2021

Legislation Effective Jan. 1

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

All legislation includes a clause stipulating when the law will take effect. The bills described below take effect Jan. 1. More information on these bills and others can be found in TAC’s 2021 Legislative Analysis Report.

Flood of Incumbents Announce They Will Not Seek Reelection

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

The third and fourth longest-serving members of the Texas Senate, the chair of the powerful House State Affairs Committee, the architects of 2019’s lauded public education reform, a 30-year veteran of the Texas House: What do these lawmakers share in common? None of them will be back when the Legislature reconvenes 13 months from now.

Governor’s Public Safety Office Criminal Justice Grants for 2023

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

On Dec. 13 the Governor’s Public Safety Office will begin accepting applications for various state and federal Criminal Justice grants.

Federal Grant Opportunity: Rural eConnectivity Program

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a rural development agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is accepting applications for fiscal year 2022 for the Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect).

All 8 Proposed Amendments on November Ballot Now Part of Texas Constitution

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

The 87th Legislature passed eight joint resolutions proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution, all of which took effect immediately after voters approved them on Nov. 2.

D.C. Watch

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

Congress Passes Bipartisan ‘Hard’ Infrastructure Investment Bill; $35 Billion Set for Texas

Record Number Joins Webinar to Discuss Senate Bill 41

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

Senate Bill 41 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) takes effect on Jan. 1.

County Judges and Commissioners Hold Annual Conference

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

More than 280 county judges and commissioners met on Oct. 11-14 in Round Rock for their 99th Annual State Judges and Commissioners Conference.

TDCAA Holds Annual Elected Prosecutor Conference

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

The Texas District and County Attorneys Association (TDCAA) kicked off its annual Elected Prosecutor Conference in Rockwall on Dec. 1.

Tax Assessor-Collectors Attend V.G. Young School

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

Tax Assessor-Collectors and staff attended the 39th Annual V.G. Young School for County Tax Assessor-Collectors in November in Round Rock.

2021 Texas Public Funds Investment Conference

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

Following a shift to a virtual format in 2020 due to the pandemic, TAC’s Texas Public Funds Investment Conference returned to an in-person gathering and welcomed over 100 guests for the two-day educational event.

What We're Reading

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

Here's a look at some of the Texas stories media outlets covered this week:

AG Opinions and Requests

December 10, 2021| Legislative News

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

Redistricting Complete; Primary and General Election Dates Set

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

In September’s County Issues newsletter, we summarized the second special session’s Senate Bill 13 by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston). SB 13 was set to shift election dates if the Legislature did not complete redistricting by Nov. 15. Fortunately, no temporary alternative election dates will be needed.

Proposed State Constitutional Amendments of Interest to Counties

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

Texans will go to the polls Tuesday to vote on proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. A list of the amendments that will appear on the ballot can be found here.

With 3rd Special Session Complete, Governor and Lieutenant Governor Disagree on Need for 4th

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

Using all 30 days allotted by the Texas Constitution, and still needing a late flurry of activity, the 87th Legislature passed most of Gov. Greg Abbott’s priorities and adjourned the third special session on Oct. 19.

Gov. Abbott Signs Legislature’s Redistricting Maps

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

To the surprise of many who thought the process would take more than one special session to sort out, the 87th Legislature successfully redrew congressional, legislative and State Board of Education district maps.

Grant Awards Available Through Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Program

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

The $25 million Local Hazard Mitigation Plans Program (LHMPP) provides grants to help eligible entities develop or update local hazard mitigation plans.

Legislature OKs $13.3 Billion Spending Plan for State's ARPA Funds

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

Appropriating the state’s $16.3 billion in COVID-19 fiscal relief funds and reapportioning legislative, congressional and State Board of Education districts were the top priorities.

Legislature Passes Measures to Increase Residential Homestead Exemption

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

The Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate reached a late-night agreement on property tax reform measures.

D.C. Watch

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

TAC’s federal outreach team held its first meetings with members of the Texas congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 27 and 28.

"Dog Tethering" Bill Passes Again; Governor Signs It This Time

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

Senate Bill 5, by Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. (D-Brownsville), represents the latest effort to update state canine-restraint laws.

Broadband 2021 Report

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

Gov. Greg Abbott’s Broadband Development Council recently released its 2021 report to the Texas Legislature.

County Auditors Elect New Board of Directors

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

At its recently completed 76th Annual Fall Conference, the Texas Association of County Auditors (TACA) installed a new President and Board of Directors for the 2021-22 term.

AG Opinions and Requests

October 28, 2021| Legislative News

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


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