SB 23 (Huffman/Oliverson) relating to an election to approve a reduction or reallocation of funding or resources for certain county law enforcement agencies. SB 23 requires that counties over 1 million population hold an election before reductions are made to law enforcement budgets. The bill provides for exceptions in certain cases, including for one-time extraordinary expenses and budget reductions adopted due to natural disasters. The Comptroller is responsible for oversight and investigation. SB 23 was sent to the Governor on 6/1.
SB 374 (Seliger/Shine) amends current law relating to municipal annexation of certain rights-of-way; restores cities’ ability to complete their annexation process by allowing a state road right-of-way to be included in their annexation authority. The bill was sent to the Governor on 5/29.
HB 1239 (Sanford/Paxton) prohibits a government agency or public official from issuing an order that closes or has the effect of closing places of worship in Texas or in a geographic area of the state. The bill also establishes a defense in judicial or administrative proceedings that a person’s free exercise of religion has been substantially burdened in violation of the prohibition. HB 1239 was sent to the Governor on 5/31.
HB 1869 (Burrows/Bettencourt) Limits the use of non-voter approved debt, such as certificates of obligation, addressing an issue stemming from SB2 from the 86th legislative session. Defines “designated infrastructure” eligible for financing with CO bonds and allows for the issuance of such debt by including self-supporting debt, the use for vehicles and equipment, for existing buildings and facilities, cybersecurity, as part of any utility system, police stations, fires stations and public facilities such as jails or juvenile facilities, as par of any school district or certain hospital district, for vehicles and equipment and clarifies the allowability if issued for a tax increment refinancing zone (TIRZ).
HB 1900 (Goldman/Huffman) establishes penalties for municipalities defunding police departments, including decreasing the M&O rate, capping property taxes, deducting costs for state-provided law enforcement from sales and use tax, capping rates charged by municipal utilities, a prohibition on annexation, and requirements to hold disannexation elections for areas annexed in the last 30 years. The Criminal Justice Division of the Office of the Governor is responsible for making a defunding determination and notifying municipalities of the determination. A determination continues until the Division finds that the reduction is reversed. HB 1900 was sent to the Governor on 6/1.
HB 1925 (Capriglione/Buckingham) creates Class C misdemeanor offense of intentionally or knowingly camping in a public place without effective consent. The bill prohibits political subdivisions from prohibiting or discouraging public camping bans and allows the Attorney General to investigate. HB 1925 further requires political subdivisions to receive approval from the Department of Housing and Community Affairs before designating a property allowing camping. HB 1925 was sent to the Governor on 5/31.