Bill > SB73

This bill creates an Unfunded Mandates Interagency Work Group composed of five members: the state auditor, the director of the Legislative Budget Board, the comptroller, a senator appointed by the lieutenant governor, and a representative appointed by the house speaker. The work group is tasked with publishing an advisory list of state mandates that require political subdivisions (like cities or counties) to spend money without providing reimbursement, following each legislative session. The bill defines a mandate as a legislative requirement enacted after January 1, 2025, that compels a political subdivision to establish, expand, or modify an activity in a way that necessitates new expenditures. Members of the work group will not receive additional compensation and can collaborate with their agency employees. The advisory list must be published by September 1 after a regular session or within 90 days after a special session, and will track mandates that lack legislative reimbursement. Certain mandates are exempt from this process, including those required by the constitution, federal law, court orders, those approved by voter referendum, and those affecting employee pensions and benefits. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB73