Legislative Services

Governor’s Pen Uncapped

Conferees are finalizing the state budget, while education savings accounts or public school vouchers — what many would call the signature item for the 89th Legislature — passed the House on April 17. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick quickly announced the Senate would accept the House’s adjustments to Senate Bill 2, and on April 24, the Senate concurred.

If that sounds like progress, it is. The 88th Legislature’s failure to pass a voucher program led Gov. Greg Abbott to call lawmakers back for four special sessions and spend millions of his own campaign funds to unseat House members who opposed vouchers.

Passing a state budget is the one duty legislators are constitutionally required to complete. Given Abbott’s extraordinary emphasis on vouchers, SB 2’s passage was probably essential to an on-time departure from Austin. That is not to say a special session is not in the cards. Seven of the last 10 regular sessions have been followed by at least one special session. Progress, nevertheless.

Abbott has considerable tools at his disposal, but the two chief ones during a legislative session are the pen and the veto stamp. With a stroke of the pen he can transform a bill into law; with the thud of a stamp, he can send something passed by 181 legislators to a packed, albeit imaginary legislative graveyard. This week, Abbott got to choose between those tools for the first time this session. He selected the pen.

Beginning Sept. 1, Texas will have its own “DOGE” after Abbott signed SB 14 by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen) into law, creating the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office.

House Democrats Erect Speed Bump, Roadblock?

In apparent response to the tabling of all proposed amendments to SB 2, the public school voucher bill by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), which was carried in the House by Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Salado), House Democrats have banded together to oppose all proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution.

Not every bill requires a constitutional amendment approved by the voters, but some leadership priorities such as increasing the ad valorem homestead exemption or the denial of bail to certain defendants do. Time will whether this legislative maneuver merely delays or ultimately quashes such initiatives.

Constables at the Capitol

On Monday, Hidalgo County Constable Larry Gallardo testified before the House Subcommittee on County Government in support of House Bill 3394 by Rep. Daniel Alders (R-Tyler), which addresses the appointment of deputy constables. His testimony begins at the 2:13:38 mark of the hearing video.

Longtime TDCAA Executive Director Honored

Rob Kepple, well known in Capitol circles for his insightful analysis, gumption and tireless advocacy on behalf of county and district attorneys, was honored in the House of Representatives on April 24 with the passage of House Resolution 802 by Rep. Joe Moody (D-El Paso). TAC extends its congratulations and best wishes for a happy retirement.

Comptroller Hosts Discussion on Rural Law Enforcement Grants

The Texas Comptroller’s Office has undertaken robust outreach efforts to engage stakeholders on the rural law enforcement grant program it administers, a product of the passage of last session’s SB 22 by then-Sen. Drew Springer (R-Muenster). As with any new program, questions regarding authorized uses, program mechanics and reporting requirements surround the program.

Comptroller staff have worked to answer those questions and get the program running. Their points of emphasis for recipient counties have been to line item grant fund expenditures and to respond to inquiries from their office within the specified 14-day window. For more information on the program, please see these slides from a recent webinar.

Legislative Directory Available

TAC’s Legislative Directory for the 89th Legislature is still available for order. The directory includes contact information for legislative leaders, committees, county official associations and TAC’s Legislative Services team.

Order free your copies here.

Grant Opportunities

The Texas Association of Counties highlights state and federal grant opportunities on its continuously updated Grant Opportunities webpage. TAC also maintains a listserv community to foster discussion between county officials on available grants. To join the listserv or share a grant success story, please contact Zelma Smith.

Week in Review is a collaborative column from TAC Legislative Services.