The Texas state government, as established by the Texas Constitution of 1876, is similar to that of most states, with executive, legislative and judicial branches governing Texas' 254 counties. Most elected officials serve four-year terms. The Senate is comprised of 31 members, the House of Representatives 150. The Texas Legislature meets each odd-numbered year for 140 days and for special sessions called by the governor.

Texas voters must be at least 18, a Texas resident and U.S. citizen, and registered at least 30 days prior to an election.

The judiciary is headed by the Texas Supreme Court and by its coordinate court, the State Court of Criminal Appeals. There are 330 district courts, each with an elected judge.

All Texas county governments follow structure established by the Texas Constitution. Each county is divided into four precincts from which a commissioner is elected to serve a four-year term. A county judge is elected from the county at large.

The minimum age to buy or order liquor is 21. Liquor store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with no sales on Christmas, New Year's or Thanksgiving. If Christmas or New Year's falls on a Sunday, stores close the following Monday.

Drivers are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages while operating a vehicle. DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) laws are strictly enforced and usually carry a sentence or jail time, even for first offenders.

Cats and dogs must be licensed and must receive rabies vaccinations. Though state law does not require protection against other deadly pet diseases, veterinarians recommend protecting against them.

Any pet not on a leash might be impounded. Laws regulating number of pets and exotic animals vary from community to community. More information on pets can be found at the link: Pets & Vets

Texas law requires drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seatbelts. The state also requires infant seats.

Highway traffic has right-of-way and need not yield to entering traffic. Turning right on red after stopping is legal. It illegal to consume alcohol while driving in Texas.

The state also requires liability insurance - and proof of it. Insurance companies can be found at the link: Insurance Companies

To obtain a copy of Texas Motor Vehicle Laws, write General Services Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773.

To obtain a Texas drivers license in Clear Lake, call 281-486-8351.

Texas drivers must have their vehicles inspected every 12 months. Many auto dealers, services stations, repair shops and mechanics offer this service, and many of them are found in the Yellow Pages. In Harris County, each test in-ides a computer-based analysis of the vehicles' exhaust. Upon passing the inspection, the operator receives a windshield sticker to be displayed for the coming year.

Vehicles must be registered within 30 days of relocating to Texas. Registration is easy, and registration centers tend to be less crowded in early morning.

In Harris County, register a vehicle at the Clear Lake Courthouse Annex Building, 16603 Buccaneer. Call 281-486-7250 for information.

In Galveston County, register a vehicle at the Galveston County Courthouse Annex on Calder Road in League City call 281-534-2531 for information.

Registration requirements include the vehicle's title, proof of liability insurance, driver's license and a checkbook to cover various registration and license fees. Subsequent registration is simple, and residents may choose to handle it by mail for an additional $1 fee.

Social Security office: 320 Southmore, Suite 306, Pasadena, TX. Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. M-F. Call 713-740-7129 or 1-800-772-1213 for information.

The Houston Police Department and eight other municipal police departments protect the area.

Active Crime Watch programs in many communities also assure safety. Police can provide engraving tools with which to mark personal property with the owner's Social Security number.

The Houston Fire Department and volunteer fire departments provide sophisticated service to the area. The Houston department's specialty teams include a hazardous materials team, a high-rise rescue team and a team trained to deal with crashes at the city's airports. The department also offers special community programs and inspections on request. For ambulance information only, phone 281-488-0022. For more information, check the government pages of the local phone book.

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