EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT association OF TEXAS

Texas Legislature

The Texas Legislature is arguably the most powerful arm of the government in Texas due to the ability to control spending and direct the activities of state government. The legislature meets in regular session, the second Tuesday in January of each odd-numbered year. Per the Texas Constitution, the regular session is limited to 140 days. The Governor may call the Legislature into special sessions for thirty days to address specific issues and may call as many sessions as he wishes. January 2019 will mark the beginning of the 86th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

• HB 41: Relating to paid leave for a state employee who is a search and rescue volunteer. The bill was signed by the Governor on May 7, 2019 and takes effect September 1, 2019.
• SB 234: Relating to the right to vacate and avoid residential lease liability following the occurrence of family violence. The bill was signed by the Governor on May 7, 2019 and takes effect September 1, 2019.
• SB 306: Relating to the release by a peace officer of certain individuals suspected of the offense of public intoxication. The bill was filed without the Governor’s signature on April 25, 2019 and took effect immediately.
• SB 537: Relating to the purchase of food and beverages by the Texas Department of Transportation for certain employees responding to emergencies or disasters. The bill was signed by the Governor on May 7, 2019 and took effect immediately.