MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas — On April 16, the Midland County Commissioners Court voted in favor of adopting a new policy that wants to ensure advertisements posted on its public properties meet federal and state laws.
Private displays on places such as the Midland County Courthouse, the Annex building and county libraries will first have to get permission from the judge's office.
According to the Midland County HR Director Makayla Lang, the events that prompted the push to a formal policy include some questionable items that were posted on the courthouse door or the bulletin area in the entryway.
"We as a county want to make sure that propaganda that's being displayed, or any kind of private display, doesn't cross those lines and doesn't create confusion for anybody in the public or anybody here working at the County," said Lang.
Lang said the new policy will ensure the county is meeting federal and state laws.
"We're just asking people to go through a proper procedure to make sure that we as a county are following proper law," Lang said. "And that's included with anything that can be religion related, political related or community event related."
Prior to the decision, there was a verbal policy in place. Now, people will be asked to visit the judge's office and speak with someone in person, email or call the Midland County Courthouse for permission.
With elections coming up, Lang clarified that political campaign advertisements that abide by Texas law are permitted within 100 feet or father from a County polling place.
Lang said the transition to the new policy is mostly directed towards county employees and directors. Most of the time, the community had already been asking the courthouse for permission to post private displays.