Legislative Services

Speaker Phelan Withdraws; Reps. Cook and Burrows Stake Claim

When Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan claimed victory in the House District 21 primary runoff election, he also said he would be back as Speaker. While his return to the House of Representatives was secure, his return to leadership was not guaranteed. The race for speaker was already afoot. Rep. Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress) had been first in, issuing his challenge soon after primary results were tallied.

The field quickly grew to include Reps. Shelby Slawson (R-Stephenville), James Frank (R-Wichita Falls), John Smithee (R-Amarillo), Ana-Maria Ramos (D-Richardson), John Bryant (D-Dallas), David Cook (R-Mansfield) and Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock).

On Dec. 6, Phelan dropped his bid to return as Speaker. Most of the remaining candidates followed suit, narrowing the contest to Cook and Burrows. Each has released a list of supporters and projected confidence that they would next lead the House. Intense interest will surround the race until the 150-member House makes it official by electing Phelan's successor next month.

Interim Study Reports Published

Most of the House's standing, select and investigative committees have completed review of their assigned interim charges. See the interim reports for a summary of their public hearings and policy recommendations.

Some Senate committees have reported their interim study findings, as well. These include Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs; Veteran Affairs; and Health and Human Services. Forthcoming reports will be available on the committee's websites, accessible here. We expect to see many more interim reports released as the beginning of the legislative session approaches.

Sunset Advisory Commission Acts on Staff Recommendations

The joint House and Senate Sunset Advisory Commission reviews state agencies on a periodic basis for operational efficiency and execution of their statutory duties. The Commission met Dec. 11 to consider reports on criminal justice agencies under review, including the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Board of Pardons and Paroles. It also heard agency and public testimony on river authorities in advance of a January decision meeting. The commission's decisions form the basis of legislation necessary to continue the agencies.

Meet TAC's Legislative Services Team

TAC's Legislative Services team serves as a critical link between county officials and the Legislature. During the upcoming legislative session, the team will track thousands of bills, analyze proposed legislation and keep county leaders informed of key developments. With an experienced lineup of legislative consultants and policy analysts, the team ensures county leaders are informed and prepared for constructive dialogue with lawmakers.

Caroline Love, appointed Director of Legislative Services in April, leads the team. She previously served as a TAC legislative consultant and liaison to the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas. Amy Ruedas manages operations for the department.

Members of the team include the following legislative consultants, who serve as liaisons to county affiliate organizations:

• Amy Bruno, liaison to the Justices of the Peace & Constables Association of Texas
• William Chapman, federal issues
• Elizabeth Choate, liaison to the Texas District & County Attorneys Association
• Nanette Forbes, liaison to the County & District Clerks Association of Texas
• Davis Hairston, liaison to the Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas
• Kirsten Mills, liaison to the County & District Clerks Association of Texas
• Stefan Silveira, liaison to the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas
• Carl Weeks, liaison to the Sheriffs' Association of Texas
• Pete Winckler, liaison to the Texas Association of County Auditors and Core Legislative Group Coordinator
• Julie Young, liaison to the County Treasurers' Association of Texas

Policy analysts include Jack Austin and Sara Ratliff. Zelma Smith is the department's senior fiscal and policy analyst.

Contact Legislative Services team members here.

Upcoming schedule: Beginning Jan. 17, County Issues will shift to a weekly publication schedule during the regular legislative session. New editions will be sent via email every Friday.

For more information about this article, please contact Pete Winckler.