Order Legal Publications
The Legal Services Division provides numerous publications online that may be downloaded below. To order a copy of a publication, please submit a Legal Publications Order Form.
Budget and Tax Rate Planning Calendar
To assist counties in the budget and tax rate adoption process, the Texas Association of Counties has prepared a Budget and Tax Rate Planning Calendar designed to aid officials as they develop their own localized calendar for their county. This calendar is based on a fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 and incorporates changes in law passed during the most recent legislative session.
Remember that "one size does not fit all" and some statutes can be subject to interpretation. It's a good idea to consult with your county attorney to review how this planning calendar applies in your county.
The Comptroller's website offers more helpful information regarding the tax rate adoption process, including suggested tax rate notice forms to be used.
Handbooks
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Commissioners Court Meetings Procedure and Decorum
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Financial Disclosure for County Officials in Texas
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Guide to Texas Laws for County Officials
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Oath & Bond Requirements for County Officials
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2024
Public Finance Handbook for Texas Counties
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2024
Legal Services Revised: 2023 - Topics covered: conflicts of interest, dual office, ethics, nepotism, resign to run and vacancies.
Short Answers to Common Questions
Basics of the County Purchasing Act and Competitive Bidding
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Bingo, Raffles, Gaming Rooms and Other Gambling Issues Under Texas Law
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Burn Ban, Regulation of Fireworks and Declaration of Local Disaster
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Common Road and Bridge Questions
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Disclosure Requirement for County Officials
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Mass Gatherings and Outdoor Music Festivals
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Weathering the Storm: Disaster Preparedness and Response
Legal Services Revised: 2023
Web Posting Requirements for Counties
Legal Services Revised: 2023
THIS WEBSITE IS A RESEARCH TOOL AND NOT THE COUNSEL OF AN ATTORNEY. THIS WEBSITE IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY. It is provided without warranty of any kind and, as with any research tool, should be double checked against relevant statutes, case law, Attorney General opinions and advice of legal counsel, e.g., your county attorney. Each public officer is responsible for determining the duties of the office or position held. Any question should be directed to competent legal counsel for a written opinion.