The 83rd Legislature has begun its 140-day regular session. With the re-election of Speaker Joe Straus, the major state leadership remains unchanged. However, with redistricting, retirements, and unsuccessful election bids, there have been major changes in the membership. With a majority of the House being freshman or sophomores, new leadership will be required in the committees, where most legislative work is done.
During the initial 60 days, bills are drafted and introduced. Thereafter, committee hearings and floor sessions will dominate the remainder of the session.
Some county-related bills have been introduced and need your attention:
- HJR30 by Rep. Larson: A constitutional amendment to allow county charters and consolidation of cities and counties of 100,000 populations or more, and certain adjacent counties.
- HJR46 by Rep. Burkett: A constitutional amendment requiring that all county commissioners run for re-election in the election following redistricting of the precincts.
- HB177 by Rep. Larson: Providing for housing county jail inmates in a tent.
- HB247 by Rep. Walle: Authorizing noise regulation by certain counties.
- HB211 by Rep. Fletcher: Increasing the county warrant fee from $50 to $75.
- HB335 by Rep. Strickland: Allowing Internet posting instead of newspaper publication.
- HB385 by Rep. Thompson: Allowing commissioners court to approve self-insurance for county officers, instead of official bonds.
- HB460 by Rep Cortez: Authorizing county clerk and deputy county clerks in counties of 1.3 million or more to perform marriage ceremonies.
- HB483 by Rep. Aycock: Establishes a procedure for county payments exceeding contracted compensation.
For more information, please call me at 1-800-733-0699.
– Jim Allison, General Counsel
