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    TAC Legislative Conference

    • August 28, 2024 - August 30, 2024 Multi-day
    • 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Fairmont Austin Hotel
      101 Red River St.
      Austin, TX 78701
    • Contact Deanna Auert or Rachel Kucera at (800) 456‑5974.
    • Contact Us
    TAC Legislative Conference

    Level 5 Foyer

    Congressional Ballroom, Level 3

    (live online only)

    Manchester EE, Level 5
    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, 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 booth on the fifth floor.

    Manchester Ballroom, Level 5

    Congressional Ballroom, Level 3
    Sponsored by: Traylor & Associates

    Manchester GG, Level 5
    Were you elected or appointed after Aug. 30, 2023? If yes, you are invited to attend our New Official Networking event. Preregistration is required.

    If your legislator is here, you would have been notified before the conference and will find your invitation inside your name badge.

    Level 5 Foyer

    Palm Park, Level 7

    (live online only)

    From wildfires and hurricanes to floods and tornadoes, Texas counties face diverse disaster challenges. Effective long-term planning is essential to building resilient communities and safeguarding public safety. Our panelists will share practical strategies, best practices and lessons learned from managing emergency response and recovery operations in the aftermath of disasters. Topics include working with response agencies, available funding streams, reimbursement mechanisms, debris, donation management and disaster procurement to support ongoing recovery efforts.

    The American Rescue Plan Act marked a historic win for counties. Congress sent $65 billion in direct aid to counties, a powerful demonstration of its confidence that locally elected and appointed officials best know the needs of their communities. Congress’ trust in county officials results from the relationships you have built in partnership with TAC and the National Association of Counties. Join us for a discussion on leveraging this success as Congress takes up reauthorization of the Farm Bill, enacts the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and considers additional investments and competitive grants.

    Truth in taxation requires local taxing units to make taxpayers aware of tax rate proposals and affords them the opportunity to limit tax increases. Exactly how does that requirement come together? Join us as we explore how the dynamics of truth in taxation affect your county.

    Ensuring the safety of our courts is a top priority for all counties. Join us for an insightful discussion on the crucial issue of judicial security. Our expert panel will explore the delicate balance between enhancing security measures and maintaining public access, all while ensuring the safety of judges and staff members. Don’t miss this important conversation.

    With the first round of audits for the state’s new rural law enforcement grant program underway and the next application process about to start, come to our roundtable discussion where we’ll address your lingering questions about Senate Bill 22 and clarify what to expect moving forward.

    Congressional Ballroom, Level 3
    Open during lunch, noon-1:30 p.m.

    Congressional Ballroom, Level 3

    From wildfires and hurricanes to floods and tornadoes, Texas counties face diverse disaster challenges. Effective long-term planning is essential to building resilient communities and safeguarding public safety. Our panelists will share practical strategies, best practices and lessons learned from managing emergency response and recovery operations in the aftermath of disasters. Topics include working with response agencies, available funding streams, reimbursement mechanisms, debris, donation management and disaster procurement to support ongoing recovery efforts.

    The American Rescue Plan Act marked a historic win for counties. Congress sent $65 billion in direct aid to counties, a powerful demonstration of its confidence that locally elected and appointed officials best know the needs of their communities. Congress’ trust in county officials results from the relationships you have built in partnership with TAC and the National Association of Counties. Join us for a discussion on leveraging this success as Congress takes up reauthorization of the Farm Bill, enacts the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and considers additional investments and competitive grants.

    Truth in taxation requires local taxing units to make taxpayers aware of tax rate proposals and affords them the opportunity to limit tax increases. Exactly how does that requirement come together? Join us as we explore how the dynamics of truth in taxation affect your county.

    Ensuring the safety of our courts is a top priority for all counties. Join us for an insightful discussion on the crucial issue of judicial security. Our expert panel will explore the delicate balance between enhancing security measures and maintaining public access, all while ensuring the safety of judges and staff members. Don’t miss this important conversation.

    With the first round of audits for the state’s new rural law enforcement grant program underway and the next application process about to start, come to our roundtable discussion where we’ll address your lingering questions about Senate Bill 22 and clarify what to expect moving forward.

    Congressional Ballroom, Level 3

    Are counties prepared to ensure voter safety and manage emergencies at polling places? As the cost of election administration rises due to recent legislation, will counties have future funding options available? Our distinguished panel will explore these topics and more.

    Do you know what to do if someone enters your county office declaring they are conducting a constitutional or First Amendment audit and begins recording video and making demands of you and your staff? Attend this session to understand your rights and how to handle these situations responsibly and effectively.

    Explore the ins and outs of pursuing and accepting grant funds for Texas counties. We’ll discuss the value of grants for initiatives such as mental health deputies, law enforcement equipment and mandated services like indigent defense while considering the potential strain that federal and state grant standards, administrative requirements and match obligations can place on county budgets and resources.

    Join us for a session exploring how counties have used the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) to assess resources, identify service gaps and engage stakeholders in addressing local behavioral health needs. Learn about the support provided by the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, including SIM mapping tools, the County Mental Health Law Plan pilot program and various training opportunities available to counties. Discover how these initiatives can transform behavioral health services in your community.

    Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are changing faster than governments can adapt. Both public entities and private businesses are at a crossroads between innovative use of technology and safeguarding themselves against unforeseen risks. Join us for a robust discussion on the intersection of AI and county government and what counties need to consider as they navigate this changing technology landscape.

    Palm Park, Level 7

    If your legislator is here, you would have been notified before the conference and will find your invitation inside your name badge.

    Are counties prepared to ensure voter safety and manage emergencies at polling places? As the cost of election administration rises due to recent legislation, will counties have future funding options available? Our distinguished panel will explore these topics and more.

    Do you know what to do if someone enters your county office declaring they are conducting a constitutional or First Amendment audit and begins recording video and making demands of you and your staff? Attend this session to understand your rights and how to handle these situations responsibly and effectively.

    Explore the ins and outs of pursuing and accepting grant funds for Texas counties. We’ll discuss the value of grants for initiatives such as mental health deputies, law enforcement equipment and mandated services like indigent defense while considering the potential strain that federal and state grant standards, administrative requirements and match obligations can place on county budgets and resources.

    Join us for a session exploring how counties have used the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) to assess resources, identify service gaps and engage stakeholders in addressing local behavioral health needs. Learn about the support provided by the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, including SIM mapping tools, the County Mental Health Law Plan pilot program and various training opportunities available to counties. Discover how these initiatives can transform behavioral health services in your community.

    Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are changing faster than governments can adapt. Both public entities and private businesses are at a crossroads between innovative use of technology and safeguarding themselves against unforeseen risks. Join us for a robust discussion on the intersection of AI and county government and what counties need to consider as they navigate this changing technology landscape.

    Congressional Ballroom, Level 3

    Affiliate organizations host a 1.5-hour meeting to discuss legislative issues or association business during the conference.

    This social event is an opportunity to celebrate all county officials who volunteer their time and expertise to advocate on behalf of counties. Your efforts during the legislative session are critical to the success of protecting local government. Thank you for your efforts!

    Level 5 Foyer

    (live online only)

    Manchester Ballroom, Level 5

    Manchester Ballroom, Level 5
    For decades, protecting the border has been a key political issue. The passage of Senate Bill 4 has now pushed counties to the forefront of the immigration conversation. In our closing session, we will discuss the current challenges counties are facing, as well as the potential new challenges they may encounter if Senate Bill 4 goes into effect.