CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Intergovernmental Relations Council Subcommittee
FROM: Jeff Coyle, Director of Government & Public Affairs
SUBJECT: State Legislative Program for the 87th State Legislative Session
DATE: October 29, 2020
During the Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting on November 2nd, Government & Public Affairs (GPA) will provide a briefing on the proposed State Legislative Program for the 87th State Legislative Session.
The Texas Legislature meets every two years in odd numbered years; the 87th Legislative Session begins on January 12, 2021. Prior to the start of each regular Session, the City of San Antonio identifies policy priorities and the legislative initiatives that it will seek to have addressed by the Legislature. With the coronavirus pandemic comes uncertainty of how business - and therefore, the City’s advocacy on behalf of its residents - will be conducted at the Capitol this upcoming Session. During the interim, normal legislative processes, including public hearings on interim charges, have been interrupted due to COVID-19, and the Texas Capitol remains closed to the general public. At this time, it is still unknown how the legislature will convene while maintaining transparency and public access. In-person meetings and hearings may be restricted, and Legislators may be limited to filing a defined number of bills.
The City’s 87th legislative program priorities are issues staff and consultants will actively support or oppose through the drafting of legislation and amendments, finding bill sponsor(s), providing testimony, and/or actively pursuing legislative action. Proposed priorities include:
o Police accountability and transparency
o Public health investments
o Broadband accessibility and affordability
o Domestic violence prevention
o Economic and workforce recovery
o Pre-K through college education funding
o Preserving local decision making
The attached draft legislative agenda is designed to be strategic and impactful, align with the priorities of San Antonio residents, preserve the authority of those elected to represent them to make decisions that are in the best interests of their constituents, protect the ability to generate the revenue necessary to provide critical public safety, infrastructure and other services and/or promotes the efficient governance and delivery of services.
With IGR committee approval, GPA will proceed to a formal City Council “B” session briefing on November 4th. After further refinement, City Council will consider final approval November 12th.