FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Tex. Tax Code § 33.71 — TX Code / Code tx / Chapter 33 / Section 33.71
§ 33.71. MASTERS FOR TAX SUITS.
Status: in_force

(a) The court may, in delinquent tax suits, for good cause appoint a master in chancery for each case as desired, who shall be a citizen of this state and not an attorney for either party to the action, nor related to either party, who shall perform all of the duties required by the court, be under orders of the court, and have the power the master of chancery has in a court of equity.

(b) The order of reference to the master may specify or limit the master's powers, and may direct the master to report only upon particular issues, or to do or perform particular acts, or to receive and report evidence only, and may fix the time and place for beginning and closing the hearings and for the filing of the master's report.

(c) Subject to the limitations and specifications stated in the order, the master may:

(1) regulate all proceedings in every hearing before the master and do all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for the efficient performance of duties under the order;

(2) require the production of evidence upon all matters embraced in the reference, including the production of books, papers, vouchers, documents, and other writings applicable to the case;

(3) rule upon the admissibility of evidence, unless otherwise directed by the order of reference;

(4) put witnesses on oath, and examine them; and

(5) call the parties to the action and examine them upon oath.

(d) When a party requests, the master shall make a record of the evidence offered and excluded in the same manner as provided for a court sitting in the trial of a case.

(e) The clerk of the court shall forthwith furnish the master with a copy of the order of reference.

(f) The parties may procure the attendance of witnesses before the master by the issuance and service of process as provided by law.

(g) A pretrial ruling of a tax master from which a mandamus is sought must be appealed to the referring court before the initiation of mandamus proceedings before the court of appeals.

(h) Notwithstanding any other law or requirement, an attorney appointed a master under this section may practice law in the referring court if otherwise qualified to do so.
Tex. Code of Criminal Procedure § 42A.101 — TX Code / Code cr / Chapter 42A / Section 42A.101
§ 42A.101. PLACEMENT ON DEFERRED ADJUDICATION COMMUNITY SUPERVISION.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided by Article 42A.102(b), if in the judge's opinion the best interest of society and the defendant will be served, the judge may, after receiving a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, hearing the evidence, and finding that it substantiates the defendant's guilt, defer further proceedings without entering an adjudication of guilt and place the defendant on deferred adjudication community supervision.

(b) After placing the defendant on deferred adjudication community supervision under Subsection (a), the judge shall inform the defendant orally or in writing of the possible consequences under Articles 42A.108 and 42A.110 of a violation of a condition of deferred adjudication community supervision. If the information is provided orally, the judge must record and maintain the judge's statement to the defendant. The failure of a judge to inform a defendant of possible consequences under Articles 42A.108 and 42A.110 is not a ground for reversal unless the defendant shows that the defendant was harmed by the failure of the judge to provide the information.
Tex. Special District Local Laws Code § 8354.252 — TX Code / Code sd / Chapter 8354 / Section 8354.252
§ 8354.252. TAXES FOR BONDS.
Status: in_force

At the time the district issues bonds payable wholly or partly from ad valorem taxes, the board shall provide for the annual imposition of a continuing direct ad valorem tax, without limit as to rate or amount, while all or part of the bonds are outstanding as required and in the manner provided by Sections 54.601 and 54.602, Water Code.
Tex. Government Code § 855.604 — TX Code / Code gv / Chapter 855 / Section 855.604
§ 855.604. MERGER.
Status: in_force

A pension system for municipal employees may merge into the retirement system only on conditions that the board of trustees in its sole discretion determines in an individual case are consistent with the fiduciary responsibilities of the board.
Tex. Local Government Code § 241.042 — TX Code / Code lg / Chapter 241 / Section 241.042
§ 241.042. TRIAL BY COURT.
Status: in_force

(a) The court, in an appeal from a decision of a board of adjustment as provided by Section 241.041, shall try and determine the case de novo on the basis of the facts adduced in the trial of the case in the court. The court shall independently rule on the facts and the law as in an ordinary civil suit.

(b) The court has exclusive jurisdiction to reverse or affirm, in whole or in part, or modify the decision that is appealed and, if necessary, may order further proceedings by the board.

(c) Costs may not be assessed against the board unless the court determines that the board acted with gross negligence, in bad faith, or with malice in making its decision.
Tex. Agriculture Code § 21.002 — TX Code / Code ag / Chapter 21 / Section 21.002
§ 21.002. ELIGIBILITY.
Status: in_force

Subject to available funds, a nonprofit organization is eligible to receive a grant under this chapter if the organization:

(1) has at least five years of experience coordinating a statewide network of food banks and charitable organizations that serve each county of this state;

(2) operates a program that coordinates the collection and transportation of surplus agricultural products to a statewide network of food banks that provide food to needy or low-income individuals; and

(3) submits to the department, in the manner and time prescribed by the department, a proposal for the collection and distribution to food banks or other charitable organizations for use in providing food to needy or low-income individuals of surplus agricultural products, including:

(A) a description of the proposal;

(B) a schedule of projected costs for the proposal;

(C) measurable goals for the proposal; and

(D) a plan for evaluating the success of the proposal.
Tex. Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 89A.001 — TX Code / Code cp / Chapter 89A / Section 89A.001
§ 89A.001. DEFINITIONS.
Status: in_force

In this chapter:

(1) "Feminine hygiene product" means a tampon, a panty liner, a menstrual cup, a sanitary napkin, or other similar item used in connection with the menstrual cycle.

(2) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization described by Section 501(c)(3) of that code.
Tex. Insurance Code § 1131.405 — TX Code / Code in / Chapter 1131 / Section 1131.405
§ 1131.405. AMOUNTS OF INSURANCE.
Status: repealed

(a) The amounts of insurance under the policy must be based on a plan that precludes individual selection by the agents or by the principal.

(b) Repealed by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 496, Sec. 2(3), eff. June 17, 2005.
Tex. Agriculture Code § 12.0271 — TX Code / Code ag / Chapter 12 / Section 12.0271
§ 12.0271. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROGRAM.
Status: in_force

(a) From funds appropriated for that purpose, the commissioner shall establish and administer a financial assistance program to encourage private economic development in rural areas. Financial assistance under the program may be provided only to:

(1) a county with a population of not more than 200,000;

(2) a municipality with a population of not more than 50,000;

(3) a public utility owned by a municipality described by Subdivision (2);

(4) a political subdivision not described by Subdivision (1) or (2), including a special district, that is wholly or partly located in a county described by Subdivision (1); or

(5) an economic development corporation, community development financial institution, or other lender that primarily represents a county or municipality described by this subsection.

(b) Financial assistance under Subsection (a) may be used only for a project relating to:

(1) the acquisition or development of land, easements, or rights-of-way;

(2) attracting new private enterprises to the county or municipality, including:

(A) manufacturing facilities;

(B) freight storage facilities;

(C) distribution warehouse centers;

(D) mineral extraction activities, as defined by Section 2270.0051, Government Code; and

(E) other nonretail private enterprises;

(3) the construction, extension, or other improvement of:

(A) water or waste disposal facilities; or

(B) transportation infrastructure; or

(4) any other activity relating to private economic development that the commissioner determines will encourage economic and infrastructure development in a rural area.

(c) To further a purpose described by Subsection (b), the commissioner may provide financial assistance to an eligible county, municipality, community development financial institution, or economic development corporation by:

(1) extending credit by direct loan, based on the credit of the county, municipality, community development financial institution, or economic development corporation;

(2) providing a credit enhancement;

(3) effectively lowering interest rates;

(4) financing a purchase or lease agreement in connection with an economic or infrastructure development project; or

(5) providing methods of leveraging money from sources other than this state that are related to the project for which the assistance is provided.

(d) A county, municipality, community development financial institution, or economic development corporation that receives funds under Subsection (c) shall segregate the funds from other funds under the control of the county, municipality, or economic development corporation and use the funds only for a purpose described by this section. Any funds disbursed through the program must be repaid on terms determined by the department.

(e) The department shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
Tex. Occupations Code § 1001.104 — TX Code / Code oc / Chapter 1001 / Section 1001.104
§ 1001.104. TERMS; VACANCY.
Status: in_force

(a) Board members serve staggered six-year terms, with the terms of one-third of the members expiring each odd-numbered year.

(b) If a vacancy occurs during a member's term, the governor shall appoint a replacement to fill the unexpired term.
Tex. Special District Local Laws Code § 7975A.0502 — TX Code / Code sd / Chapter 7975A / Section 7975A.0502
§ 7975A.0502. TAXES FOR BONDS.
Status: in_force

At the time the district issues bonds payable wholly or partly from ad valorem taxes, the board shall provide for the annual imposition of a continuing direct ad valorem tax, without limit as to rate or amount, while all or part of the bonds are outstanding as required and in the manner provided by Sections 54.601 and 54.602, Water Code.
Tex. Health and Safety Code § 395.012 — TX Code / Code hs / Chapter 395 / Section 395.012
§ 395.012. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
Status: in_force

In each fiscal year, the commission may use up to 1.5 percent of the total amount of money allocated to the program in that fiscal year, but not more than $1 million, for the administrative costs of the program.
Tex. Special District Local Laws Code § 8878.107 — TX Code / Code sd / Chapter 8878 / Section 8878.107
§ 8878.107. LIEN.
Status: in_force

(a) Fees and user fees imposed by the authority under Section 8878.103(b), any related penalties and interest, and collection expenses and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the authority:

(1) are a first and prior lien against the well to which the fees or user fees apply;

(2) are superior to any other lien or claim other than a lien or claim for county, school district, or municipal ad valorem taxes; and

(3) are the personal liability of and a charge against the owner of the well.

(b) A lien under this section is effective from the date of the resolution or order of the board imposing the fee or user fee until the fee or user fee is paid.

(c) The board may enforce the lien in the same manner that a municipal utility district operating under Chapter 54, Water Code, may enforce an ad valorem tax lien against real property.
Tex. Special District Local Laws Code § 8014.106 — TX Code / Code sd / Chapter 8014 / Section 8014.106
§ 8014.106. DIVISION OF DISTRICT.
Status: in_force

(a) The district may be divided into two or more new districts only if:

(1) the district has no outstanding bonded debt;

(2) the district is not imposing ad valorem taxes; and

(3) the requirements of Subsection (k) have been met.

(b) This chapter applies to any new district created by the division of the district, and a new district has all the powers and duties of the district.

(c) Any new district created by the division of the district may not, at the time the new district is created, contain any land outside the area described by Section 2 of the Act creating this chapter.

(d) The board, on its own motion or on receipt of a petition signed by the owner or owners of a majority of the assessed value of the real property in the district, may adopt an order dividing the district.

(e) The board may adopt an order dividing the district before or after the date the board holds an election under Section 8014.003 to confirm the creation of the district.

(f) An order dividing the district shall:

(1) name each new district;

(2) include the metes and bounds description of the territory of each new district;

(3) appoint temporary directors for each new district; and

(4) provide for the division of assets and liabilities between or among the new districts.

(g) On or before the 30th day after the date of adoption of an order dividing the district, the district shall file the order with the commission and record the order in the real property records of each county in which the district is located.

(h) Any new district created by the division of the district shall hold a confirmation and directors' election as required by Section 8014.003.

(i) If the creation of the new district is confirmed, the new district shall provide the election date and results to the commission.

(j) Any new district created by the division of the district must hold an election as required by this chapter to obtain voter approval before the district may impose a maintenance tax or issue bonds payable wholly or partly from ad valorem taxes.

(k) If the district is located wholly or partly in the corporate limits or the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality, the district may not divide under this section unless the municipality by resolution or ordinance consents to the division of the district. If the district is not located wholly or partly in the corporate limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality, the district may not divide under this section unless the commissioners court of each county in which the district is wholly or partly located adopts a resolution or order consenting to the division of the district.
Tex. Family Code § 263.0025 — TX Code / Code fa / Chapter 263 / Section 263.0025
§ 263.0025. SPECIAL EDUCATION DECISION-MAKING FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE.
Status: in_force

(a) In this section, "child" means a child in the temporary or permanent managing conservatorship of the department who is eligible under Section 29.003, Education Code, to participate in a school district's special education program.

(a-1) A foster parent for a child may act as a parent for the child, as authorized under 20 U.S.C. Section 1415(b), if:

(1) the rights and duties of the department to make decisions regarding the child's education under Section 153.371 have not been limited by court order; and

(2) the foster parent agrees to the requirements of Sections 29.015(a)(3) and (b), Education Code.

(a-2) Sections 29.015(b-1), (c), and (d), Education Code, apply to a foster parent who acts or desires to act as a parent for a child for the purpose of making special education decisions.

(b) To ensure the educational rights of a child are protected in the special education process, the court may appoint a surrogate parent for the child if:

(1) the child's school district is unable to identify or locate a parent for the child; or

(2) the foster parent of the child is unwilling or unable to serve as a parent for the purposes of this subchapter.

(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), the court may appoint a person to serve as a child's surrogate parent if the person:

(1) is willing to serve in that capacity; and

(2) meets the requirements of 20 U.S.C. Section 1415(b).

(d) The following persons may not be appointed as a surrogate parent for the child:

(1) an employee of the department;

(2) an employee of the Texas Education Agency;

(3) an employee of a school or school district; or

(4) an employee of any other agency that is involved in the education or care of the child.

(e) The court may appoint a child's guardian ad litem or court-certified volunteer advocate, as provided by Section 107.031(c), as the child's surrogate parent.

(f) In appointing a person to serve as the surrogate parent for a child, the court may consider the person's ability to meet the qualifications listed under Sections 29.0151(d)(2)-(8), Education Code.

(g) If the court prescribes training for a person who is appointed as the surrogate parent for a child, the training program must comply with the minimum standards for training established by rule by the Texas Education Agency.
Tex. Special District Local Laws Code § 3810.102 — TX Code / Code sd / Chapter 3810 / Section 3810.102
§ 3810.102. NONPROFIT CORPORATION.
Status: in_force

(a) The board by resolution may authorize the creation of a nonprofit corporation to assist and act for the district in implementing a project or providing a service authorized by this chapter.

(b) The nonprofit corporation:

(1) has each power of and is considered for purposes of this chapter to be a local government corporation created under Chapter 431, Transportation Code; and

(2) may implement any project and provide any service authorized by this chapter.

(c) The board shall appoint the board of directors of the nonprofit corporation. The board of directors of the nonprofit corporation shall serve in the same manner as, for the same term as, and on the same conditions as the board of directors of a local government corporation created under Chapter 431, Transportation Code.
Tex. Special District Local Laws Code § 3869.151 — TX Code / Code sd / Chapter 3869 / Section 3869.151
§ 3869.151. GENERAL POWERS REGARDING FINANCIAL MATTERS.
Status: in_force

Except as provided by Section 3869.160, and subject to a project development agreement entered into under Section 3869.160, the district may:

(1) impose an ad valorem tax on all taxable property in the district, including industrial, commercial, and residential property, to pay for an improvement project of a type authorized by Section 52, Article III, or Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, or to secure payment of bonds issued to pay for those projects;

(2) impose an assessment on property in the district to pay the cost of maintenance of any authorized district improvement in the manner provided for:

(A) a district under Subchapters A, E, and F, Chapter 375, Local Government Code; or

(B) a municipality or county under Subchapter A, Chapter 372, Local Government Code;

(3) provide or secure the payment or repayment of any bond, note, other temporary or permanent obligation, reimbursement, or other contract with any person; or

(4) provide or secure the payment or repayment of the costs and expenses of the establishment, administration, and operation of the district and the district's costs or share of the costs or revenue of an improvement project or district contractual obligation or indebtedness by or through:

(A) the imposition of an ad valorem tax, or an assessment, user fee, concession fee, or rental charge; or

(B) any other revenue or resources of the district, or other revenues authorized by the city, including revenues from a tax increment reinvestment zone created by the city;

(5) establish user charges related to the operation of storm water facilities, including the regulation of storm water for the protection of water quality in the district;

(6) establish user charges for the use of nonpotable water for irrigation purposes, subject to the approval of the governing body of the city;

(7) undertake separately or jointly with other persons, including the city or Nueces County, all or part of the cost of an improvement project, including an improvement project:

(A) for improving, enhancing, and supporting public safety and security, fire protection and emergency medical services, and law enforcement in and adjacent to the district; or

(B) that confers a general benefit on the entire district or a special benefit on a definable part of the district; and

(8) enter into a tax abatement agreement in accordance with the general laws of this state authorizing and applicable to tax abatement agreements by municipalities.
Tex. Special District Local Laws Code § 8377.004 — TX Code / Code sd / Chapter 8377 / Section 8377.004
§ 8377.004. CONSENT OF MUNICIPALITY REQUIRED.
Status: in_force

(a) The temporary directors may not hold an election under Section 8377.003 until each municipality has consented by ordinance or resolution to the creation of the district and to the inclusion of land in the district.

(b) If a municipality does not consent to the creation of the district or if the district does not enter into an agreement required by the terms of the municipal ordinance or resolution consenting to the creation of the district under this section before September 1, 2012:

(1) the district is dissolved September 1, 2012, except that:

(A) any debts incurred shall be paid;

(B) any assets that remain after the payment of debts shall be transferred to the municipality or another local governmental entity to be used for a public purpose; and

(C) the organization of the district shall be maintained until all debts are paid and remaining assets are transferred; and

(2) this chapter expires September 1, 2012.
Tex. Finance Code § 15.212 — TX Code / Code fi / Chapter 15 / Section 15.212
§ 15.212. SUNSET PROVISION.
Status: in_force

The Credit Union Department and the Credit Union Commission are subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the department and commission are abolished September 1, 2031.
Tex. Insurance Code § 251.002 — TX Code / Code in / Chapter 251 / Section 251.002
§ 251.002. DUTY TO ADVISE COMPTROLLER OF RATE.
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall advise the comptroller of the applicable rate of assessment of a maintenance tax or workers' compensation surcharge not later than the 45th day before the due date of the tax or surcharge report for the period for which that tax or surcharge is due.
Tex. Health and Safety Code § 716.152 — TX Code / Code hs / Chapter 716 / Section 716.152
§ 716.152. CREMATION PROCESS.
Status: in_force

(a) A crematory establishment is not required to accept a cremation container that evidences leakage of human body fluids.

(b) A person other than a crematory establishment employee, the authorizing agent, or representatives delegated as provided by Section 716.053 and approved by the crematory establishment may not be present in a crematory area during:

(1) the cremation of deceased human remains; or

(2) the removal of the remains from the cremation chamber.

(c) Immediately before placing deceased human remains in a cremation chamber, a crematory establishment employee must verify and remove the identification label from the cremation container and place the label near the cremation chamber control panel until the cremation process is complete.

(d) To the extent practicable, the crematory establishment shall remove all recoverable cremation residue from the cremation chamber following cremation and pulverize any bone fragments to a particle size of one-eighth inch or less as necessary. The crematory establishment shall remove and dispose of any other material included with the residue.