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The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

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Second Special Session Report

October 1, 2021 by Sarah L

   After failing to pass any legislation in the First Called Session due to a lack of a quorum in the House of Representatives, the Second Called Session sent 14 bills and one constitutional amendment to Gov. Greg Abbott. Some of these bills will have a significant effect on counties. 

   S.B. 6 by Sen. Huffman will revise the bail bond system in Texas. Defendants charged with a violent offense will not be eligible for a personal bond. Magistrates will be required to complete additional training. A new instrument, called a Public Safety Report, must be reviewed by the magistrate before setting bail on all felonies and Class A & B misdemeanors. There is no state funding for any additional county cost for implementing these changes. County auditors should begin developing the procedures to determine the additional taxpayer cost, and Commissioners Courts should be prepared to increase county budgets as required.  

   S.B. 1 by Sen. Hughes will make major changes in the election process. Additional requirements are imposed upon election officers, including additional security. Voting machines that do not produce a paper trail must be replaced. New restrictions are imposed on mail ballots and voting locations. Some grant funds are available for replacement of voting machines. County auditors should document all additional costs for these changes. 

     H.B. 9 by Rep. Bonnen provides funding for border security, known as Operation Lone Star. In addition to funds for DPS and National Guard personnel, approximately $1 billion is appropriated to the governor for border fencing and local enforcement costs. Grant authorization is included to reimburse counties for border security expenses. Eligibility is not limited to counties on the border with Mexico. Counties should document increased costs for law enforcement, courts, jails, and indigent defense. For details on law enforcement, courts, and jail grants, contact the Texas Department of Emergency Management or the Office of the Governor. For details on indigent defense grants, contact the Texas Commission on Indigent Defense. 

     A Third Called Session convened on Sept. 20 to consider reapportionment of the Senate, House, Congressional, and State Board of Education districts. Other topics may be included by the governor at any time. 

   For additional information, please call me at 1-800-733-0699.


Jim Allison

General Council, CJCAT

Filed Under: From the General Counsel, Legislature Tagged With: H.B. 9, Jim Allison, S.B. 1, S.B. 6, special session

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Dates of Interest for the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature

Official deadlines will be set when the House and Senate adopt their rules, but until then, the Texas Legislative Council Drafting Manual provides the following general calendar: 

Bill pre-filing began:  Nov. 14, 2022 

1st day of session:  Jan. 10, 2023 

60-day bill filing deadline:  March 10, 2023  

Adjournment sine die:  May 29, 2023 

Post-session 20-day deadline for governor to sign or veto:  June 18, 2023 

Effective date (91st day after adjournment):  Aug. 28, 2023

Sample Rules of Procedure, Conduct, and Decorum at Meetings of the County Commissioners Court

Resolutions

Unfunded Mandate Resolution

The latest resolutions passed by the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas and the three Regional Associations are available at the links below.

County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Resolutions 2022

North & East Texas Resolutions 2022

South Texas Resolutions 2022

West Texas Resolutions 2022

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