Houston, Texas (June 28, 2022)— Today a Harris County court issued a ruling that temporarily bans certain prosecutors from enforcing Texas’s abortion bans that predate Roe v Wade. Attorney General Ken Paxton had previously said that prosecutors could pursue criminal charges based off these state laws that were not repealed. “I’m glad to see that a Harris County court blocked enforcement of pre-Roe anti-abortion laws that have been on the books since the 1920s. It’s shameful that […]
Harris County
Harris County Selected as One of Six Jurisdictions for Inaugural National “Putting Assets to Work” Incubator
Houston – Harris County has been selected by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA, through its Rethinking Revenue initiative), in partnership with the Sorenson Impact Center and Urban3, as one of six jurisdictions announced today that have been selected to participate in the inaugural Putting Assets to Work (PAW) Incubator. Through PAW, local governments identify underutilized assets like dormant parking lots and draw on public and private expertise to make them revenue-generating while government retains […]
Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences Requests Help Locating Next of Kin
We are requesting the public’s assistance in locating next of kin for the following deceased individuals: MICHAEL JAY ONISIFOROU – White Male, 51 Years: Mr. Onisiforou died in the 400 block of FM 1960 in Houston, TX on 05/12/2022. Please call the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences at 832-927-5000 and refer to case ML22-2045. (https://www.namus.gov/UnclaimedPersons/Case#/91967) JOHN AUSTIN PAUL – White Male, 41 years: Mr. Paul died at Houston Methodist Hospital, Willowbrook in Houston, TX […]
Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management 2020 Annual Report: “A Year Like No Other”
Harris County Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) releases its 2020 Annual Report. HCOHSEM had a strong year in spite of the global challenges presented by COVID-19. – In a year of unprecedented challenges with the outbreak of the Coronavirus – the greatest test of our organization – HCOHSEM responded with flexibility, resilience, and commitment. Last year, Harris County activated its Emergency Operation Center 22 times and received 2,066 media inquiries and 11,378 broadcast, social media, […]
Appraisal Review Board Seeks Applicants for Service In 2022
Applications for Appraisal Review Board (ARB) members are being accepted by District Judge Robert K. Schaffer, administrative judge for the state district courts in Harris County. Service on the ARB would begin in January 2022. Applications from Harris County citizens interested in ARB service must be submitted by the applicant directly to Judge Schaffer through the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) human resources division to be considered. Applications from third parties will not be accepted. […]
New $30 Million COVID Relief Fund Kicks Off
2-Week Application Period Runs 7/28–8/11; 20,000 Families to Each Receive $1,500 in Economic Relief Tomorrow marks the first day of the two-week application period for Harris County Recovery Assistance, a new $30 million COVID relief fund created to help families still struggling with the pandemic’s economic effects. Sourced by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the program will provide 20,000 families with one-time payments of $1,500 which can cover any type of urgent […]
HCOHSEM, MOPD and Sight Into Sound Create Emergency Preparedness Tips for Blind and Visually Impaired Community
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM), in collaboration with the Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) and Sight Into Sound, have developed emergency preparedness tips for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The partnership is designed to ensure that the blind and visually impaired have 24/7 access to emergency preparedness information in audio formats spoken in both English and Spanish. The messages explain what to do during […]
Harris County Judge Moves COVID-19 Threat Level to Level 3: Yellow
Vaccinations Continue Driving Down Key COVID-19 Metrics; Hidalgo Urges Community to Stay Vigilant, Particularly Over Memorial Day Weekend Judge Lina Hidalgo today announced that she is moving the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 2: Orange to Level 3: Yellow, the system’s second-lowest threat level. The move comes as a variety of indicators continue to demonstrate significant progress in reducing the threat of COVID-19 and the availability, administration, and efficacy of vaccines for eligible […]
Houston-Harris County Rental Relief Fund Surpasses $50 Million in Aid to Local Residents
Rent Covered for Up to 14 Months for 15,000+ Families Fund Still Open; Tenants Encouraged to Apply The new $159 million Houston-Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, in operation since only the end of February, has surpassed the $50 million mark in rental relief. Over $54 million has been allocated from the fund, covering overdue rent for over 15,000 families. Up to 14 months of rent, not just a few months, is available for people impacted financially […]
Harris County Fire Marshal Encourages Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are beautiful but are very dangerous if not used properly. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office encourages anyone who chooses to use consumer fireworks to practice fireworks safety or find alternative ways to celebrate. “Fireworks safety is paramount as we continue to battle COVID-19,” said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen. “If you choose to use consumer fireworks, please read the cautionary labels and dispose of your fireworks properly. Doctors, nurses and first responders are still […]