Legislative Services

County officials from across Texas will gather in Austin Aug. 26-28 for the Texas Association of Counties’ 2026 Legislative Conference. The three-day event, which also will be available virtually, will focus on key issues counties are expected to face when the 90th Texas Legislature convenes in January. Panel discussions also will cover federal issues affecting county government.

The conference will bring together county officials, legislators, policy experts and representatives from the National Association of Counties. Exhibitors will showcase services and products designed for counties.

Keynote Speaker

S.C. Gwynne, journalist and bestselling author of “Empire of the Summer Moon,” will deliver the keynote address during the opening general session. He will discuss storytelling and how county officials can better communicate the work of local government to their communities.

Panel Discussions

The conference agenda includes 10 panel discussions moderated by members of TAC’s Legislative Services team. The session titles:

• From Pennies to Policy: Operational Impacts on Texas Counties
• Natural Disasters in Texas: Practical Preparedness, Response and Recovery for Counties
• Death Inquests in Texas: Bridging the Gap Between JPs and Medical Examiners
• Miles of Opportunity: Reauthorization, Federal Investment and the Road Ahead for Texas Counties
• Radio Interoperability: Ensuring Communications for All Responders
• 90th Legislative Session Preview: A Conversation on the Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee
• The State of Elections
• Power Without Authority: How Counties Can Shape Development
• Counting on You: Strategies for Maximizing Federal Allocations in 2030
• The Gold Standard: How County Judges, Auditors and Treasurers Can Work Together to Safeguard Local Money

Closing Session

The conference will conclude Aug. 28 with a discussion on state property tax policy and its effect on counties’ ability to fund essential services. Panelists also will discuss ways to better align state policies with local government realities.

Agenda details, speaker information and registration are available at www.county.org/legeconference. Discounted registration rates are available through Aug. 6.