However, the Association went on the offensive as well, making plays on mental health funding and transportation. “No additional revenue caps, no additional appraisal caps, and the defeat of most unfunded mandates were important defensive accomplishments,” reported Allison after the session. The Legislature also enacted three bills during the first called session, two bills during the second called session, and one bill during the third called session.Īs with every legislative session, the CJCAT came to Austin with the overall goal of playing defense. In addition, lawmakers did authorize additional funding for mental health, indigent defense and courthouse preservation.ĭuring its 2013 regular session, the 83rd Texas Legislature enacted 1,437 bills and adopted 10 joint resolutions after considering more than 6,061 measures filed. Thanks to the county voice, a negative tone was not synonymous with a negative outcome rather, the session was a success for counties in that caps were defeated and very few unfunded mandates passed, Allison summarized. “You’re not known around the capitol as being potted plants,” Allison continued. “With your work and the work of a great team in Austin, we escaped this session without revenue caps. “You packed the room, you got on the phones, and you sent faxes and emails,” Allison declared. However, members of Commissioners Courts quickly jumped in. Perhaps a good way to explain how this happens is to provide a recap of previous sessions.ĭuring its 2015 regular session, the 84th Texas Legislature enacted 1,323 bills and adopted seven joint resolutions after considering 6,476 measures filed.Īs far as county government was concerned, the introduction of revenue caps and an early hearing date set a negative tone as some lawmakers seemed intent on restricting local government, Allison reported. As always, members of the Association’s Legislative Committee will join CJCAT General Counsel Jim Allison at the Capitol throughout the session to address issues as they arise. Lawmakers will be asked to consider thousands of bills throughout the 85th Session, and the CJCAT will closely monitor all proceedings to champion and protect county government. Consequently, multiple regular and special sessions adjourned without imposing these restrictions and cuts, due in large part to the heightened presence and significant voice of county officials and their supporters. For example, during the past few legislative sessions, local government officials and associations such as the CJCAT voiced spirited opposition to appraisal and revenue caps and extreme budget cuts. As has been pointed out by lawmakers in the past, this Association and its Legislative Committee have a reputation for approaching every session of the Texas Legislature with resolve. Thompson served as chairman of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas (CJCAT or Association) Legislative Committee from 1994-2014.Įvery one of Texas’ 254 counties is a member of the CJCAT. This process, becoming involved on the state level and helping impact how laws are made, “is something to get excited about,” former Polk County Judge John Thompson shared. Some two weeks after taking their oaths of office, a slate of newly elected officials will join their veteran counterparts in exercising the county’s role as partner to the State of Texas. 14, 2016, filing some 350 bills on the first day alone. Texas legislators began pre-filing bills on Nov. The 85th Texas Legislature is set to meet Jan. The governor can also call additional special sessions as necessary, which cannot exceed 30 days. These biennial sessions are limited to 140 days. The Texas Legislature meets in a regular session every two years, convening on the second Tuesday in January of every odd-numbered year. 10-May 29Ĭounty Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas Poised and Prepared
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