September

Elimination of Straight Party Voting

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

In 2017, the 85th Legislature passed House Bill 25 by Rep. Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton) eliminating straight party voting, beginning on Sept. 1, 2020.

Legislative Appropriations Request Instructions for the 2022-23 Biennium Released

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

The Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) instructions for the 2022-23 biennial budget are available on the Governor's and Legislative Budget Board’s websites. No additional reductions in funding, beyond the 5% reduction plans required by state leaders in May 2020, are required.

Reminder: UFM Survey Due by Nov. 5

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

The Unfunded Mandates (UFM) Survey is important to all 254 counties. The ability to show legislators the impact that their decisions continue to have on county finances is critical.

Protective Order Registry Now in Pilot Phase

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

Senate Bill 325, passed during the 86th Legislature and sponsored by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa), launched a state Protective Order Registry.

Texas Indigent Defense Commission Presents Improvement Grants to Five Counties

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

On Aug. 27, the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) awarded more than $5 million in grants for fiscal year 2021 to Kerr, Atascosa, Galveston, McLennan and Nueces counties.

TxDOT County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Grant Program Update

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently held a webinar to clarify the process for accessing the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund (CTIF) Grant Program funds.

Justice Court Civil Jurisdiction Increases to $20,000

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

Effective September 1, 2020, the civil jurisdiction limit (amount in controversy) for justice courts has increased from $10,000 to $20,000.

Future of the Driver License Program Is Pending

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Transportation Research (CTR) has completed its study and released its findings and recommendations regarding the future of the driver licensing program in Texas. Last session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 616 by Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury), requiring the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to contract with a third-party vendor to study the program and the problems that have plagued it for many years.

TAC’s Legislative Programs Go Virtual

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

The Texas Association of Counties' (TAC) regional Legislative Exchange events provide an opportunity for county officials to come together and discuss legislative issues of importance to county government with their legislators and the TAC Legislative staff.

Legislative Conference Opens on a Virtual High Note

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in unbelievable ways. A year ago, we couldn’t have imagined that we’d be where we are today. And we certainly all grieve over the cost in lives and livelihoods lost in getting to this point.

AG Opinions and Requests

September 14, 2020| Legislative News

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


  1 - 25