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From the Legislature to the Gavel: A Discussion about the State of our Judiciary after the 88th Legislative Session
Join us for a panel discussion from judges and the Texas Office of Court Administration on how recent legislation will impact our court systems. Learn about how engagement and expert testimony positively affected legislative outcomes.Moderator: Ms. Kelsey Bernstein, Legislative Consultant – Justices of the Peace and Constables Association and Core Legislative Group Coordinator, Texas Association of Counties
Speaker(s): Hon. J.R. Woolley, Waller County Justice of the Peace
Ms. Megan Lavoie, Administrative Director, Texas Office of Court Administration
Hon. Jimmy Sylvia, Chambers County Judge -
Mental Health: Confinement, Restoration and Recidivism
The expansive intersection between local public safety and mental health was again a priority of the Texas Legislature this year. This panel will discuss new legislation targeting county jail mental health backlogs, state mental health resources for beds and staffing, and local mental health programs designed to reduce reoffending through continuity of care once a person is released from custody.Moderator: Mr. Skylor Hearn, Legislative Consultant – Sheriffs' Association, Texas Association of Counties
Speaker(s): Hon. Jacob Putman, Smith County District Attorney
Hon. Brian Hawthorne, Chambers County Sheriff -
Broadband Funding – Helping Counties Bridge the Digital Divide
The 88th Legislature has committed a historic amount of funding for broadband in Texas. This session will cover the grant application process that lies ahead and how your county can make a quality investment for its future.Moderator: Ms. Megan Molleur, Legislative Consultant – Texas District & County Attorneys Association and Federal Issues Coordinator, Texas Association of Counties
Speaker(s): Ms. Andrea Pacheco, Broadband Outreach Coordinator, Texas Broadband Development Office
Ms. Ginny Lewis Ford, Executive Director, Texas Association of Regional Councils
Ms. Jennifer Harris, Federal Program Officer, U.S. Dept. of Commerce (NTIA)
Ms. Jennifer Prather, Chief Executive Officer, Totelcom Communications, LLC
Mr. Joseph Seeber, Chief of Staff, Representative Trent Ashby -
Grant Funding for Counties: New and Increased Funding Opportunities
Come to this session for a recap of new and increased grant funding for counties included in the 2023 supplemental and 2024-25 budgets and a refresher on new and recurring federal grant opportunities for which counties are eligible. You will also hear about the sustainability of state grant funds, the strings attached to certain state grant programs and how counties can avoid the need to replace grant funds with local taxpayer funds.Moderator: Ms. Zelma Smith, Financial Analyst, Texas Association of Counties
Speaker(s): Ms. Kimberly Lile Dowty, Associate Director, Texas Association of Regional Council
Mr. Nathan Cradduck, Tom Green County Auditor and President, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Julie Lindsey, Assistant Director, Legislative Budget Board -
ARPA, Year 3: Impact Assessment & Ongoing Obligations
The American Rescue Plan Act's historic investment directly in Texas counties has benefitted communities statewide in a wide variety of ways. As projects mature and deadlines approach, share in success stories and hear cautionary tales from leaders delivering for their counties.Moderator: Mr. Pete Winckler, Legislative Consultant – Texas Association of County Auditors, Texas Association of Counties
Speakers: Hon. Curtis Parrish, Lubbock County Judge
Hon. Connie Scott, Nueces County Judge
Mr. Tramer Woytek, Judicial Resource Liaison & County Relations Officer, Texas
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From the Legislature to the Gavel: A Discussion about the State of our Judiciary after the 88th Legislative Session
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Mental Health: Confinement, Restoration and Recidivism
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Broadband Funding – Helping Counties Bridge the Digital Divide
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Grant Funding for Counties: New and Increased Funding Opportunities
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ARPA, Year 3: Impact Assessment & Ongoing Obligations
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Elections: Standardization and Centralization of Elections
Join the esteemed panel to learn updates on new election laws passed during the legislative session. The panel will discuss implementing new laws, with best practice procedures for counties.Moderator: Ms. Nanette Forbes, Legislative Consultant – County & District Clerks' Association, Texas Association of Counties
Speakers: Hon. Heather Hawthorne, Chambers County Clerk
Ms. Christina Adkins, Director of Elections, Secretary of State's Office -
Emergency Management: Texas Water – Too Much or Not Enough? Recent Legislative Investments in Texas Water Infrastructure, Planning & Management, and How Counties Can Prepare to Access Funding
Whether there is too much or not enough, water can be a major emergency. During the last few sessions, the Texas Legislature has made historic investments in the state’s water future. In 2019, the legislature addressed flood planning and infrastructure funding by creating the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund and the Flood Infrastructure Fund. These funds will likely see an influx of new money after the final passage of HB 1 during the 2023 legislative session. In 2023, the Legislature also created and appropriated over $1 billion dollars to capitalize the new, Texas Water Fund to address water supply issues and help pay for new water development projects and upgrades to water infrastructure.Moderator: Ms. Elizabeth Choate, Legislative Consultant – County Treasurers' Association of Texas, Texas Association of Counties
Speaker(s): Ms. Sarah Kirkle, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs, Texas Water Conservation Association
Ms. Brooke Paup, Chair, Texas Water Development Board
Senator Charles Perry, Texas Senate -
Property Taxes: Boost or Burden?
Property tax relief was the campaign promise heard across Texas. What did the 88th Legislature do to provide relief to property owners? Listen to industry experts explain what was passed by the Legislature, what it means for your communities, and long-term impacts to consider.Moderator: Ms. Caroline Love, Legislative Consultant – Tax Assessor-Collectors Association, Texas Association of Counties
Speaker(s): Hon. Larry Gaddes, Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector
Mr. James LeBas, Principal, Tax & Fiscal Consulting
Mr. Kevin McCormack, Chief Legal Officer, Division of Legal Services, Harris Central Appraisal District -
NACo: Counties' Seat at the Table in Washington, D.C.
Join the National Association of Counties' leadership for a discussion about their federal advocacy efforts and how your engagement can help secure federal policies and resources that support your county.Moderator: Ms. Megan Molleur, Legislative Consultant – Texas District & County Attorneys Association and Federal Issues Coordinator, Texas Association of Counties
Speaker(s): Mr. Matthew Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties (NACo) -
Law Enforcement: Perspectives on the Rural Law Enforcement Salary Assistance Grants
The rural law enforcement grants provided through SB 22 mark a significant shift in the historic legislative aversion to funding local law enforcement salaries with state dollars. These grants will have a significant impact on most Texas counties and a life-changing impact on many women and men who serve in these local criminal justice agencies. This panel will provide insight on that effect.Moderator: Mr. Skylor Hearn, Legislative Consultant – Sheriffs' Association, Texas Association of Counties
Speaker(s): Hon. Staley Heatly, 46h Judicial District Attorney
Hon. Greg Capers, San Jacinto County Sheriff
Local Control: Keeping Decision Making Local
Local decision-making continues to be under attack. Join us for a discussion on recent legislative attempts to further erode local control.
Moderator: Ms. Katy Estrada, Legislative Consultant – County Judges and Commissioners Association, Texas Association of Counties
Speaker(s): Hon. Jennifer Tharp, Comal County District Attorney
Rep. Todd Hunter, Texas House of Representatives
Hon. Tim Addison, Yoakum County Commissioner
Hon. Andrew Eads, Denton County Judge
Before the general session, Core Legislative Group members will have an opportunity to look at successes and the hard work CLG members did during the legislative session. A panel of CLG members will be discussing their experiences this session, from preparation to office visits and testifying in a hearing. This event is for current Core Legislative Group members. However, if you would like to attend, please register for the Core Legislative Group at the CLG Lounge on the fifth floor.
Moderator: Ms. Kelsey Bernstein, Legislative Consultant – Justices of the Peace and Constables Association and Core Legislative Group Coordinator, Texas Association of Counties
Speaker: Mr. Noe Barrios, Director of Legislative Services, Texas Association of Counties
Welcome
Presiding: Mr. Nathan Cradduck, Tom Green County Auditor and President, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Susan M. Redford, Executive Director, Texas Association of Counties
Legislative Overview
Mr. Noe Barrios, Director of Legislative Services
Stronger Together
Secretary Nelson's remarks will focus on how county and state governments can work together to best serve Texans and what Texas can do today to ensure a strong future.
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson
Were you elected or appointed from Nov. 8, 2022-Aug. 30, 2023? If yes, you are invited to attend our first New Official Networking event on Wednesday, Aug. 30. RSVP online when you register. Formal Invitation to follow.