Legislative Services

The Texas Association of Counties is gearing up for its 2024 Legislative Conference, which will address pressing issues counties are expected to face when the 89th Legislature convenes in January. The conference will also cover federal topics relevant to county governance.

Scheduled for Aug. 28-30 in Austin, the conference offers county officials an unparalleled opportunity to connect with peers from every county office across the state. Attendees will also include legislators, policymakers and representatives of the National Association of Counties.

Keynote Speaker

Peter Cressy, a retired admiral and distinguished educator, kicks off the conference on Wednesday, Aug. 28. His keynote address, "Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Churchill: A Strategic Approach to Leading in Times of Crisis and Change," promises to be both timely and insightful.

Panel Discussions

The agenda on Thursday, Aug. 29, features 10 panel discussions moderated by members of TAC's Legislative Services team. Panels will explore the following topics:

• Blueprint for Progress: Setting County Priorities for Texas' Behavioral Health System
• Congress and Counties: Engagement Drives Results
• Emergency Preparedness and Safety in the Polling Place
• Grant Funding for Texas Counties: Maximizing Benefits, Minimizing Burdens
• It's Happening: The Use of AI in County Government
• Managing First Amendment Audits: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
• Navigating Long-Term Emergency Management Response and Recovery: Lessons From Texas Counties
• Safeguarding Our Courts: Strategies for Protecting Judges, Staff and the Public
• Senate Bill 22: Audits, Applications and Next Steps
• Truth in Taxation: What Your County Needs to Know

Closing Sessions

The conference wraps on Friday, Aug. 30, with a discussion on the federal government's State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program followed by an exploration of the implications of Senate Bill 4, which authorizes local law enforcement to enforce immigration law, for Texas counties.

For the complete conference agenda, sessions overviews and lists of panelists and speakers, visit www.county.org/legeconference. Discounted registration rates are available through Aug. 6.