Legislative Services

More than 200 justices of the peace and constables from across the state gathered in Austin on Tuesday for JPCA Day at the Capitol. They met with lawmakers to discuss their legislative priorities.

Several members of the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas attended Tuesday’s legislative breakfast briefing before heading to the Capitol. Among them: Harris County Justice of the Peace Holly Williamson, JPCA President and a member of the Texas Association of Counties Board of Directors; Travis County Constable Carlos Lopez, JPCA’s President-Elect; and Montgomery County Justice of the Peace Wayne Mack, chair of JPCA’s Justice of the Peace Legislative Committee.

Notable bills highlighted at this week’s breakfast included House Bill 1463 by Rep. Venton Jones (D-Dallas). The measure seeks to regulate the manufacturing, transportation, storage and disposal of tires. The illegal dumping of scrap tires is an ongoing concern for counties. The County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas is seeking a Senate sponsor for the bill.

Senate Bill 1805 by Sen. Kevin Sparks (R-Midland), filed March 3, proposes updates to early voting procedures, adjusting hours and requirements based on county populations. The County and District Clerks’ Association of Texas is tracking the bill.

Meanwhile, TAC continues to monitor developments with the House and Senate baseline budget bills. Visit our state budget worksheet for details on funding important to counties in both bills.

The March 14 bill filing deadline is fast approaching. More than 5,900 bills have been introduced thus far. We’re tracking bills that affect county government. Find them here.

TAC’s Tuesday Morning Breakfasts will keep you on top of the Capitol’s ever-changing legislative landscape. Please join us in person or virtually each Tuesday from 7 to 8 a.m. through May 27.

Register here for the March 11 Tuesday Morning Breakfast.