DEPARTMENT: Intergovernmental Relations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Briefing and possible action on legislation filed in the 84th State Legislative Session; including amendments to the 2015 State Legislative Program.
SUMMARY:
This briefing will provide information and an update on the status of proposed State legislation and its impact on the City of San Antonio as well as an ordinance approving amendments to the 2015 State Legislative Program for the 84th State Legislature
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The 84th Regular State Legislative Session began on January 13, 2015. Members of the Legislature began filing bills on November 10, 2014. The Intergovernmental Relations Department provides regular updates to City Council during each Legislative Session. Many of the bills filed to date do not impact San Antonio's municipal interests. This legislative update will focus on legislation that has a direct impact on the City's municipal interests.
Prior to the convening of each regular Texas Legislative Session, the City of San Antonio identifies policy priorities that it would like to have addressed by the Texas Legislature. City Council approved the 2015 State Legislative Program on October 16, 2014 by Ordinance Number 2014-10-16-0789. The City's Intergovernmental Relations Department (IGR) has received additional requests from community partners and City Departments for inclusion in the City's 2015 State Legislative Program. The proposed amendments were considered and approved for inclusion in the 2015 State Legislative Program by the City Council's Intergovernmental Relations Committee on December 10, 2014.
The proposed amendments will include additional initiatives and endorsements in the following State Legislative Program categories: Government Efficiencies & Transparency; Economic Development; and Public Health. Staff recommends City Council approve the addendum to include the following:
Amendment to Government Efficiencies & Transparency
· The City supports legislation that would expand the ability to give preference points to local bidders in discretionary procurement for non-professional services.
During the 82nd Legislative Session, the law governing contracting preferences to local businesses when price alone determines the winning bid was expanded to cities with a population of 200,000 or greater. On March 21, 2013, the City of San Antonio adopted a local preference program through ordinance 2013-03-21-1067 which granted a contracting preference to businesses located within the city limits. City staff recommends a revision to existing State law to allow municipalities to grant contracting preferences to local businesses in solicitations where factors other than price are considered in awarding a contract. The proposed revision would allow a municipality to grant up to a specified percentage of available evaluation points as a preference for local businesses in discretionary contracts for personal property and non-professional services.
Amendment to Economic Development
· The City supports legislation that would provide funding for Cultural Districts.
In 2005 the Texas Commission on the Arts was authorized to designate cultural districts in cities across Texas. Cultural districts are special zones that attempt to use cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community revitalization by making the designated zone a focal point for generating business, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural development, and fostering civic pride. The King William neighborhood received the cultural district designation in 2011 and efforts are currently underway to designate the west end of downtown San Antonio as the El Mercado Zona Cultural. Texans for the Arts is seeking state funding for cultural district improvements such as infrastructure improvements and events. City staff recommends support for this effort due to potential for future state funding for cultural districts in San Antonio.
Amendments to Public Health
· The City supports legislation that would improve access to preventative care and to evidence based sexual health curricula.
The reduction of the teen birth rate, improved maternal and child health and increasing access to health care are goals set by the community through the SA2020 process. The Healthy Futures Alliance, a San Antonio coalition dedicated to reducing teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy, is seeking support in advocating for legislative changes to improve access to preventative care and support evidence based sexual health curricula.
· The City supports a statewide ban on cell phone use while driving and opposes the repeal of existing municipal ordinances relating to cell phone bans and/or creates a state standard that preempts local authority to regulate cell phone use.
On November 6, 2014 City Council approved a ban of hand-held wireless communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. The use of hand-held mobile devices while driving has been found to be a traffic hazard and a danger to the public. Several bills establishing a statewide ban have already been filed. City staff recommends support for a statewide ban that aligns with City policy, so long as it does not preempt local authority.
Amendment to Partnerships
In addition to the above referenced amendments, City staff recommends adding the Mayor's Fitness Council to the list of local partners in the City's Legislative Program. The Mayor's Fitness Council Executive Committee adopted a legislative agenda in January. The City of San Antonio coordinates with a number of local partners in support of legislative efforts that enhance the health, safety and vitality of the community, provided it does not conflict with the City's own legislative agenda.
ISSUE:
The legislative issues covered by this update will vary depending on the legislation the members of the Texas Legislature act upon.
The 84th State Legislative Session began on January 13, 2015. As the session progresses additional issues are identified which support City Council policies. Amendments to the City's Legislative Program are required to authorize staff to support those policies.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to adopt the amendments to the City's Legislative Program and proceed with the issues identified in the Program adopted by Council on October 16, 2014.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact at this time; however, City staff will analyze filed legislation to determine any fiscal impact to the City.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff may seek direction from City Council to oppose or support legislation presented in this update.
Staff recommends that the amendments be approved and adopted by the City Council for inclusion in the City's 2015 State Legislative Program.