July

Election Integrity and Security Bills

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

During the regular session of the 87th Legislature, election integrity and security bills, House Bill 6 by Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) and Senate Bill 7 by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola), would have made extensive changes to the election code, including additional voter identification and registration requirements, increases in criminal and civil penalties, and expansion of poll watchers' authority. Both bills failed to pass.

Property Tax Legislation Effective Now

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

Every Legislature makes changes that affect county government; this session that included changes to property tax rate calculations and budget timelines.

D.C. Watch: State Rep. Jake Ellzey Headed to Congress

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

On July 27, freshman state Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Waxahachie) won the special election runoff for the 6th Congressional District seat formerly held by U.S. Rep. Ron Wright (R-Arlington), who died earlier this year from COVID-19 complications.

Hundreds Attend 77th Annual JPCA Conference in Denton

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

The Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas (JPCA) met in Denton during June 21-25 for its 77th annual conference.

South Texas Judges and Commissioners Hold Annual Conference, Swear In New Board

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

The South Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas met in South Padre Island on June 29-July 1 for its annual conference.

North and East Texas County Judges and Commissioners Hold Annual Conference, Swear In New Board

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

The North and East Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association met in Waco on July 12-15 for its annual conference.

NACo Annual Conference Focused on COVID, Infrastructure and Broadband

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

The 2021 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference was held in Prince George's County, Maryland, from July 9 through July 12, and was attended either online or in-person by officials from nearly 2,500 of the country's 3,069 counties.

Budget-Writing Committees Approve Bills to Restore Funding for the Legislative Branch

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

Both the Senate Finance and House Appropriations committees recently approved appropriations bills to restore funding for Article X, the legislative branch of state government, following its veto by Gov. Greg Abbott.

AG Opinions and Requests

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

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

Early Bird Registration for TAC's Legislative Conference Ends Aug. 9

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

TAC's 2021 Legislative Conference, set for Sept. 1-3 in Austin, offers county officials and staff in-depth analysis of what happened during the 87th Legislature and how it affects county government.

What We're Reading

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

Here's a look at some of the Texas stories in the news this week.

Bail Reform Passes the Senate, Stalls in the House

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

The Legislature began the first-called special session with hearings in both House and Senate committees on bail reform legislation on Saturday, July 10.

Governor Adjusts Criminal History Reporting Grant Eligibility Requirements for FY 2022 Applications

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

Since Gov. Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-07 on Sept. 5, 2019, Criminal Justice Division grant applicants have been required to meet a 90% criminal case disposition reporting threshold.

Comptroller Estimates a $7.85 Billion Surplus for the 2022-2023 Biennium

July 29, 2021| Legislative News

Due to the reductions in General Revenue appropriations for the 2020-2021 biennium enacted by the 87th Legislature, combined with surging revenue collections, Hegar estimates a surplus of $5 billion at the end of fiscal year 2021.


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