Law Commons^™

Municipal Annexation Reform In Texas: How A Victory For Property Rights Jeopardizes The State’S Financial Health, Julie Polansky Bell

St. Mary's Law Journal

Municipal annexation is the expansion of city boundaries. The greatest motivator behind municipal annexation is maintaining and improving economic prosperity of the annexing authority. The issue of annexation involves a balance of rights between property owners and municipalities of the state. Historically, Texas cities had broad annexation authority under an involuntary annexation scheme. However, in recent years the power has shifted as lawmakers have given property owners greater control over the annexation process. This trend culminated in the passage of the Municipal Annexation Right to Vote Act (MARVA) by the 85th Texas Legislature, which severely limits annexation authority.

Texas municipalities …

The Proposed Antarctic Treaty On Environmental Damage, Don Mackaay

ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law

I have been asked to speak about the status of the negotiations on the draft agreement on Liability for Damage to the Antarctic Environment, which are being undertaken by the Parties to the Antarctic Treaty, and their prospects for success.