Legislative Services

By the Numbers

A total of 8,998 bills and joint resolutions were filed by the 89th Legislature, a number that could still tick up slightly should a lawmaker or two receive the required four-fifths majority needed for post-deadline filing. On Monday, 827 bills and joint resolutions had passed either the House or the Senate. By Wednesday, 1,132 had crossed the aisle. That number should continue to swell in this home stretch of peak legislative activity.

One week ago, just four bills and zero joint resolutions had passed the Legislature. Fifty more bills have now made their way through both chambers and await the governor’s pen or veto stamp.

As was the case last week, only one bill has been signed into law so far, Senate Bill 14. It creates a Texas “DOGE” within the governor’s office.

Counties and the State Budget

House and Senate budget conferees are working to reconcile their chamber’s budgets to send to the governor for final approval. This reference document compares selected budget items of interest to counties. For more information, please contact Zelma Smith.

Election Watch

Busy making your November 2026 plans? Us neither. But if you’re state Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), Attorney General Ken Paxton, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn or others mulling a run for elected office, November 2026 does not seem so distant.

Following his unsuccessful race to replace U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell as Senate Majority Leader, Cornyn sought to dispel retirement speculation by quickly announcing that he would seek reelection. Not long after, Paxton formalized what many long suspected: The race would pit one former attorney general (Cornyn, 1998-2002) against another, Paxton (2014-present).

Attorney John Bash was first to launch a bid to replace Paxton, but he dropped out Wednesday, citing a family health scare. Middleton quickly entered the race, pledging to self-finance his campaign with at least $10 million. Days later, Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) confirmed her interest in becoming the state’s next top law enforcement official.

Another key office will also be up for grabs. In March, Comptroller Glenn Hegar accepted an offer to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Two Republicans have announced they will run to replace Hegar: former state Sen. Don Huffines and current Railroad Commission Chair Christi Craddick.

Much more to come as new and familiar faces join this game of political musical chairs.

Texas Demographic Conference

The Texas Demographic Center is hosting its annual data users conference May 21-22 in Dallas. Events include a networking reception and presentations on demographic trends, the state economy and growth projections. Visit the conference website for details and registration.

House Democrats Relax Legislative Blockade

Last week, we reported on House Democrats banding together to shoot down proposed constitutional amendments, an apparent response to the tabling of all proposed amendments to SB 2, the public school voucher bill. The blanket denial of their votes was short-lived. On Monday, most Democrats cast yea votes on House Joint Resolution 72 by Rep. Candy Noble (R-Lucas).

Legislative Directory Available

TAC’s Legislative Directory for the 89th Legislature is still available for order. The directory includes contact information for legislative leaders, committees, county official associations and TAC’s Legislative Services team.

Order free your copies here.

Grant Opportunities

TAC highlights state and federal grant opportunities on its continuously updated Grant Opportunities webpage. TAC also maintains a listserv community to foster discussion between county officials on available grants. To join the listserv or share a grant success story, please contact Zelma Smith.

Help Legislators Understand Local Impacts

Throughout the 89th Legislature, TAC has assisted the Legislative Budget Board in its preparation of fiscal notes — written estimates of the costs, savings and revenue gains or losses associated with a bill or joint resolution.

If you are aware of a bill with fiscal impact that has not yet been assessed, please contact us at FiscalNotes.

Week in Review is a collaborative column from TAC Legislative Services.