With over 5,000 bills currently filed, the legislative session will definitely include numerous bills with significant effect on counties. Bills often undergo major changes as they progress through the committee and floor process. To receive timely updates on significant bills, please monitor the Texas Association of Counties listserv.
Under Section 5, Article III, Texas Constitution, the House and Senate may only consider emergency items submitted by the governor during the first 60 days of the session. This limitation can be suspended by a four-fifths vote of the body. After March 14, all bills are subject to consideration, and the calendar quickly becomes crowded. Since the only mandatory action is the adoption of the state budget, the appropriations bills will receive consideration.
The lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house exert great influence over the progress of various issues. The lieutenant governor reserves Senate Bill Nos. 1-31 for his priorities. House Bills Nos. 1-99 are reserved for the speaker’s primary issues. When there are differences in adopted House and Senate versions, they are resolved by a conference committee of House and Senate members appointed by the presiding officers.
There are some county-related bills that are already receiving high consideration. An update of significant bills will be posted on the listserv. The following is an abbreviated list of critical bills:
Good Bills That Need Support:
H.B. 1/S.B. 1 – Appropriation Bills. Contact the state leadership to identify and request continued funding for all state grants received by your county plus additional funding of Transportation Infrastructure Grants for county road repair.
S.B. 253 by Sen. Flores, referred to Senate Local Government Committee – Corrects plat requirement statute to eliminate flag lots.
S.B. 468 by Sen. Sparks, referred to Senate Criminal Justice/H.B. 355 by Rep. Craddick, referred to House Juvenile Justice – Reimbursement to counties from TJJD for state juveniles not accepted within 30 days.
S.B. 1173 by Sen. Perry, referred to Senate Local Government/H.B. 1998 by Rep. Spiller – Increases the bid limit to $100,000.
Problem Bills That Need Work:
S.B. 19 by Sen. Middleton, reported favorably from Senate State Affairs – Prohibits counties from supporting a nonprofit association, such as the CJCAT, that provides legislative representation and communication.
S.B. 76 by Sen. Hall, referred to Senate State Affairs – Eliminates the countywide polling system.
S.B. 404 by Sen. Middleton, referred to Senate Local Government – Limits counties to state-managed investment pools.
S.B. 776 by Sen. Hughes, referred to Senate Business and Commerce/H.B. 2463 by Rep. Leach – Unlimited county liability to contractors for construction delays.
S.B. 982 by Sen. Hughes, referred to Senate Local Government – Allows appraisal appeals to J.P. court.
