The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) 2019 Legislative Conference, Sept. 4-6 in Austin, will offer county officials and staff an overview of the 86th legislative session and identify issues the Legislature will likely deliberate on during the interim. Connect with county officials from every office, legislators, and other experts as we "Focus on the Future" and discuss the issues affecting county government and Texans.
Online pre-registration is closed, but don't let that stop you from coming. Onsite registration will begin Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. on Level 5 of the Fairmont Hotel.
2019 Legislative Analysis Report
The 2019 Legislative Analysis Report (LAR) is now available! TAC's Legislative Services team has compiled and summarized the newly enacted laws directly affecting counties and county operations. Conference attendees will receive a printed copy. Also, TAC's all-new Legislative Analysis Report Database — the searchable online version of the LAR — will be unveiled at the conference.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday, Sept. 4
The opening general session will feature a panel of legislators with keynote speaker Evan Smith as moderator. The legislative panel will discuss the critical relationship between the state legislature and local government.
Knock out all three TAC CommCube offerings beginning at 3:40 p.m. Strategic communications and media specialist Leslie Rhode presents Media Relations 101: Tips of the Trade in three 20-minute modules. A repeat of these modules will occur throughout the day on Thursday.
Thursday, Sept. 5
Breakout sessions will offer ample opportunities to learn more and discuss relevant issues to you, your county and your constituents.
- Federal Update: The Outlook for Counties
- Behavioral Health Funding: The New Role for Counties
- Revamping and Reinventing Disaster Response
- Texas Court Structure: Creating More Effective and Efficient Courts
- Texas' Priorities: Are You One of Them? Understanding the Texas State Budget
- Criminal Justice Reforms: A Look Back and a Look Ahead
- 2020 Census and Redistricting
- When the Rain Comes: Flood Planning and Mitigation
- Future of Voting in Texas
- Transparency in Your Taxes: Keeping the Public Informed
Visit www.county.org/legconference for complete breakout session descriptions.
Friday, Sept. 6
The closing general session will focus on "Living Under the Cap," featuring a panel discussion of county officials. Moderated by TAC Senior Legislative Manager Rick Thompson, they will discuss the effects of Senate Bill 2 on county budgets and the process to set the county tax rate.
For conference agenda, hotel details and registration information, visit www.county.org/legconference.