Category Archives: attorney general

AG Opinion Request: Privacy. License Plate Readers. Data Use. Fine for No Insurance. Vendors Beware.

What’s happening in the dark world of data collection by the government? A vendor has approached Bowie County about a license plate reader that will search if the vehicle is insured so the county can then levy fines against uninsured vehicles.

The county says we don’t know if its legal. Wants the AG to answer that question.

Oh and by the way if this data system is legal, can we use it to fine people and split fees? Because red light cameras were so popular.

RQ-0062-KP

AG Opinion Request: Chair of Transportation Committee Asks About Design Build. 3 Points to Know Now.

  • The question before Attorney General Paxton:  Can TXDOT enter into Design Build contracts in fiscal year 2016-2017 with funds appropriated for that year.
  • Why is this a question? Design Build Rider 47 to HB 1 and the Transportation Code Conflict.
    • Rider 47 has a higher threshold, $250 million, than statute, which has a $150 million threshold
  • Opposition thinks Rider 47 is unconstitutional. Can’t go changing substantive law in the budget, but you can as long as no court or…

AG Opinion: New Request to Track: Disposition of County revenue from Local Child Safety Fee

Ellis County Commissioners are considering a county child safty fee of $1.50. 

The Question posed to the Attorney General: What can a county do with this local county safety registration fee?

What’s the beef? This is all about revenue sharing. Do the counties need to share with municipalities?

What’s happening with this revenue now? 2 approaches after deducting the county administrtive costs:

(1)  the county may use revenue generated from the fee for purposes permitted by…

AG Opinion Tracker: Transportation Projects & Contracts. Can they be converted into other transportation projects?

Senator Nichols has requested an Attorney General opinion as to METRO’s role in a rapid transit bus project down Post Oak in the Uptown Management District. 

The background:

  • 2003 Voters approve light rail down Post Oak Blvd. The language included that the proposition created a binding and enforceable contract between the City of Houston, Uptown, and METRO
  • Now the proposal is to use the same land area but utilize rapid bus transit rather than light rail

    • …

Bill Filing: Update to Transportation Reinvestment Zone Power Attorney General Opinion

Rep. Martinez filed HB 3040 to allow economic development corporations to build transportation infrastrcture.  

Refreshing our recollection, Chairman Pickett asked about County Transportation Reinvestment Zones but Attorney General Opinion said the Texas constitution probably prohibits it. 

 

Previously on Information Intelligence:

Attorney Gener…