DEPARTMENT: Intergovernmental Relations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Post Session Report for the 84th State Legislative Session
SUMMARY:
This briefing will provide a general overview of legislation filed and passed during the 84th State Legislative Session.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The 84th State Legislative Session began on January 13, 2015 and concluded on June 1, 2015. Of the 6,476 bills and constitutional amendments filed during the legislative session, 1,331 passed. The City of San Antonio tracked and monitored 2,223 bills that could have affected the City; of these, 392 passed. Bills passed by the legislature have been sent to the Governor for signature. The Governor may choose to sign or veto a bill or allow it to become law without a signature.
ISSUE:
The legislative update will focus on legislation and state funding related to the City's State Legislative Program, which was adopted by City Council on October 16, 2014. The Legislative Program is organized into nine categories which reflect City Council priorities, listed below. These priorities directed the City's legislative efforts during the session.
* Economic Development
* Workforce Development
* Education
* Government Efficiencies & Transparency
* Military Protection
* Natural Resources
* Transportation & Infrastructure
* Public Health
* Protection of Municipal Interests
The City of San Antonio directly supported six San Antonio specific initiatives. The following five initiatives passed:
* Senate Bill 1128 (Syphilis testing during third trimester of pregnancy)
* House Bill 3193 (expands ability for the City to give preference points to bidders in discretionary procurement for non-professional services)
* House Bill 1 (General Appropriations bill) - Funding for the following initiatives:
o $132 million for the GJ Sutton Building provided to the Texas Facilities Commission
o $30 million for ...
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