Regional Service Through Unity… Meeting our Region’s Needs Today and Tomorrow LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING July 10, 2019 David Kelly, Government Relations Advisor
Agenda AGENDA III. ACTION ITEMS A. Consider approval of Legislative Committee meeting minutes – March 14, 2019 IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Update on state government relations Summary of 86 th Texas Legislature 1. 2. Interim year action plan B. Update on federal government relations 1. Status of proposed legislation 2. Federal government action plan C. Path forward for Texas/Oklahoma boundary issue D. Update on local government outreach E. Opportunity for Committee members to provide feedback on meeting F. Opportunity for Committee members to request potential future agenda items (No substantive discussion of items will take place at this time) 2
AGENDA CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TITLE STYLE Action Items A. Consider approval of Legislative Committee meeting minutes – March 14, 2019 Recommend approval of Legislative Committee meeting minutes – March 14, 2019 3
AGENDA CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TITLE STYLE Discussion Items A. Update on state government relations Summary of 86 th Texas Legislature 1. 2. Interim year action plan 4
SUMMARY OF 86 TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE • Recording Legislation • No law was enacted that requires recording of the Board’s meetings. The bill sponsored by Senator Paxton passed the Senate. Rep. Leach’s bill passed Committee but never made it onto the calendar for House action. • Contracting Requirements • Holland’s bill reducing the repose periods for contractor liability was dropped but we expect it to return in the next legislature. • Leach’s bill, HB 1999 does affect us. • Water Availability Models Updates at TCEQ • Funding was also included in the budget for this. This was the top priority for our TWSP coalition. • Lobbying Disclosure Amendment • Budget line item and disclosure form • Hurricane Harvey and Flooding Bills 5
INTERIM YEAR ACTION PLAN • Focused relationship building efforts with our service area’s delegation • Introductory briefings with district staff under way now • Regular Austin trips bi-monthly to interact with legislative staff • Tours and Briefings • August 23 tour of Bois d’Arc Lake construction sites - currently five state House Members, one Senator, Texas Water Development Board member and legislative staff • Planned tour for House Natural Resources Committee – date TBD • Tours of Water Treatment Plant and Wetlands for Members as requested • Engagement with House and Senate Natural Resources Committees on Interim Charges 6
AGENDA CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TITLE STYLE Discussion Items B. Update on federal government relations 1. Status of proposed legislation 2. Federal government action plan 7
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE OUTLOOK CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TITLE STYLE • EIS Lawsuit Bill • Unlikely to pass due to change in control of House • Issues in Senate committee as well • Determined to not ask our delegation to reintroduce the bill • HR 29 – Interstate Water Transfers Bill • Introduced by Rep. Gohmert • Referred to Judiciary Committee – Unlikely to move forward • Termination of Contract with Hicks-Ray Associates • Plan Going Forward • With minimal Federal issues in progress, David will focus on relationship maintenance. • Mike and David will travel to DC in two weeks. 8
AGENDA CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TITLE STYLE Discussion Items C. Path forward for Texas/Oklahoma boundary issue 9
OKLAHOMA-TEXAS BORDER COMMISSION CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TITLE STYLE • End of session in Oklahoma and Texas provides opportunity now to begin meeting with officials and tribes in Oklahoma • Need to determine legislative champion • Clayton Taylor remains under contract through Lloyd Gosselink • Scheduling trips to OK for Tom, staff and chair in late July and August • Outlook remains difficult; Oklahoma unlikely to consent • New Governor provides slim opportunity • Unclear where he stands but political perils and obstinance remain 10
AGENDA CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TITLE STYLE Discussion Items D. Update on local government outreach 11
LOCAL OUTREACH CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TITLE STYLE • Chambers of Commerce • Engagement in our Chambers has been helpful in connecting us to leaders • Councils and city staff regularly attend as well • Increased visibility in community • Staff Relationships • David continues to build relationships with ACMs and intergovernmental staff • Petitioning cities remain challenging from a staff perspective • Regional Groups • We continue to increase participation in regional groups including NCTCOG, NTC and CCBA • City leaders also participate, offering opportunities to interact 12
AGENDA CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TITLE STYLE Discussion Items E. Opportunity for Committee Members to Provide Feedback on Legislative Committee Meetings 13
CLICK TO EDIT MASTER TITLE STYLE AGENDA Discussion Items F. Opportunity for Committee Members to Request Potential Future Agenda Items (No substantive discussion of items will take place at this time) Adjournment 14
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