It was no surprise to City Council Tuesday when Brie Franco, Austin’s intergovernmental relations officer, described the recently concluded 2021 session of the Texas Legislature as “one of the most difficult sessions I’ve actually worked on in my over 20 years of doing this.” Franco praised the Travis County delegation’s efforts in gaining passage of […]
Texas Legislature
The state’s legislative governing body composed of the House and Senate.
Posted inLand Development Code
Bill that would have revived Land Development Code dies in session
It wasn’t on the city’s legislative agenda, but a bill that would have empowered City Council to move forward with a final vote on a revised Land Development Code died in a House committee, giving neighborhood advocates another victory over the city and developers. House Bill 2989, brought by Rep. John Cyrier, R-Lockhart, would have […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Bill penalizing Texas cities that cut funding for police heads to governor’s desk
Texas lawmakers on Friday gave final approval to a bill that would financially punish large cities that cut their police budgets, including prohibiting them from raising new property tax revenue. The legislation now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott, who has said he would sign such a bill. If so, the law would go into effect Sept. 1. […]
Posted inTexas State Legislature
With state change, Board of Adjustment could consider new hardships
A move by the Texas Legislature could change the way the city grants variances to the Land Development Code. The bill, House Bill 1475, would add another type of hardship for the Board of Adjustment to consider – the financial cost of complying with the code. Specifically, the bill would allow board members to consider […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Prop E approval OKs ranked-choice voting, with legal questions ahead
Austin voters came out in favor of a new system for conducting local contested elections beginning in 2022, though how or if that change will be made appears unclear. Proposition E was approved 87,516 to 63,510 on Saturday, with nearly 60 percent of voters showing support for a switch to ranked-choice voting for City Council […]
Posted inTexas State Legislature
Texas Legislature takes aim at parents and doctors of trans youth
Every once in a while, the monotonous, besuited cast of the Texas Capitol is overshadowed by the attention-grabbing hues of pride flags and the testimony of people showing up to ensure that their colors are seen and respected. And in mid-April, following the filing of House Bill 1399 and HB 68, Texas’ LGBTQIA+ community showed […]
Posted inTexas State Legislature
Mayor, City Council express opposition to state legislation
Mayor Steve Adler and several City Council members expressed their frustration with the Legislature at Tuesday’s work session, after Intergovernmental Relations Officer Brie Franco described legislation aimed at curbing Austin’s authority to govern itself. Among Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s announced legislative priorities are bills to prohibit Austin and other cities and counties from hiring lobbyists […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
City, live music advocates decry legislation that would limit noise regulations
City leaders and live music advocates spoke out Monday against a bill in the Texas Legislature that would limit the ability of cities to regulate amplified sound from bars and music venues. The press conference at downtown club 3Ten was held in response to House Bill 3813, which was filed by Rep. Cody Harris of […]
Posted inEducation
Rep. Talarico proposes bill for educational equity officers; AISD is a case study
Earlier this month, Rep. James Talarico, who represents Texas’ 52nd District, filed a bill aimed at tackling equity issues within the state’s education systems. Specifically, the bill would require school districts to hire a diversity, equity and inclusion officer. According to the bill’s text, each officer would need experience working with students with limited English proficiency […]
Posted inElections
Eckhardt, activists target ballot access bills in play for state lawmakers
Voters in Texas face the prospect of restricted access to the ballot box in coming years, with a group of Republican-proposed bills in the state Legislature drawing heavy criticism from Democrats and others concerned about increased obstacles to voting. The possible impact of the bills, and the prospects for pieces of legislation intended to protect […]
Posted inPolice
Abbott plots DPS takeover of APD
Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Twitter Monday that he had received draft language to seize Austin’s Police Department and put it under the control of the Texas Department of Public Safety “just in time for Christmas.” The Austin Police Association, which has been particularly unhappy with City Council’s work to reimagine public safety, tweeted, “Looking […]
Posted inTexas State Legislature
Travis County prepares for 87th Texas Legislature
Last Tuesday, Dec. 15, Travis County Intergovernmental Relations Officer Julie Wheeler presented the draft agenda items for the upcoming Texas legislative session to the Travis County Commissioners Court. The 87th Texas Legislature will convene on Jan. 12, and the legislative agenda will be a living document, with updating positions to represent the policy priorities and […]