News Article | January 24, 2025
Week in Review: A Digest of Capitol News
House and Senate Budgets Filed
Rep. Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, unveiled their respective chamber's initial budgets for the 2026-27 biennium. Next week's newsletter will include coverage on budget items of county interest. Links to the text for both bills and press releases are provided here:
- Speaker Dustin Burrows' press release.
- Sen. Huffman's press release.
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's press release.
- House Bill 1.
- Senate Bill 1.
Senate Appoints Committees
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced the 2025 Senate Committees, including his selections for committee Chairs, Vice Chairs and full membership.
House Adopts Rules
The House of Representatives met Jan. 23 to consider House Resolution 4 by Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi). HR 4 sets the rules by which the House will operate during the 89th Legislature. The rules include a shakeup of House Committees, including elimination of the House County Affairs and Urban Affairs committees. Jurisdiction of the former committees' subject matter transfers to the House Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Speaker Dustin Burrows will soon announce committee leaders and membership.
NACo Legislative Conference Approaches
The 2025 NACo Legislative Conference will take place March 1-4 in Washington, D.C., bringing together county leaders from across the nation. This annual event offers a unique opportunity to advocate for county priorities, engage with federal officials and participate in policy sessions on critical issues like infrastructure, public safety and health care. For the full agenda and registration details, visit naco.org.
Grant Opportunities
This newsletter will highlight new grant opportunities on the last Friday of each month. Look for updates in the Jan. 31 edition of County Issues, or visit TAC's continuously updated Grant Opportunities webpage.
For more information about this article, please contact Pete Winckler.