City of San Antonio - File #: 19-6847

• File #: 19-6847
• Type: Staff Briefing - Without Ordinance
• In control: Intergovernmental Relations Committee
• On agenda: 9/11/2019
• Posting Language: Update and possible action on the state legislature and the interim session [Jeff Coyle, Director, Government & Public Affairs]

CITY OF SAN ANTONIO

GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

MEMORANDUM

TO:                                          Intergovernmental Relations Council Committee

FROM:                                          Jeff Coyle, Director of Government & Public Affairs

SUBJECT:                     State Legislative Interim Update

DATE:                                           September 6, 2019

At the September 11^th IGR Committee meeting Government & Public Affairs (GPA) will provide an update on recent state legislative interim session activities.  In the next few months, it is anticipated that Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dennis Bonnen will announce Senate & House interim charges, the policy issues they will assign to various legislative committees for evaluation in preparation for the 87^th Legislative Session in 2021.

Once the interim charges are released, GPA staff will review and identify the issues that are most relevant to the City of San Antonio while taking into consideration any concerns about City programs, funding or authority that may be targeted.  Staff will also seek opportunities to be active in the process to help shape recommendations while highlighting City initiatives and successes.

The Texas House Committee on Redistricting, which includes Reps. Larson and Minjarez, has scheduled a field hearing at Port San Antonio on September 12^th to solicit input on the 2021 legislative redistricting process following the completion of the 2020 Census. Several field hearings will take place across the state to maximize the opportunities for Texans to share information they believe to be relevant to the redistricting process, including information about communities of interest within the state. GPA is in dialogue with a number of stakeholders to coordinate testimony, including the State Demographer, members of the Complete Count Committee, MALDEF, the League of Women Voters, Chambers and members of San Antonio’s State Legislative Delegation. Staff will share a proposed plan of action for the Thursday hearing, including whether or not the City will testify, with the IGR Committee.

The City will continue to meet with State delegation members and staff to discuss priorities. It is expected that there will be a continued effort at the legislature to undermine local authority, so it is important for the City to remain active in the interim process.