January

Week in Review: A Digest of What Happened This Week at the Capitol

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

It was an eventful week at the Capitol, as Tuesday, Jan. 12, marked the first day of the 87th Legislative Session. The House elected a new speaker for the first time since the start of the 86th session in 2019.

Bills of Interest

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

TAC Legislative Services staff has highlighted some recently filed bills of interest to county officials.

Comptroller Projects $112.5 Billion for 2022-23 Budget

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

Texas lawmakers enter the 87th Legislative Session with an estimated $112.5 billion available for general purpose spending in the next two-year state budget, a number significantly higher than what was estimated this summer when the coronavirus began to devastate the economy.

Rep. Hugh Shine Files Property Tax Relief Bill

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

Rep. Hugh Shine (R-Temple) filed HJR 32, a proposed constitutional amendment restricting the power of the Legislature to mandate requirements on cities and counties.

$1.9 Trillion “America Rescue Plan” Will Test Bipartisanship of 117th Congress

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

After months of tense negotiations among Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-California), and Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin, all parties were able to finally agree upon a $2.3 trillion omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2021, which included $900 billion in COVID-19 relief.

Tuesday Morning Breakfasts Begin Virtually

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

A few hours before the 87th Texas Legislature gaveled in on Tuesday, the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) hosted the first in a series of weekly working breakfasts. TAC traditionally hosts these breakfasts for county officials every legislative session. As with other events, TAC moved the breakfast online, as your safety is our first priority. 

Make a difference for county government with TAC’s Core Legislative Group

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

As the 87th Texas Legislature convenes, the policy issues and priorities of county government are more important than ever. Whether it’s speaking up about the impacts of underfunded mandates or making sure voting preparation and implementation measures continue to enhance election integrity – you know what legislative initiatives matter most to your community.

Elections Legislation

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

Since early bill filing began on Nov. 9, there have been approximately 100 election bills filed, and more are expected. The largest concentration of these bills focus on voter registration.

Meet TAC’s Legislative Consultants

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

As the 87th Texas Legislature convenes, TAC’s Legislative Consultants are ready to help your county. TAC Legislative Consultants serve as liaisons between county officials and the state legislature on legislative matters.

Save the Date for Counties at the Capitol Virtual Legislative Day – Tuesday, Feb. 16

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

TAC’s Counties at the Capitol Day will get you up to speed on the most significant issues facing county government during the 87th Texas Legislature. We are responding to calls for slowing the spread of COVID-19 by hosting this event virtually. Your safety is our first priority as we strive to provide you with timely and valuable information.

AG Opinions and Requests

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

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

What We're Reading

January 15, 2021| Legislative News

The first week of the 87th Texas Legislature included COVID-19 protocols, the installation of House and Senate leadership and the adoption of chamber rules. Here are a few news articles on this week’s happenings:


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