2018

Rep. Burns Refiles Unfunded Mandate Constitutional Amendment HJR 30

December 07, 2018| Legislative News

Rep. DeWayne Burns (R-Cleburne) filed HJR 30, a constitutional amendment restricting the power of the legislature to mandate requirements on cities and counties.

Pre-Filing of Legislation Begins

December 07, 2018| Legislative News

On Nov. 12, legislators began pre-filing legislation for the 86th legislative session. While the regular session does not officially begin until Jan. 8, legislators are allowed to pre-file bills beginning on the first Monday after the general election. Over 700 bills have already been filed thus far.

Property Tax Hearings Wrap Up

December 07, 2018| Legislative News

The Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform met Nov. 28 at Lone Star College Montgomery in Conroe to evaluate the effective tax rate and rollback tax rate calculation, evaluate the operations of appraisal review boards (ARBs) and study the feasibility of replacing the property tax with a sales tax or other consumption tax revenue, with emphasis on the school maintenance and operations tax.

Committees Begin Releasing Reports and Recommendations for the 86th Legislature

December 07, 2018| Legislative News

With the 86th legislative session only a month away, House and Senate committees are beginning to release interim reports with legislative recommendations on a range of issues, including Hurricane Harvey, open government, economic development, transportation, school safety, water, criminal justice, mental health, elections, court fees and the diversion of dedicated funds.

Rainy Day Fund is Now at $12.5 Billion

December 07, 2018| Legislative News

The Economic Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy Day Fund, is now hovering around $12.48 billion, which is the highest balance in the fund’s 30 year history, and is also the highest among other states that have a similar fund.

Homeowner Assistance Program Application Now Available in all Eligible Harvey Affected Counties

December 07, 2018| Legislative News

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the application for the Homeowner Assistance Program is now available in all eligible Hurricane Harvey affected counties.

Tuesday Morning Breakfasts Begin January 8

December 07, 2018| Legislative News

As we slide into the New Year and the 86th legislative session, TAC will again be hosting our Tuesday Morning Breakfasts.

Counties at the Capitol Legislative Day Set for Feb. 5

December 07, 2018| Legislative News

Shortly after the Texas Legislature gets back into the swing of things, county officials will gather in Austin for TAC’s Counties at the Capitol day.

AG Opinions and Requests

December 07, 2018| Legislative News

TAC has highlighted recent Attorney General Opinions and Requests for Opinions of interest to counties.

County Affairs Discusses Disaster Issues, Requests Disaster Response and Recovery Wish List

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

The House Committee on County Affairs Chaired by Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) met in Houston on Oct. 17 to hear testimony on several issues important to counties including disasters, mental health and county authority.

SB 1849 "Sandra Bland Act" Implementation Timeline

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopted reasonable rules and procedures for Continuity of Medication. See the Texas Administrative Code to review minimum jail standards.

Federal Update: Congress Passes Legislation Addressing Disasters, Water Infrastructure and Opioids

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

On Oct. 3, the U.S. Senate passed the Disaster Reform Act of 2018 as part of the five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

TAC Kicks off Legislative Lunch and Learn Series with a Focus on the County Budget Process, Final Event Dec. 3

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

The Texas Association of Counties held a Lunch and Learn about the county budget process at the Capitol for legislative staffers on Oct. 1 at the Texas Capitol.

Legislative Lunch and Learn Event Highlights Intersection of Law Enforcement and Behavioral Health

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

The Texas Association of Counties hosted a Lunch and Learn event covering the intersection of law enforcement and behavioral health at the Capitol on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

A Program Designed to Help Texans Feed Texans Sees Continued Success

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

Lawmakers created the Texans Feeding Texans program back in 2007, by allocating nearly $20 million to help supplement efforts of local service agencies in providing meals to the disabled and elderly across Texas.

Court Records Preservation Grant Funds Available

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

The Texas Bar Historical Foundation has grant funds available for governmental entities and subdivisions, specifically state district and county courts.

Eminent Domain Reporting Period Begins

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

In 2015, the Legislature passed SB 1812, an eminent domain transparency bill that requires counties to annually report specific information to the Texas Comptroller for posting.

Tuesday Morning Breakfasts Begin January 8

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

As we slide into the New Year and the 86th legislative session, TAC will again be hosting our Tuesday Morning Breakfasts.

Counties at the Capitol Legislative Day Set for Feb. 5

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

Shortly after the Texas Legislature gets back into the swing of things, county officials will gather in Austin for TAC’s Counties at the Capitol day.

AG Opinions and Requests

November 02, 2018| Legislative News

TAC has highlighted recent Attorney General Opinions and Requests for Opinions of interest to counties.

AG Opinions and Requests

October 05, 2018| Legislative News

TAC has highlighted recent Attorney General Opinions and Requests for Opinions of interest to counties.

One Last Opportunity to Attend a Legislative Exchange this Fall

October 05, 2018| Legislative News

TAC’s legislative staff has been traveling the state to hear from county officials about what they are interested in and concerned about as the 86th legislative session approaches. There is one final opportunity for you to attend an exchange before session begins.

County Affairs Committee Hearing Covers Several Important Issues

October 05, 2018| Legislative News

The House Committee on County Affairs chaired by Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) gathered for two public hearings on Sept. 25 and 26.

Legislative Exchange Moves to the Center...of Texas

October 05, 2018| Legislative News

TAC’s Legislative staff traveled to the heart of Central Texas last Wednesday for a Legislative Exchange with county elected officials and department staff from five counties.

Secretary of State Issues Election Advisory on Handguns in Polling Places

October 05, 2018| Legislative News

On Sept. 21, the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) issued election advisory No. 2018-29, providing guidance on a recent opinion, KP-0212, issued by the Attorney General relating to whether election judges are permitted to carry a handgun in a polling place on Election Day.


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