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.
Although, sadly, the virtual format does not allow for TAC to provide breakfast tacos, as is tradition, one big advantage of going virtual is the ability for officials to join from their home county. This year's inaugural breakfast was the best attended yet, with 192 participants signing on for a high-level review of some of the most relevant county-related bills that members of the Texas House and Senate will consider between now and the end of May.
TAC Executive Director Susan M. Redford welcomed participants with a reminder that TAC stands ready to help them meet their needs. Director of Legislative Services Noe Barrios followed by giving attendees an overview of the 140-day session. More than 1,300 bills have been filed so far, Barrios said, with thousands more to come before the filing deadline arrives on March 12. Lawmaker priorities include the state budget, redistricting and pandemic-related legislation.
TAC's legislative consultants and analysts, along with members of county official associations, offered attendees a glimpse at the comptroller's revenue estimate for the 2022-23 biennium, forthcoming results of TAC's unfunded mandates survey and a handful of bills of particular importance to county government. These bills include House Bill 749 and Senate Bill 234, which Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller, President of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, called, “part of a legislative effort to silence local government.” Zeller said it was critical for county officials to work together to effectively counter this effort.
Among other bills and priorities that affiliate organizations and TAC's legislative team will be closely monitoring are those that would affect law enforcement, elections, emergency management and local control. As the 87th Legislature picks up pace, TAC's Tuesday Morning Breakfasts will keep you on top of the Capitol's ever-changing legislative landscape.
Eventually, it is hoped that the breakfasts may be held in person at TAC headquarters in Austin. Until then, join us each Tuesday at 8 a.m. to virtually network with other county officials.
Registration is needed for participation. Register for next week's event today. Login instructions will be sent with confirmation of your registration.
Amy Ruedas can answer any questions you may have about the Tuesday Morning Breakfast meetings. She may be reached by phone at (800) 456-5974, or by email.