Transcript Highlights:

• factors as the counties apply.
• Kinney County, a rural county spanning 1,360 square miles with a population just over 3,100.
• expect any county would want to.
• I am here today representing four of those counties: Stevens County, Palo Pinto County, Cook County,
• Kendall County, Blanco, Comal. Yes, ma'am.

Bills: SB868, SB1337, SB1371, SB1377, SB1426, SB1620, SB2064, SB2065, SJR4, SJR 4

Keywords: SB 868, rural volunteer fire department assistance program, volunteer fire department assistance fund, Texas Government Code, wildfire, wildland fire, high-risk wildfire area, fire suppression, rural fire departments, volunteer firefighters, emergency response, public safety, grant allocation, appropriations, disaster preparedness, tax penalties, interest calculation, overpayment, tax law, refund process

Bills: SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16, SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16

Keywords: education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts, congressional map, redistricting, gerrymandering, 2020 Census, census tracts, block groups, voting districts, election law, Texas House of Representatives districts, federal congressional districts, 2026 elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis and Lake County line.
• Much of our sewer Lake County line.
• Wright County that support this project. Wright County that support this project.
• , Hennepin County and into Wright County, Hennepin County and into Wright County, and<00:38:01.520
• , House File 4091 for Winona County, House File 4091 for Winona County, Pickwick<00:58:17.600>

Bills: HF4156, HF3835, HF3995, HF4383, HF4091, HF4084, HF4311, HF198, HF4486, HF4302, HF4309, HF4032, HF3855, HF3673, HF4265, HF4012, HF4339, HF4298, HF3852

Keywords: infrastructure, wastewater, stormwater, Buhl, state bonds, appropriations, economic development, water infrastructure, grants, capital investment, funding, state regulation, Frazee, North River Drive, infrastructure improvements, HF4383, Minnesota capital investment, bonding bill, Department of Natural Resources, DNR

Bills: SB8, SB22, SB137, HB295, HB2, HB343, HB220, HB303, HB81, SB8, SB22, SB137, HB295, HB2, HB343, HB220, HB303, HB81

Keywords: emergency management, public funds, educational materials, state legislation, disaster response, uniformity, state laws, legislative commission, appointments, government structure, resilience, natural disasters, risk management, Alabama Resilience Council, Chief Resilience Officer, state planning, environmental protection, community preparedness, Alabama Office of Civic Engagement, Alabama Office of Minority Affairs

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• County, Dallas, and all over the state.
• I'm a district judge. ...in Northeast Texas, Bowie County, and Cass Counties.
• Montgomery County is very strategically located next to Harris County.
• Like everybody else, but we do, believe it or not... and my Harris County and Cullen County colleagues
• down to 1,000 per county.

Bills: HB4011, HB2680, HB4325, HB4327, HB4944, HB1761, HB4688, HB3453, HB40, HB1707, HB4749, HB2322, HB3647, HB4139, HB4081, HB2203, HB2100, HB4170, HB3104, HB4623, HB40

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

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• But I just want to let you know that in Harris County, in Galveston County, and Uvalde County, in Collin
• Lawyers in Galveston County that no one stepped up.
• It also hurts our community, our county.
• I know I have two counties that are asking for more.
• in my other county.

Bills: HB4011, HB2680, HB4325, HB4327, HB4944, HB1761, HB4688, HB3453, HB40, HB1707, HB4749, HB2322, HB3647, HB4139, HB4081, HB2203, HB2100, HB4170, HB3104, HB4623, HB40

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

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• Secondly, it opens additional counties for the bear season.
• That's why they're encroaching on our eastern and southeastern counties.
• This is a bill on your county extension services, making sure that if your county extension services
• So how long have we had the existing structure at the county extension level?
• For example, in Bryan County, where we have the Bryan County free fair in the winter, the kids do donations

Bills: HB3239, HB3391, HB3557, HB4128

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, advertising, animal cruelty, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, wildlife conservation, hunting regulations, mountain lions, black bears

Transcript Highlights:

• They have minimums of $25,000 to $50,000 in larger counties.
• They have minimums of $25,000 to $50,000 in larger counties.
• down in one county, leaves that county,<00:09:42.880> and<00:09:43.040> goes<00:09:43.279
• <00:09:44.560> So, county, and goes to another county.
• So, county, and goes to another county.

Bills: HB150

Keywords: improvement district, special assessment, assessment lien, public infrastructure, bond financing, bond interest rate, county commission, tax assessor, tax collector, judge of probate, ad valorem tax, tax lien, tax sale, foreclosure, delinquent taxes, municipal finance, public improvements, infrastructure financing, collection enforcement, property lien

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• For counties, For counties, 13% of counties adopted tax rates at the voter-approval rate, and 23% of
• I am Keith Lutz, County Judge for Medina County.
• Some counties, a lot of counties don't.
• The counties, most of the counties, do not receive.
• Some counties, a lot of counties don't.

Bills: SB9

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear Senate Bill 9, which would lower the voter-approval tax rate for certain local taxing units from 3.5% to 2.5%. Sen. Bettencourt, the bill author, argued the change would continue the state’s property tax reforms begun in 2019, slow local levy growth, and give voters more say over larger tax increases. He and supporters cited data showing property tax levies have grown faster than population plus inflation, and said the bill would help protect taxpayers while preserving the state’s broader investments in school tax relief, water, rural law enforcement, and ambulance funding. Supporters included the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. They said the bill would improve transparency, encourage more disciplined budgeting, and create certainty for homeowners and businesses. They argued that lower tax-rate growth would help attract and retain employers and investment, and that voters would still be able to approve higher rates when needed. Local officials and other opponents said the bill would constrain cities and counties facing rapid growth, inflation, infrastructure needs, and public safety costs. Testimony from county judges, city finance officials, firefighters, and urban county representatives emphasized pressures from jail operations, roads, water, EMS, police and fire staffing, and unfunded mandates. Several witnesses asked for carve-outs or exemptions for public safety and disaster-related costs, warning that a one-size-fits-all cap could force service cuts or shift costs elsewhere. The committee heard extensive questioning but no final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, many of you that have cities and counties hire third-party tax collectors, and I've been in front
• , by a vote of the county commission, to take that unallocated surplus and it can go into the general
• What county is this deal with? Lawrence County only. Okay. Lawrence County only. Yes, sir.
• And this is something that Lawrence County obviously is fine with, right? That's correct.
• , municipal, and state— jails—county, municipal, and state—the authority that they need to be able to

Bills: SB324, HB395, HB222, HB310, HB285, HB144, HB251, HB380

Keywords: Morgan County, judge of probate, legal qualifications, equity jurisdiction, constitutional amendment, campaign finance, electronic notifications, civil penalties, Fair Campaign Practices Act, Secretary of State, sex offenders, treatment programs, electronic media, post office box restrictions, Class C felony, parole, probation, human cloning, criminal penalties, embryo

Transcript Highlights:

• But as I've been in the community out uh talking to counties, bringing the committee to counties, it's
• But as I've been in the community out uh talking to counties, bringing the committee to counties, it's
• But as I've been in the community out uh talking to counties, bringing the committee to counties, it's
• But as I've been in the community out uh talking to counties, bringing the committee to counties, it's
• :54:15.839> it's bringing the committee to counties, it's bringing the committee to counties,

Bills: HF2436, HF2929

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, HF2929, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food assistance, nutrition assistance, public benefits, eligibility determination, income eligibility, federal poverty guidelines, poverty level, county agency, Tribal agency, human services, children and families, benefits administration

Bills: SB137

Keywords: sewer, wastewater, public service commission, PSC, utility regulation, private utility, regulated utility, affiliated system, consolidation, rate jurisdiction, rate setting, wastewater management entity, common ownership, control, Jefferson County Board of Health, local constitutional amendment, public utilities, Alabama Code Title 37, Alabama Code Title 22, certification

Transcript Highlights:

• What's the impact on local cities and counties?
• <00:09:14.560> Uh<00:09:14.800> this throughout counties and cities.
• Uh this throughout counties and cities.
• impact on local cities and counties? impact on local cities and counties?
• And what the counties and cities do is they have the ability through this program to place a lien on

Bills: HB2, HB163, SB326, HB17, HB363, HB2, HB163, SB326, HB17, HB363, SB333

Keywords: vaccination, parental consent, minors, medical consent, guardian approval, income tax, research expenditures, economic development, tax deductions, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Alabama tax law, sheriff, credit card, debit card, financial procedures, Jackson County, purchasing authority, HB17, Alabama Squat Truck Law, squat truck

Transcript Highlights:

• county.
• I am a county board supervisor in Apache County, representing District 2.
• Navajo counties. And again, just thanking the members of northern Apache, Navajo counties.
• 22nd, San Luis to County 11th Street, Yuma; Phase 2 to County 17th to Avenue D in the city of Somerton
• Eric Peterson, Deputy County Manager, Coconino County, directly oversee public works, economic development

Bills: HB2067, HB2068, HB2127, HB2164, HB2200, HB2201, HB2242, HB2283, HB2284, HB2285, HB2286, HB2287, HB2304, HB2306, HB2399, HB2601, HB2609, HB2760, HB2761, HB2859, HB2887, HB2892, HB2893, HB2894, HB2978, HB4027, HCM2012, HCM2016

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, infrastructure, Apache Junction, funding, Show Low, road extension, special license plates, nonprofits, charitable contributions, Reay Lane, Graham County, HB 2200, State Route 89, SR 89, Chino Valley, Arizona Department of Transportation, ADOT, road widening, highway expansion

Summary: The committee heard an ADOT presentation on Interstate 11, SR 347, the I-10 Wild Horse Pass corridor, and the I-40/US 93 West Kingman project. ADOT said the I-11 corridor remains under a federal lawsuit covering the full 280-mile route from Mexico to Nevada, with a Tier 1 reevaluation underway and public outreach expected later in the year, concluding in early 2027. ADOT said segmentation of the corridor would add time and cost, and that current work is limited to pre-NOI Tier 2 activities and other allowed planning steps. For SR 347, ADOT described widening, intersection upgrades, two grade separations, and a schedule that could begin construction in summer pending clearances. For I-10, ADOT outlined four widening projects adding a third lane each way, interchange reconstructions, a new interchange at Coley Road, and corridor-wide freeway management systems, with completion expected by late 2029. For the West Kingman I-40/US 93 project, ADOT said the $106.5 million project is about 60% complete and should finish in early 2027; members asked about temporary traffic control near Beale Street and possible additional signage or signals on the corridor. Members also raised local traffic and safety concerns on the SR 347 and I-10 projects, including signal timing, median barriers, construction hours, truck traffic, and the need for clearer driver education and digital signs. ADOT said it would look into signal optimization, possible temporary fixes, and additional signage, and noted the I-10 corridor total cost is just under $1 billion, funded through a mix of MAG, federal, and state money. On I-40, members also discussed a possible temporary traffic light near Beale Street to improve safety and access. The committee then moved to a series of transportation appropriation bills and announced a mass-motion process for the projects. Staff explained HB 2067 for Apache Junction ($29.4 million), HB 2068 for the Wolford Road extension in Show Low ($6.5 million), HB 2164 for Ray Lane improvements in Graham County ($3.73 million), HB 2200 for SR 89 widening in Chino Valley ($36 million, contingent on a $1 million local commitment), HB 2201 for Sedona SR 89A/Forest Road/Ranger Road projects ($8.03 million), and HB 2304, the ARTEC bill, which appropriates about $473 million for multiple highway projects statewide. Witnesses from Show Low, Eloy, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Lake Havasu City, Clarkdale, San Luis, Yuma, and Yavapai County testified in support of their local projects, emphasizing congestion relief, freight movement, emergency evacuation, safety, economic development, and local matching funds. No final votes were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would proceed with a mass motion on the project bills after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Birmingham's the largest city in Jefferson County. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Okay. Okay.
• Uh, is this for all 67 counties? >> January. >> Oh, January. Okay. Thank you.
• Uh, is this for all<00:27:08.799> of<00:27:09.039> the >> counties?
• <00:27:12.559> 67<00:27:13.120> counties. >> counties? 67 counties.
• >> counties? 67 counties. >> January. >> January. >> January.

Bills: SB182, SB251, SB252, HB74, HB159, HB292, SB182, SB251, SB252, HB74, HB159, HB292

Keywords: psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabis, beverage prohibition, criminal penalties, youth access, Jefferson County, pistol permit, gun permit, concealed carry, firearm permit, sheriff fee, permit fee, weapons license, gun licensing, school security, Jefferson County Sheriff's Fund, retirement system, Gardendale, Birmingham legislative office, local bill

Transcript Highlights:

• But most of the counties that I represent are very rural counties with smaller populations.
• The intent of the bill is admirable and certainly makes sense in counties that border large counties.
• My name is Lauren Rodgers, and I'm the elected county and district clerk for Sherman County.
• County.
• to county.

Bills: HB2139, HB2253, HB3632, HB4171, HB4309, HB4508, SB760, SB1470

Keywords: voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety

Transcript Highlights:

• And if there's not a county chair, I don't think we can run a candidate in that county.
• So at the county conventions, you nominate candidates like For county commissioner, county judge, and
• the county delegation.
• There's not a county one.
• We've got counties with no county party chair, and then you go five.

Bills: HB2139, HB2253, HB3632, HB4171, HB4309, HB4508, SB760, SB1470

Keywords: voting access, polling place, disability, caretaker provisions, ballot delivery, election code, HB 2253, Texas Election Code, bond election, bond issuance, local government, election cancellation, disaster declaration, natural disaster, emergency election, county election officer, polling place notice, open meeting, election workers, voter safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We have all these counties; there are 254 counties in the state, and of that, 219 counties have oil and
• , 238 counties benefited from it.
• Martin County is one, and Midland County is the other one. ...and Midland County is another.
• I'm the Reeves County judge and serve on the Reeves County. for seven years.
• I mentioned it was a small rural county, and I am a small rural county.

Bills: HB188, HB265, HJR35, HJR47, SB1901, HB188, HB265, HJR35

Keywords: Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety, gang violence prevention, human trafficking prevention, economic development, TxDOT grants, school districts

Transcript Highlights:

• , which is really kind of cleaning up the housing authority statutes both for municipalities and counties
• One is for municipal housing authorities, and one is for county housing authorities.
• One thing that the Alabama Association of Counties did request that we add in the...
• Counties did request that we add in the statute, which we did add, was that with respect to when they
• Is this the same thing, but just dealing with county authorities? Yes, sir. Right.

Bills: HB442, HB459, HB90, HB91, HB461, HB481

Keywords: codification, Code of Alabama 1975, cumulative supplement, replacement volume, technical corrections, code cleanup, state code update, local laws, Secretary of State, Code Commissioner, Thomson Reuters, boating violation, scrivener's error, typographical correction, clerical correction, legislative housekeeping, 2024 Regular Session, 2025 session statutes, county local laws, official code publication

Transcript Highlights:

• by the counties.
• My county in Crook was one the counties.
• And my county chose to vote that down as a county, and that would have meant $15 million to the county
• And my county chose to vote that down as a county, and that would have meant $15 million to the county
• County School Board. County School Board.

Bills: HB0147, HB0127

Keywords: property tax, homeowner exemption, Wyoming, voter initiative, tax legislation, HB0127, recreation mill levy, recreational facilities, public recreation, mill levy, local tax, county commissioners, school district levy, voter approval, ballot measure, general election, tax referendum, special purpose tax, Wyoming taxation, W.S. 18-9-201