Legislative Services

FCC to Host Webinar for Texas County Officials

Texas county officials are invited to join a webinar hosted by the Federal Communications Commission on June 11 at 12 p.m. CDT (11 a.m. MDT). The session is titled “FCC 101 – What Texas Counties Need to Know.”

Emmitt Carlton, the FCC’s deputy chief for intergovernmental affairs, will lead the webinar. He will talk about the agency’s main responsibilities and current goals and will share updates relevant to counties across the state.

Register here to attend.

House Budget Bill: What It Means for Counties

The National Association of Counties has published a summary of county-related provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22 by a 215-214 vote.

NACo reported that the bill includes both opportunities and challenges for counties. Among the positives: The bill reauthorizes the Secure Rural Schools program, protects counties’ ability to finance infrastructure projects at reduced costs and delays cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payments, preserving a key funding source for county-supported hospitals serving low-income populations.

The bill also expands U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs and raises the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act’s revenue-sharing cap from $500 million to $650 million through 2034. This increase would allow counties in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to receive additional revenue for coastal protection and restoration from offshore oil and gas production.

NACo flagged several county concerns. The bill introduces new Medicaid cost-sharing requirements that could increase uncompensated care in county hospitals and clinics. It also imposes a 10-year freeze on local regulation of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the bill rescinds $262 million in unobligated Inflation Reduction Act funds, which could reduce county access to energy efficiency and conservation grants as well as certain transportation funding.

The U.S. Senate is expected to make significant changes to the bill. NACo says it will keep counties informed as developments occur.