 at the Austin Marriott North in Round Rock, the Leadership Academy features an impressive faculty of university professors and thought leaders who will teach you to critique your decisions and actions, and develop the competencies needed to succeed as a leader.

Attendance is limited to 75 participants for the two-course program. Learn more here.

Your City Can Take Center Stage!
City Lights is a monthly feature in Texas Town & City magazine that highlights TML member cities' awards and accomplishments. Was your city named one of the best performing in the nation? Are you proud of that nice government bid you won last week? Tell us about it! Send your city's boasts and brags with brief background details to the TML Communications Department.

TML's LinkedIn Group: A Place to Connect
If you're a city official in a TML member city, you're invited to join our LinkedIn Group. The TML LinkedIn Group will connect you with peers in other Texas cities in a private forum. You can post interesting articles, discuss city issues, and share your insights and best practices.

Join our LinkedIn Group today!