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 GG, Level 5
Speakers: David Bazzel, Product Specialist, Nationwide
David S. Belnick, Endorsement Partner Director, Nationwide
Employers are seeing the impact of delayed or cancelled retirements, but how can you help workers get more confident in retirement? We asked, and these features would help increase confidence in their retirement plans:
• 55% said guaranteed income
• 51% said protection from market volatility
Manchester Ballroom, Level 5
Welcome
Presiding: Hon. Tim Addison, Yoakum County Commissioner and President, Texas Association of Counties
Hon. Susan M. Redford, Executive Director, Texas Association of Counties
Legislative Overview
Speaker: Caroline Love, Director of Legislative Services, TAC
Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Churchill: A Strategic Approach to Leading in Times of Crisis and Change
Speaker: Dr. Peter H. Cressy, Director of Executive Leadership Programs at the George Washington Leadership Institute, Mount Vernon
Taking advantage of the lessons of history, this timely presentation identifies eight common traits that these four remarkable leaders used to guide their countries, during three different centuries, through times of great crisis and change. This dynamic presentation emphasizes the importance of strategic vision, effective communication, visibility and collaboration in dealing with the inherent anxiety and confusion created by crisis and change and in charting a positive way forward. This highly acclaimed program demonstrates that the lessons of history are more relevant than ever and provide important keys to not only governing during crisis, but also continuing to strengthen the foundations of our great democracy.
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)
Moderator: Elizabeth Choate, Legislative Consultant - Treasurers' Association, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Ken King, Texas House of Representatives
Heather Lagrone, Senior Deputy Director, Texas General Land Office
Hon. Lisa Johnson, Hemphill County Judge
From wildfires and hurricanes to floods and tornadoes, Texas counties face diverse disaster challenges. Our panelists will share practical strategies, best practices and lessons learned from managing emergency recovery operations in the near to longer term aftermath of disasters. Key topics include collaboration with response agencies, effective debris and donation management, administration of grant funds, and potential future legislative actions to support recovery efforts.
Moderator: Pete Winckler, Legislative Consultant - Auditors' Association, TAC
Speakers: Matthew D. Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties (NACo)
Hon, J.D. Clark, Wise County Judge, 2nd Vice President, NACo
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.
Moderator: Caroline Love, Director of Legislative Services, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Larry Gaddes, Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector
Brent South, Chief Appraiser, Hunt County Appraisal District
Hon. Kevin Kieschnick, Nueces County Tax Assessor-Collector
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.
Moderator: Julie Young, Legislative Consultant – Justices of the Peace and Constables Association, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Holly Williamson, Harris County Justice of the Peace
Hector Gomez, Court Security Director, Texas Office of Court Administration
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.
Moderator: Katy Estrada, Associate Director of Legislative Services and Legislative Consultant - County Judges and Commissioners Association, TAC
Speaker: Russell Gallahan, Manager, Local Government & Transparency, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
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
Moderator: Elizabeth Choate, Legislative Consultant - Treasurers' Association, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Ken King, Texas House of Representatives
Chief W. Nim Kidd, MPA, CEM, Texas Division of Emergency Management
Heather Lagrone, Senior Deputy Director, Texas General Land Office
Hon. Lisa Johnson, Hemphill County Judge
From wildfires and hurricanes to floods and tornadoes, Texas counties face diverse disaster challenges. Our panelists will share practical strategies, best practices and lessons learned from managing emergency recovery operations in the near to longer term aftermath of disasters. Key topics include collaboration with response agencies, effective debris and donation management, administration of grant funds, and potential future legislative actions to support recovery efforts.
Moderator: Pete Winckler, Legislative Consultant - Auditors' Association, TAC
Speakers: Matthew D. Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties (NACo)
Hon, J.D. Clark, Wise County Judge, 2nd Vice President, NACo
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.
Moderator: Caroline Love, Director of Legislative Services, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Larry Gaddes, Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector
Brent South, Chief Appraiser, Hunt County Appraisal District
Hon. Kevin Kieschnick, Nueces County Tax Assessor-Collector
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.
Moderator: Julie Young, Legislative Consultant – Justices of the Peace and Constables Association, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Holly Williamson, Harris County Justice of the Peace
Hon. Ben Zeller, Victoria County Judge
Hector Gomez, Court Security Director, Texas Office of Court Administration
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.
Moderator: Katy Estrada, Associate Director of Legislative Services and Legislative Consultant - County Judges and Commissioners Association, TAC
Speaker: Russell Gallahan, Manager, Local Government & Transparency, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
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
Moderator: Nanette Forbes, Legislative Consultant – County & District Clerks’ Association, TAC
Speakers: Christina Adkins, Director of Elections, Texas Secretary of State’s Office
Jennifer Doinoff, Hays County Elections Administrator
Hon. Heather Hawthorne, Chambers County Clerk
Hon. Laura Rogers, Sherman County/District Clerk
Hon. Brian Hawthorne, Chambers County Sheriff
Mike Jones, Hays County Emergency Management
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.
Moderator: Caroline Love, Director of Legislative Services, TAC
Speaker: Thomas Kerss, Law Enforcement & Simulator Consultants Supervisor, TAC
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.
Moderator: Zelma Smith, Financial Analyst, TAC
Speakers: Robert Cottle, Deputy Director for Homeland Security and Justice Programs, Public Safety Office at Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott
Dr. Kelty Garbee, Executive Director, Texas Rural Funders
Robin Knipling, Grant Administator, Victoria County
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.
Moderator: Julie Young, Legislative Consultant – Justices of the Peace and Constables Association, TAC
Speakers: Kristi Taylor, Executive Director, Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health
Lee Johnson, Executive Director, Texas Council of Community Centers
Brett Bray, Blanco County Judge
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.
Moderator: Katy Estrada, Associate Director of Legislative Services and Legislative Consultant - County Judges and Commissioners Association, TAC
Speakers: Matthew D. Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties (NACo)
Hon. Giovanni Capriglione, Texas House of Representatives
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
Sponsored by: Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott LLP
If your legislator is here, you would have been notified before the conference and will find your invitation inside your name badge.
Moderator: Nanette Forbes, Legislative Consultant – County & District Clerks’ Association, TAC
Speakers: Christina Adkins, Director of Elections, Texas Secretary of State’s Office
Jennifer Doinoff, Hays County Elections Administrator
Hon. Heather Hawthorne, Chambers County Clerk
Hon. Laura Rogers, Sherman County/District Clerk
Hon. Brian Hawthorne, Chambers County Sheriff
Mike Jones, Hays County Emergency Management
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.
Moderator: Caroline Love, Director of Legislative Services, TAC
Speaker: Thomas Kerss, Law Enforcement & Simulator Consultants Supervisor, TAC
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.
Moderator: Zelma Smith, Financial Analyst, TAC
Speakers: Robert Cottle, Deputy Director for Homeland Security and Justice Programs, Public Safety Office at Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott
Dr. Kelty Garbee, Executive Director, Texas Rural Funders
Robin Knipling, Grant Administator, Victoria County
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.
Moderator: Julie Young, Legislative Consultant – Justices of the Peace and Constables Association, TAC
Speakers: Kristi Taylor, Executive Director, Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health
Lee Johnson, Executive Director, Texas Council of Community Centers
Brett Bray, Blanco County Judge
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.
Moderator: Katy Estrada, Associate Director of Legislative Services and Legislative Consultant - County Judges and Commissioners Association, TAC
Speakers: Matthew D. Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties (NACo)
Hon. Giovanni Capriglione, Texas House of Representatives
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 EE, Level 5 (in person only)
Join us for breakfast and a discussion on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Cyber threats are increasing daily, with a large focus on local governments. This session will be a great opportunity to hear about what is eligible under the grant program, what the county requirements are, and why you should consider applying.
Manchester Ballroom, Level 5
Manchester Ballroom, Level 5
Welcome and Introductions
Presiding: Hon. Cindy Yeatts, Denton County Treasurer and President-Elect, Texas Association of Counties
Border Barriers
Moderator: Katy Estrada, Associate Director of Legislative Services and Legislative Consultant - County Judges and Commissioners Association, TAC
Speakers: Hon. David Stout, El Paso County Commissioner
Doug Keller, Legal Director, Lone Star Defenders
Nelson Barnes, Project Director, Border Prosecution Unit - Operation Lone Star
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.