The governor may impose martial law and send in state troops only when requested to do so by the county judge of a county wherein a riot or civil disturbance is taking place. Law, made by judges, and which is based on custom and usage going back several centuries, is statute law. Not included within the jurisdiction of a constitutional county court is appellate criminal jurisdiction for cases appealed from municipal and justice of the peace courts. A county court at law is most likely to be created by the legislature where there are a large number of felony cases. A vacancy on a district court bench is filled by special election.
Official misconduct is a misdemeanor offense.
The traditional Texas fiscal policy is the achievement of a balanced budget through low taxes and low public spending. The economic growth of Texas in the 1990s is resting substantially on the growth in the heavy manufacturing sector. Spending for public assistance is the largest single element in the state budget. A regressive tax system is one wherein the proportion of income paid in taxes rises as income rises. The most important agency or officials, in budget preparation is the Office of Budget and Planning.