November

2020 UFM Survey Deadline Extended

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

The Unfunded Mandates Survey deadline has been extended to Dec. 20! Yes, Dec. 20 is a Sunday, and yes, it is the last Sunday before Christmas.

State Budget Hearings Go Virtual

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

Between Oct. 29 and Nov. 6, staff members from the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) and the governor's Budget and Policy Division have held virtual budget hearings on state agency legislative appropriations requests (LARs) for the 2022-23 biennium. The LARs lay out agencies’ funding requirements and needs for the upcoming fiscal biennium.

Broadband Development Council Report Released

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

Gov. Abbott’s Broadband Development Council recently released its 2020 report to the Texas Legislature. The council recommends that the Texas Legislature create a state broadband plan and establish a statewide broadband office.

County Associations Submit Written Testimony on Senate Bill 2

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

After the passage of Senate Bill 2, known as the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019, local governments were tasked with implementing all 152 pages of the new law. While some provisions of SB 2 contained a delayed implementation date for counties with a population of 200,000 and below, all counties were subject to new terminology, new calculations and new publication requirements.

Joint Committee on Access and Forensic Services to Submit Report

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

The Joint Committee on Access and Forensic Services (JCAFS) approved its 2020 report on mental health bed allocation methodology. The report will be submitted to the Health and Human Services Commission’s executive commissioner and the Legislature by Dec. 1.

TAC Hosts First Virtual 254 Event, Focusing on Counties’ Role in Behavioral Health

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

On Oct. 28, TAC hosted its first Virtual 254 Log on & Learn event for legislators and their staffs. This event was an opportunity for the Legislature to hear from county officials about the significant impact that behavioral health has on counties.

Judicial Commission on Mental Health Releases 2020 Legislative Report

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

The Judicial Commission on Mental Health has issued its 2020 Legislative Recommendations and Report. Recommendations important to counties include procedures related to mental health used by law enforcement, health care workers and courts; competency restoration; and technology solutions for emergency detention warrants.

Legislative Services Wraps Up Virtual Planning for Session

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

That’s a wrap! TAC's Legislative Services team completed the long-standing fall Legislative Exchange program in a transformed virtual format.

Tuesday Morning Breakfast Kickoff

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

As the 87th Legislative Session begins, please join us on Tuesday, Jan. 12, for the kickoff of our weekly breakfasts.

AG Opinions and Requests

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

TAC has highlighted recent attorney general opinions and requests for opinions of interest to counties.

No December Newsletter This Year

November 17, 2020| Legislative News

Due to time constraints imposed by the holidays, early filing and a number of upcoming events, we will not issue a December newsletter this year. Look for the newsletter to continue in January, when we will once again return to a weekly format during the legislative session.


  1 - 25