HomeMy WebLinkAbout121120 Friday Staff Report
City Manager’s Office
215 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201 (940) 349-8307
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service
MEMORANDUM
DATE: December 11, 2020
TO: The Honorable Mayor Watts and Council Members
FROM: Todd Hileman, City Manager
SUBJECT: Friday Staff Report
I. Council Schedule
A. Meetings
1. Public Utilities Board on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. via
video/teleconference – City Council Work Session Room.
2. Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board on Monday, December 14, 2020
at 12:30 p.m. via video/teleconference – City Council Work Session Room.
Public Comment Available
3. Zoning Board of Adjustment on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
via video/teleconference – City Council Work Session Room. Public Comment
Available
4. Cancelled - City Council Meeting on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 2:00
p.m. in the City Council Work Session Room.
5. Mobility Committee Meeting on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 9:00
a.m. via video/teleconference – City Council Work Session Room.
6. No - Agenda Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 2:30
p.m. in the City Manager’s Conference Room.
7. Work Session of the Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday,
December 16, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. followed by a Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
via video/teleconference – City Council Work Session Room. Public Comment
Available
8. Cancelled - Committee on Persons with Disabilities on Thursday, December
17, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Council Work Session Room.
9. Special Called City Council Meeting on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at
6:00 p.m. via video/teleconference – City Council Work Session Room /
Council Chambers. Public Comment Available
II. General Information & Status Update
A. Temporary Closure of Customer Service Lobby – Beginning Friday, December 11,
the Customer Service lobby located at City Hall East will close temporarily due to the
exposure of lobby staff members to a COVID-19 positive person. At this time, the
City does not believe that any members of the public were exposed to the virus. In
accordance with the City’s COVID-19 response practices, these employees will self-
isolate at home and will not be available to provide lobby services. Call center
operations will still be available during this temporary closure and customers may
speak with a representative by calling 940-349-8700 to discuss their accounts or pay
their utility bill. Customers who wish to pay by cash or check may utilize the payment
kiosk or drop box located outside the Customer Service lobby. Staff anticipates lobby
operations to resume on or about Monday, December 21. Staff contact: Ryan Adams,
Customer Service and Public Affairs
B. Police Department Updates – Chief Dixon provided the attached memo related to
information about the Police Department. Staff contact: Frank Dixon, Police
C. Utility Assistance Funding Update - Application for United Way COVID Relief
funding expired on December 1, 2020. Currently, all customers are being referred to
Interfaith Ministries of Denton.
Interfaith Ministries is currently running an approximate 3 week case turn
around. Any customer who contacts Customer Service for a referral is granted an
agreement to ensure service continuation while they are working through the
application process. Customer Service and Interfaith Ministries of Denton are
working together to strengthen our shared application process, reduce unnecessary
workload from Interfaith, and decrease funding time for residents.
Until December 1, 2020, Interfaith has only worked with need-based clients who have
not been impacted by COVID-related income loss and had the opportunity to aid 57
households. Over the last 12 months, Interfaith Ministries has assisted 477
households and 76% of all clients who provide required documentation qualify for
assistance. Recent month and year qualification statistics are provided below:
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Effective December 1, Interfaith Ministries’ available funds and remaining budget
account for 88% of their allocated funds for use. Currently, 83% of the fiscal year
remains.
Staff contact: Christa Foster, Customer Service and Public Affairs
D. Rudolph 1 Fire Truck – The Denton Fire Department is excited to announce the launch
of Rudolph 1 on Monday, December 14. Rudolph 1 is a fire truck that will be adorned
with Christmas lights and decorations, and will be playing Christmas music as it drives
the streets of Denton nightly from December 14 to 31. Each night, Rudolph 1 will
depart Central Fire Station between 5:45 to 6 p.m. and circle the downtown square
several times before driving to a pre-designated section of the City. Once Rudolph 1
arrives at the pre-designated area, it will slowly drive every street spreading holiday
cheer. Upon completion, Rudolph 1 will return downtown to circle the square for a
final few laps before returning to Central Fire Station for the evening. Rudolph 1 will
be staffed by Denton Fire Department members and their family, who will volunteer
each night to bring a smile upon the faces in our community. For more information,
and to see daily assigned areas where you might catch a glimpse of Rudolph 1, monitor
the City of Denton and Denton Fire Department Facebook accounts. Staff contact:
Kenneth Hedges, Fire
E. Timeline Change to Boards & Commissions Screening & Appointment Process – In
the November 6, 2020 Friday Report, a modified timeline was detailed which covered
certain steps and deadlines for the 2020 Board & Commission appointment process.
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The timeline (below) has again been modified as follows to begin appointments as
soon as practical. Staff contact: Rosa Rios, City Secretary’s Office
F. Update on Customer Service Merchant Services Transition – On November 5, 2020,
Customer Service transitioned its merchant services provider to Wells Fargo Merchant
Services. This transition occurred to align utility billing payments with the same
merchant services provider being utilized throughout the City. Unfortunately, the
transition was delayed from the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this
transition, all customers with recurring payments set up within the City’s online
payment portal need to log in to their account and re-enter their payment information.
Without this re-entry of information, customer payments would not process with the
new merchant services provider and their account would become past due. The
Council was provided an email on October 27 that described the different ways the
city was contacting customers including mailed letters and emails to all customers
who were listed as having recurring payments, a press release, social media
notifications, and website information.
Staff determined that many of the 7,000 customers who received these notifications
have not yet re-entered their account information to facilitate these recurring
payments. Staff are beginning to observe that customers with strong history of regular
recurring payments are becoming eligible for disconnection due to these past due
accounts. To provide time for additional targeted communications (mailed letters,
email, and phone calls, where possible) and general communications (social media) to
reach these customers prior to potential disconnections, staff will refrain from any
disconnections for the week of December 14. The following weeks, those beginning
on December 21 and December 28, are already scheduled to have no interruptions due
to those being the weeks in which Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall. This three-
week period will allow for additional time for customers who previously paid through
• November 6, 2020 Email notifications will be sent to all existing members and
other interested individuals to submit an online application,
due December 18, 2020.
Note: Applications can continue to be submitted by this date.
Setting this deadline allows for vetting to be done so that
information provided in the B&C Packet (on January 4), will
include only those qualified to serve. As applications are
received, weekly Packet Updates will be provided to Council as
has been done this past year.
• November, 2020 City staff will promote the upcoming Boards/Commissions
appointment process across its communication channels and
encourage interested individuals to submit by December 18,
2020 so their applications can be sent to Council.
• January 4, 2021 Staff Presentation to Council on the 2020-2022 Screening &
Appointment Process
• January 18, 2021 Deadline for Council Members to submit nominations (if
new, contact information is key)
• January 26, 2021 Formal appointments begin at City Council Meeting
Note: Appointments can begin sooner based on nominations
received in advance of the noted deadline and vetting completed.
Further, appointments continue as qualified nominees are
submitted or new nominees are vetted and qualified.
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recurring payments to re-enter their payment information in the online payment portal
and/or contact customer service for assistance. Staff anticipates disconnections to
resume beginning January 4, 2021. Staff contact: Ryan Adams, Customer Service and
Public Affairs
G. Denton County COVID-19 Relief Fund (CRF) Eviction Prevention & State
Emergency Rental Assistance Programs – As of December 4, the United Way of
Denton County (UWDC) COVID-19 Relief Fund (CRF) Eviction Prevention program
provided 2,402 unique households in Denton County with 7,170 months of financial
assistance. To date, 1,378 Denton residents have been provided 2,450 months of
assistance. The deadline to submit applications for assistance through the CRF was
December 1 at 6:00 p.m. Since the program launched in March, Denton County’s 11
collaborating CRF Eviction Prevention non-profits have put $6.5 million to work
keeping 2,402 unique households housed and with utilities, preventing a 586% rise in
homelessness in the county.
City staff continue to complete the necessary procurement process to allocate funding
for Round 1 of the Emergency Solutions Grant for Coronavirus (ESG-CV). Staff
recommendations will be presented to Council December 17. The Texas Homeless
Network (THN) has recommended UWDC receive $3,333,333 of funding for Round 2
of ESG-CV. This award will include funding for rapid rehousing and homelessness
prevention, and is contingent upon approval by the Texas Department of Housing and
Community Affairs (TDHCA) board in January 2021.
TDHCA made $40M of emergency rental assistance available to 54 entitlement
communities in the state with existing COVID-19 eviction prevention programs. Staff
are working to complete an application for the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance
Program (TERAP) by December 28, 2020, to support ongoing eviction prevention
efforts through UWDC’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. The contract start date will be
January 15, 2021, and the exact amount available to the city is $187,444.13. The
TERAP provides up to 6 months of rental assistance to income-eligible households
impacted by COVID-19 to help them stay housed during the pandemic and help them
recover economically from the impact of the pandemic.
As a recipient of TERAP funding, the city will be required to reserve 10% of its
TERAP allocation for the Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP) in conjunction
with one or more designated Justices of the Peace as specified by TDHCA and the
OCA. TEDP helps eligible Texas tenants, who are behind on their rent due to the
COVID-19 pandemic and who have been sued for eviction, stay in their homes and
provides landlords with an alternative to eviction.
How the TEDP Works:
If both the tenant and landlord agree to participate in the TEDP and meet program
requirements, the TEDP may provide up to six months of rental assistance. If the
landlord does not agree to the program and has already file an eviction with the courts,
the tenant will not be able to seek assistance through the program.
When a landlord files an eviction case, the landlord be required to state in the petition
that they have reviewed the information on the Texas courts website (linked). All
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citations (notices that a tenant has been sued for eviction) must contain the following
statement and an attached copy of the “State of Texas Eviction Diversion Program”
informational brochure: “You may be able to stop your eviction if you and your
landlord agree to participate in the Texas Eviction Diversion Program. At your trial,
the court will notify you about the Program and ask if you are interested in
participating. Find out more about the Program in the attached brochure, titled State
of Texas Eviction Diversion Program, and at www.txcourts.gov/eviction-diversion/.”
On the date listed in the citation for the trial of the eviction case, the judge must discuss
this program with the landlord and tenant and ask whether the landlord and tenant are
interested in the program. If both the landlord and tenant indicate they are interested
in the program, the judge is required to delay the proceedings for 60 days, make the
records and information on the eviction case confidential, and inform the landlord and
tenant about the reinstatement procedure discussed below.
At any time during the 60-day delay period, the landlord can file a motion to reinstate
the eviction case with the judge. The motion must be served on the tenant. The judge
is then required to reinstate the eviction case, set it for trial within 21 days, inform the
parties how to proceed, and make the records and information non-confidential.
If the landlord does not file a motion to reinstate the eviction case during the delay
period, the judge is required to dismiss the case with prejudice. All records and
information will remain confidential. Staff contact: Courtney Cross, Community
Services
H. City of Denton 2021 Legislative Program – The draft Legislative Program for the
upcoming 87th Session is attached. Once approved by City Council, staff will
communicate it to the Texas Legislature. Staff will continue to actively review filed
bills as they may pertain to the program, once adopted, to carry out its overall mission.
Numerous proposals in the Texas Legislature have the potential to seriously impact
the ability of the City. By taking a proactive role in monitoring and engaging the Texas
Legislature on proposed legislation, staff are working to ensure that the Denton
community can continue to enjoy their quality of life.
Staff is scheduled to present the Legislative Program to Council on January 5 and
recommend its adoption ahead of January 12, 2021, when Session is scheduled to
convene. Questions regarding any part of the Program may be addressed to Ryan
Adams or Rachel Balthrop Mendoza. Staff contact: Rachel Balthrop Mendoza, City
Manager’s Office
I. City-Related Bills Filed – While the 87th Session of the Texas Legislature is scheduled
to convene on January 12, 2021, the filing period for proposed legislation began on
November 9, 2020. As in past sessions, numerous pieces of legislation have been
proposed that affect cities, including the City of Denton. The Texas Municipal League
provides its member cities with summaries of all city-related bills filed for the previous
week. The attached bill list represents bills included from the opening of the filing
period through the most recent TML list. Staff will provide a summary of newly filed
city-related bills in each Friday Report throughout the filing period. Staff is actively
reviewing these proposed bills to evaluate their potential impact and develop strategies
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to engage in outreach with the legislature and our local delegation prior to and during
the upcoming session. Questions regarding any piece of legislation or to receive the
full text of legislation, please contact Ryan Adams or Rachel Balthrop Mendoza.
Also, in this report, is a draft of the proposed Legislative Program for the 87th
Legislative Session. After a work session discussion, the Council will consider the
adoption of the legislative program on January 5. Staff contact: Ryan Adams,
Customer Service and Public Affairs
J. Bonnie Brae Phase 3 Virtual Community Meeting - On Thursday, December 3, City
staff held a virtual community meeting for the Bonnie Brae Phase 3 project. The
project is located at Bonnie Brae Street from Roselawn Drive to IH-35E.
On Saturday, December 5, City staff were made aware of unexpected issues that
resulted in the mailing delay of the virtual community meeting notices to residents in
the area. As a result, not all residents interested in attending the meeting were able to
do so. Monday, December 7, staff contacted the City’s print and mail vendor, and
contributing City departments to determine where efficiency improvements could be
made for processing and distribution of time sensitive mail communication to
residents.
To provide members of the community another opportunity to learn more and share
their feedback, a new virtual community meeting is scheduled for Thursday,
January 14, 2021 at 6 p.m. The upcoming meeting will also be held in a virtual format
and cover the same information as the previous meeting. The attached meeting update
letter and notice is being mailed to residents in the area, has been distributed to the
local HOA, and published on the City’s platforms.
The virtual meeting held on Thursday, December 3 included a preliminary timeline
and project status of the design phase for Bonnie Brae Phase 3 by the City project
manager and engineers. The meeting was recorded and is available online for viewing
at www.cityofdenton.com/virtualcommunitymeeting or by visiting
www.cityofdenton.com/bonniebraestreet. Staff contact: Stephanie Yates, Public
Affairs and Seth Garcia, Engineering
K. Public Art Insurance – During the December 7 Work Session, Council Member Davis
requested information on the City’s insurance coverage for Public Art. The City’s
property insurance policy includes $250,000 in coverage once the asset is transferred
from the vendor to the City with a not to exceed amount of $10,000 per item. The
policy excludes loss or damage to any fine arts due to restoring, repairing, or
retouching processes or errors or omissions in the processing or copying of valuable
papers and records. Staff contacts: Deby Skawinski, Risk Management and Christine
Taylor, Procurement and Compliance
L. December/January Resident Update - The December/January issue of the Resident
Update newsletter (attached) was delivered to Denton homes the week of
November 29. This issue features information about adapted City services and
programs, Boards and Commissions applications, the new tethering ordinance, what
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residents can do if they experience an outage, 911 texting updates, residential rebates,
and more. Staff contact: Justin Harmon, Customer Service and Public Affairs
M. Vision Zero Participation – On December 9, Council Member Davis requested a status
update on the vacant Pedestrian and Bike Coordinator position as well as information
on the City’s participation with the Vision Zero Program. The position of Pedestrian
and Bike Coordinator recently vacated in June and has been retooled into the Sr.
Planner – Bicycle, Pedestrian and ADA coordinator position. This position will be one
of three ADA coordinators in the City of Denton and will be responsible for ADA
compliance in all city right-of-way. In addition, this position will be charged with
assisting in the development of the City’s Mobility Plan and complete streets
transportation strategies. The position was posted in early November and will be left
open until filled. To date, staff has received over 15 applications. Staff is currently
reviewing the qualifications of all candidates and will schedule interviews for after the
first of the year. Staff continues to look forward to the experience and knowledge the
successful candidate will bring to Denton’s bicycle and pedestrian community.
Staff and representatives from the Federal Highway Administration presented Vision
Zero to City Council in December of 2019 and received direction to establish a Denton
Vision Zero Program. The Pedestrian and Bike Coordinator began initiating this
program. However, with his departure, the project has been placed on a temporary
hold until the position described above can be filled. Staff continues to participate in
the monthly Vision Zero Texas Cities meeting in which other cities such as Austin,
San Antonio, Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston and Laredo share their experiences and
efforts in the Vision Zero arena. When the Sr. Planner position is filled, the City will
resume the development and implementation of a 3-Year Action Plan. Staff contact:
Brian Jahn, Capital Projects
N. Thomas Street Lime-Stained Concrete Update – In the October 23 Friday Report, staff
addressed Council Member Davis concerns about lime-stained concrete on Thomas
Street that occurred during construction on Scripture St. The City Project Manager
contacted the contractor about the damage, who committed to removing the lime
stains. On December 4, the contractor pressure washed the lime stains from the
roadway and curb. Staff contact: Trevor Crain, Capital Projects
O. Federal Funding Outreach to Senator Cornyn – On December 9, Interim Mayor Pro
Tem Davis, sent an email to the office of Senator John Cornyn advocating for the
inclusion of fiscal assistance to local governments, additional assistance for small
businesses, and extended foreclosure and eviction protections in the next stimulus bill.
The next stimulus is currently being negotiated at the congressional level with Senator
Cornyn a key player in those discussions. To help demonstrate the impact of federal
funds, IMPT Davis included the attached summary that outlines the collaborative
approach Denton County cities and nonprofits have used to put CARES Act funding
to good use. Staff will keep the Council updated if any significant milestones are
reached in the passage of a federal stimulus bill. Staff contact: Sarah Kuechler, City
Manager’s Office
P. Bike and Pedestrian facilities at Denton High School – On December 9, Council
Member Davis requested information on the bike and pedestrian facilities planned for
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Denton High School and the connectivity South to Rayzor Ranch. The Denton High
School construction project includes a new roadway, Bronco Way, which will align
with Riney Rd. at Bonnie Brae, as shown below. Bronco Way will include a shared
use side path and sidewalk along its length. Currently, Bronco Way is not proposed to
extend beyond the north-south portion of Westgate Dr. and/or connect to the east-west
portion of Westgate Dr. There are currently no plans to include sidewalks or bike lanes
along the north-south portion of Westgate Dr. or any entrances to the new school from
Westgate.
Bonnie Brae Phase 6, from US 380 to US 377, will include 10-foot shared use path
down the east side of Bonnie Brae and a 5- to 8-foot sidewalk on the west side of
Bonnie Brae, depending on the location. The construction of Bonnie Brae Phase 6 is
scheduled to be substantially compete by the opening of Denton High School in
August 2022. Staff contacts: Brian Jahn, Capital Projects and Seth Garcia, Capital
Projects
Q. Crawford Road Improvements – On December 9, Mayor-elect Hudspeth joined Sara
Hensley, Deputy City Manager, at the Crawford Road groundbreaking which
represents a multijurisdictional partnership between the Town of Argyle, Denton
County and the City of Denton. Crawford Road is an important corridor in a high
growth area that provides service and connectivity to Argyle, Denton County and the
City of Denton. The improvements include a new roundabout at the intersection of
Crawford and John Paine Roads as well as road improvements. Staff contact: Sara
Hensley, City Manager’s Office
R. Sequoia Park Update – On December 3, Council Member Briggs requested
information about the entrances to Sequoia Park and their accessibility. The park
consists of two entrances; one is near the intersection of University Drive and Nolan
Circle and the other off Choctaw Avenue's cul-de-sac. The Parks and Recreation
Department (PARD) plans to improve the entrances to Sequoia Park, once funding
becomes available.
PARD applied for a Community Development Block Grant, CDBG, in 2020 but did
not receive funding. The department plans to resubmit and are hopeful that CDBG
funding will be approved through the next grant cycle. Improvements planned are a
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new playground, trees, improved ADA access from cul-de-sacs (Choctaw Avenue,
Creek Avenue, and Seminole Avenue), and amenities such as a water fountain,
benches, trash receptacles, lighting, and a pavilion.
PARD will hold public meetings in early 2021 to gather feedback for Sequoia Park
improvements. Staff contact: Drew Huffman, Parks and Recreation
S. Speed Study on Hickory Street – On December 4, Council Member Armintor
requested staff investigate speeding concerns on Hickory Street to the East of its
intersection with Bonnie Brae Street. Staff will conduct a speed study in this area to
determine the extent and magnitude of the speeding issue. Once that study is complete,
and if the resulting data indicates a speeding concern, staff can develop potential
mitigation measures including speed cushions and possibly a road diet to address the
vehicle speeds. Based on current workload, this study will not be conducted until
February 2021.
Council Member Armintor also raised concerns about the absence of sidewalks on this
stretch of Hickory St. Staff is currently preparing a sidewalk work plan that will
include all sidewalk segments citywide with a prioritization system to rank missing
segments across the city. If this stretch of Hickory St. is determined to be a high
priority, sidewalks will be installed in the future. Staff contact: Brian Jahn, Capital
Projects
T. Public Art “Vela's Trophy” Heat Absorption – During the December 7 Work Session,
Council Member Briggs requested how hot the sculpture base of the art installation at
G. Roland Vela Athletic Complex would get in the summer. The artist, Ray King, was
consulted on how hot the artwork could get in a typical North Texas summer. He noted
that the base is “reflective with a slight pebbling finish.” He could not predict the
temperature the sculpture would reach, but he did note that it would be less than most
metals. Parks staff will be working with the artist to provide natural barriers, possibly
a planter, to reduce public access to the sculpture surface. Staff contact: John
Whitmore and Drew Huffman, Parks and Recreation
U. Driving Range Update – The North Lakes Driving Range will be closed on Monday,
December 14, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this time, Synthetic Grass Pros will finish
the second half of the tee box replacement project. The first half were replaced in
October 2020. The tee boxes have not been replaced since North Lakes Driving Range
opened. They are now on a five-year replacement schedule. Staff contact: Adam
Shorter, Parks and Recreation
V. National Wildlife Federation Community Certification – The City of Denton
registered for the National Wildlife Federations Community Certification. The
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is one of America’s largest environmentally
focused non-profits that concentrates on the conservation of resources in order to
support wildlife. In 1997 they created the NWF Community Wildlife Habitat Program
which partners with communities to promote the creation of wildlife habitats. There
are approximately 200 communities nationwide including the City of Austin and
Houston that have been certified.
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Over the next three years the City of Denton will be completing outreach and
engagement in order to accumulate points to complete the certification process. Based
on our population we will need to acquire 400 habitat points. Residents can register
yards, and schools or businesses can register projects to earn habitat points. Each
habitat has to meet the following qualifications: food, water, cover, a place to raise
young, and sustainable practices.
The City will need to accumulate education and outreach points. Sustainability staff
should be able to accumulate all of the points necessary for certification based on
current programing. Staff contact: Katherine Barnett, Sustainability
W. Arlo Ambassador Award – City of Denton Sustainability has been recognized by the
North Central Texas Council of Governments and Air North Texas as the Arlo
Ambassador for the second year in a row!
Air North Texas is a regional public awareness campaign that aims to improve air
quality in the North Texas region. It was created to help address ozone pollution in the
region and work towards air quality attainment based on EPA standards.
The Arlo Ambassador Award is given to the Air North Texas Partner that most
effectively uses the mascot “Arlo the Airmadillo”. Arlo is an asthmatic airmadillo
whose shell changes color in accordance with the current air quality level. City of
Denton Sustainability is a proud partner of Air North Texas and looks forward to
continuing outreach efforts related to air quality improvement. Staff Contact:
Katherine Barnett, Sustainability
X. Hinkle Roundabout and Construction Update – On November 18 Council Member
Armintor requested a status update on when construction along Hinkle would be
complete and inquired about the potential of adding lighting to the roundabout located
at Hinkle and Mimosa to make it more visible to nighttime drivers. Construction of
the roundabout project is part of the Magnolia Phase II Paving and Drainage Project.
The Magnolia Phase II project is nearing completion and Capital Projects staff are
actively working to address remaining sitework to close out the project. Remaining
sitework includes completion of sidewalk connection points to the roundabout,
installation of two retaining walls on the west side of the Mimosa and Hinkle
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intersection, general site cleanup, and coordination with the developer of the Fireside
Park residential development to ensure the remaining sidewalk segment along Hinkle
from Mimosa to Windsor is constructed. The City’s remaining sitework and the
developer’s installation of the remaining sidewalk segment is scheduled to be
completed in the first quarter of calendar year 2021.
A cross-departmental team met on December 9 to discuss lighting needs at the Hinkle
roundabout. Following that meeting, Denton Municipal Electric (DME) replaced all
existing High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) streetlights with Light Emitting Diode (LED)
streetlights along Hinkle from US 380 to Windsor. The new LED streetlights are much
brighter and should greatly improve visibility along Hinkle from the current HPS
lighting. The image below shows the improved visibility provided by the newly
installed LED streetlights on Hinkle. Traffic Engineering engaged a lighting
consultant from Kimley-Horn and Associates to assess the current lighting of the
Hinkle roundabout and determine if additional illumination is necessary. Should the
formal assessment identify additional lighting needs at the roundabout, Capital
Projects staff will coordinate with DME to ensure any necessary lighting is installed.
Staff will report the results of the lighting assessment in a future Friday Report. Staff
contact: Dustin Draper and Rachel Wood, Capital Projects/Chris Lutrick, DME
Y. Kings Row and Sherman Drive Intersection Safety – On December 4, Council
Members Briggs, Armintor, and Meltzer requested staff assess potential safety
improvements at the intersection on Sherman Drive and Kings Row after the
occurrence of a fatal car accident involving a cyclist. Following a commitment in the
October 9 Friday Report, the 1-mile stretch of Sherman Drive between Bell Avenue
and Windsor Drive is currently under study for potential traffic calming treatments.
Staff proposes to extend this study area to include Sherman north to Loop 288.
Regarding the intersection of Kings Row and Sherman Dr. specifically, staff has
initiated data collection in support of a traffic signal warrant study, a speed analysis
and a sight distance analysis. This data will also be used to determine if geometric
changes to the intersection are warranted and/or feasible.
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Because this roadway is owned and operated by the State, staff is in the process of
scheduling a meeting with TxDOT to identify potential actions and possible
mitigations at this location. Staff contact: Brian Jahn, Capital Projects
Z. Open Excavation Sites on Windsor Drive Update – In the December 4 Friday Report,
staff addressed Council Member Briggs concerns about open excavation sites located
at two residential properties on E. Windsor Drive. The two open areas were excavated
by the City’s construction contractor to tie into the new waterline. The water samples
passed on December 9 and the contractor completed the tie-ins and the excavated
areas were back filled on December 11. Staff contact: Trevor Crain, Capital Projects
III. Upcoming Community Events and Meetings
A. Events
1. Cookies and Cocoa Drive-Thru – December 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at
Denton Civic Center (321 E. McKinney St.) Parks and Recreation staff have
over 600 cookies and hot chocolate to give out to anyone who drives up. The
cookies are individually wrapped and donated by local businesses like
Insomnia Cookies and Cookie Crave. The hot chocolate is donated by the
MLK Jr. Rec Center advisory board. This is a first-come, first-served event.
Drive up, and we will hand you the goodies- no need to get out of the car! Staff
contact: Caroline Seward, Parks and Recreation
IV. Attachments
A. Police Department Updates ..................................................................................14
B. Community Services Attachments .......................................................................16
C. Draft 2021 Legislative Program ...........................................................................38
D. City-Related Bills .................................................................................................44
E. Bonnie Brae Ph3 Resident Letter .......................................................................102
F. December/January Resident Update ..................................................................105
G. UWDC CARES Act Eviction Prevention Overview .........................................113
V. Informal Staff Reports
A. 2020-102 Downtown Construction Projects Overview ......................................121
B. 2020-103 Solar Rebate Program Update ............................................................126
C. 2020-104 Council Committee Assignments .......................................................128
VI. Council Information
A. Council Requests for Information .....................................................................139
B. Council Calendar ...............................................................................................141
C. Future Work Session Items ...............................................................................144
D. Street Construction Report ................................................................................145
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OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service
MEMORANDUM
To: Aaron Leal, City Attorney
From: Frank Dixon, Chief of Police
Date: December 11, 2020
Subject: Department Updates
This memorandum is being written to provide Council updated information on the Denton Police
Department. The Denton Record Chronicle ran a story on December 8, 2020 that quoted me as saying the
Denton Police Department won’t be participating in the detention or expulsion of someone in the country
illegally. Upon that story being posted, there was some online discussion about whether that is true and
some citizens stating that they’d personally heard stories and witnessed Denton Police officers arresting
people for minor infractions and assisting in their being deported.
As I have previously reported to Council, the Denton Police Department has continued to work on
improving our policies (General Orders), Standard Operating Procedure, and our relationship with the
community, and this is one example of that. General Order 602, Interacting with The Immigrant
Community was released on November 11, 2020. Prior to its release, we sent it out to the Denton chapter
of LULAC for feedback. Once we received that, we instituted some of the recommendations, where
appropriate. I would ask that you pay special attention to Sections 602.3.1, 602.4, 602.6, 602.7.1, and
602.7.2, as they cover concerns being voiced.
As laid out in this week’s AIS seeking Council approval for the Denton Police Department to participate
in the Child Exploitation Task Force with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the detective’s role
assigned to the task force is solely for the purpose of investigating child sex trafficking and child
exploitation cases. At no time will the detective be involved in investigating immigration violations. HSI
has broad legal authority to enforce a diverse array of federal statutes. It uses this authority to investigate
all types of cross-border criminal activity, including:
Financial crimes, money laundering and bulk cash smuggling;
Commercial fraud and intellectual property theft;
Cybercrimes;
Human rights violations;
Human smuggling and trafficking;
Department of Police
601 E. Hickory St., Suite E Denton, TX 76205 (940) 349-8181 FAX (940) 349-7966
14
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service
Immigration, document and benefit fraud;
Narcotics and weapons smuggling/trafficking;
Transnational gang activity;
Export enforcement; and,
International art and antiquity theft.
As previously reported to Council and the public, all of our current General Orders can be found on our
webpage, https://www.cityofdenton.com/en-us/all-departments/public-safety/police . There is also a
link to our open data page, where anyone can access a variety of reports and data.
FRD:frd:al:th
15
STATE OF TEXAS EVICTION DIVERSION
PROGRAM
The Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP) helps Texas tenants stay in their homes and provides landlords
an alternative to eviction. The TEDP may provide up to six months of rental assistance for eligible tenants who
are behind on their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have been sued for eviction. Both the tenant and the
landlord must agree to participate and meet the requirements in the chart below. This temporary program is a
unique partnership between the Supreme Court of Texas, Texas Office of Court Administration, and the Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
·Assistance can be used to pay the full contracted rent that is past due (up to five months), and the remainder
may be used to pay for subsequent months of assistance (up to a total of six months).
·The TEDP uses a special court process that allows courts to put eviction lawsuits on hold and divert them to
the TEDP. Under the TEDP, lump sum payments are provided to landlords for rental arrears in exchange for
allowing tenants to remain in their homes and forgiving late fees. Diverted cases will be dismissed and made
confidential from public disclosure.
LANDLORD /UNIT TENANT / HOUSEHOLD
Eligibility Requirements:
µAssistance for rent no older than April 2020
µRent for the household assisted may not exceed the
TDHCA maximum limits (limits available by zip code at
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/TEDP.htm)
µMust have a bank account and accept direct deposit
µUnits that are already receiving project-based
assistance or are public housing units are INELIGIBLE
µUnits owned by a unit of government may be ineligible
Eligibility Requirements:
µHousehold income at or below 200% of poverty
or 80% of Area Median Income*
µHousehold has been financially affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic
µTenants are INELIGIBLE if they are receiving
tenant-based voucher assistance, are in a unit
receiving project-based assistance, or are in
public housing
Documents Needed:
µCopy of the executed lease with the tenant, or if no
written lease, required certification proving tenancy
µDocumentation of Missed Payments (ledger, etc.)
µIRS W-9
µLandlord TEDP form completed
µLandlord TEDP certification completed
Documents Needed:
µPersonal ID
µIf no written lease, evidence of unit tenancy
µIncome: evidence of eligibility under other
qualified program** OR income evidence for past
30 days
µTenant TEDP form completed
µTenant TEDP certification completed
You Will Be Required to Certify that You:
µWill waive late fees, penalities, and not pass court costs
to the tenant
µHave not received assistance from another program for
the same months of rent for this client and will not
apply in the future for the covered months
µWill release the tenant from payment liability for this
time period, waive all claims raised in the eviction case,
and not evict the tenant for the period covered by TEDP
µWill reimburse the TEDP within 10 business days if you
receive rent payment for this same time period
µIf no written lease, will certify the lease term, rent
amount, and be able to provide proof of tenancy
You Will Be Required to Certify that:
µYour household has been economically impacted
by the COVID-19 pandemic
µYou have not received rental assistance for the
same months of rent and will not seek such
assistance in the future for the covered months
µYou have not previously received rental
assistance funded with CDBG CARES funds that,
together with this assistance, will exceed 6
months in total
µIf no written lease, must certify lease term, rent
amount, and ability to provide proof of tenancy
Who Can Help Me Access the Program?
COURT PROGRAM
Go to:www.txcourts.gov/eviction-diversion/
Call: 855-270-7655 (Texas Legal Service Ctr.)
Go to:http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/TEDP.htm
Call: 800-525-0657 or 512-475-3800 (pick option 4)
* TEDP is only available in select areas of the state initially. During that time eligibility is based on a household income below 200% of poverty:
Household Size 1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people
200% Poverty $25,520 $34,480 $43,440 $52,400 $61,360 $70,320 $79,280 $88,240
For households with more than 8 persons, add $8,960 for each additional person.
** You are considered eligible, and need no other documentation, if you have evidence that you: 1) are currently receiving assistance under SNAP, SSI, LIHEAP, or Medicaid; OR
2) if you are living in a qualifying rent-restricted property and have evidence of an income certification from that property dated on or after March 31, 2020, and within 12 months
of the application for assistance, and self-certify that your income remains below the limit. In some circumstances the TEDP administrator may allow self-certification of income,
but the tenant must still be able to demonstrate evidence upon request.
16
PROGRAMA DE DESVÍO DE DESALOJO DEL ESTADO DE
TEXAS
El Programa de Desvío de Desalojo de Texas (TEDP) ayuda a los inquilinos de Texas a permanecer en sus hogares y les
brinda a los propietarios una alternativa al desalojo. El TEDP puede proporcionar hasta seis meses de asistencia con el
alquiler para los inquilinos elegibles que están atrasados en el pago de su alquiler debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 y han
sido demandados para desalojo. Tanto el inquilino como el propietario deben estar de acuerdo en participar y deben cumplir
con los requisitos de la tabla a continuación. Este programa temporal es una asociación única entre la Corte Suprema de
Texas, la Oficina de Administración de Tribunales de Texas y el Departamento de Vivienda y Asuntos Comunitarios de
Texas (TDHCA).
·La asistencia se puede utilizar para pagar la totalidad del alquiler contratado vencido (hasta cinco meses), y el resto se
puede utilizar para pagar los meses siguientes de asistencia (hasta un total de seis meses).
·El TEDP utiliza un proceso judicial especial que permite a los tribunales suspender las demandas de desalojo y desviarlas
al TEDP. Conforme al TEDP, se proporciona un pago único a los propietarios por los atrasos en el alquiler a cambio de
permitir que los inquilinos permanezcan en sus hogares y perdonar los cargos por mora. Los casos desviados serán
desestimados y se volverán confidenciales para evitar la divulgación pública.
PROPIETARIO / UNIDAD INQUILINO / HOGAR
Requisitos de elegibilidad:
µAsistencia con el alquiler no anterior a abril de 2020.
µRenta para el hogar asistido no puede exceder los límites
máximos de TDHCA (límites disponibles por código postal en
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/TEDP.htm).
µDebe tener una cuenta bancaria y aceptar depósito directo.
µLas unidades que ya están recibiendo asistencia basada en
proyectos o son unidades de vivienda pública NO SON
ELEGIBLES.
µLas unidades propiedad de una unidad del gobierno pueden no
ser elegibles.
Requisitos de elegibilidad:
µIngresos del hogar por debajo del 200 % de la pobreza o
el 80 % del ingreso medio del área*.
µEl hogar se ha visto afectado financieramente por la
pandemia de COVID-19.
µLos inquilinos NO SON ELEGIBLES si están recibiendo
asistencia con vales basados en inquilinos, están en una
unidad que recibe asistencia basada en proyectos o están
en viviendas públicas.
Documentos necesarios:
µCopia del contrato de alquiler ejecutado con el inquilino, o si no
hay contrato de alquiler por escrito, certificación requerida que
demuestre el alquiler.
µDocumentación de pagos perdidos (libro mayor, etc.).
µW-9 del IRS.
µFormulario TEDP para el propietario completado.
µCertificación TEDP para el propietario completada.
Documentos necesarios:
µIdentificación personal.
µSi no hay contrato de alquiler por escrito, evidencia de
alquiler de la unidad.
µIngresos: evidencia de elegibilidad bajo otro programa
calificado** O evidencia de ingresos de los últimos 30
días.
µFormulario TEDP para el inquilino completado.
µCertificación TEDP para el inquilino completada.
Se le pedirá que certifique lo siguiente:
µRenunciará a los cargos por mora, multas y no pasará los costos
judiciales al inquilino.
µNo haber recibido asistencia de otro programa por los mismos
meses de alquiler para este cliente y no aplicará en el futuro por
los meses cubiertos.
µLiberará al inquilino de la responsabilidad de pago durante este
período de tiempo, renunciará a todas las reclamaciones
planteadas en el caso de desalojo y no desalojará al inquilino
durante el período cubierto por el TEDP.
µReembolsará el TEDP dentro de los 10 días hábiles si recibe el
pago de la renta por este mismo período de tiempo.
µSi no hay contrato de alquiler por escrito, certificará el plazo del
alquiler, el monto del alquiler y podrá proporcionar prueba de
alquiler.
Se le pedirá que certifique lo siguiente:
µSu hogar se ha visto afectado económicamente por la
pandemia de COVID-19.
µNo ha recibido asistencia con el alquiler por los mismos
meses de alquiler y no buscará dicha asistencia en el
futuro durante los meses cubiertos.
µNo ha recibido previamente asistencia con el alquiler
financiada con fondos de CDBG CARES que, junto con
esta asistencia, excederán los 6 meses en total.
µSi no hay contrato de alquiler por escrito, debe certificar
el plazo del contrato de alquiler, el monto del alquiler y la
capacidad de proporcionar comprobante de alquiler.
¿Quién puede ayudarme a acceder al programa?
TRIBUNAL PROGRAMA
Visite:www.txcourts.gov/eviction-diversion/
Llame al:855-270-7655
Visite:http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/TEDP.htm
Llame al: 800-525-0657 o 512-475-3800 (elija la opción 4)
* TEDP solo está disponible inicialmente en áreas seleccionadas del estado. Durante ese tiempo, la elegibilidad se basa en un ingreso familiar por debajo del 200 % del nivel de pobreza:
Tamaño del hogar 1 persona 2 personas 3 personas 4 personas 5 personas 6 personas 7 personas 8 personas
200 % del nivel de pobreza$25,520 $34,480 $43,440 $52,400 $61,360 $70,320 $79,280 $88,240
Para hogares con más de 8 personas, agregue $8,960 por cada persona adicional.
** Se le considera elegible y no necesita otra documentación si tiene evidencia de lo siguiente: 1) actualmente recibe asistencia de SNAP, SSI, LIHEAP o Medicaid; O 2) si vive en una propiedad calificada
con restricción de alquiler y tiene evidencia de una certificación de ingresos de esa propiedad fechada después del 31 de marzo de 2020, y dentro de los 12 meses posteriores a la solicitud de asistencia,
y autocertifica que sus ingresos permanecen por debajo del límite. En algunas circunstancias, el administrador de TEDP puede permitir la autocertificación de los ingresos, pero el inquilino aún debe
poder demostrar evidencia si se solicita.17
Page 1 of 18
TEXAS EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TERAP)
A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CARES ACT (CDBG-CV) PROGRAM
DRAFT PROGRAM GUIDELINES
REV. 11/22/2020
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Page 2 of 18
Contents
1. Background ........................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Program Goals ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3. CDBG National Objective ...................................................................................................................... 3
4. Governing Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 3
5. Program Overview ................................................................................................................................ 5
6. Eligible Activities ................................................................................................................................... 6
7. Geographic Coverage and Non-duplication of Benefits ....................................................................... 7
8. Time Period of Assistance ..................................................................................................................... 7
9. Subawards ............................................................................................................................................. 7
10. Tenant Eligibility Requirements ........................................................................................................ 8
11. Appeal Procedures for Households .................................................................................................. 9
12. Income Determination and Verification ......................................................................................... 10
13. Affordable Rent Standard/ Rent Ceiling ......................................................................................... 12
14. Landlord Eligibility Requirements ................................................................................................... 12
15. Required Documentation for Application ....................................................................................... 13
16. Environmental Review .................................................................................................................... 13
17. Lead Based Paint Requirements ..................................................................................................... 13
18. Affirmatively furthering fair housing .............................................................................................. 14
19. Procurement ................................................................................................................................... 14
20. Program Administration and Performance ..................................................................................... 14
21. Other Federal Cross-cutting requirements ..................................................................................... 15
22. List of Program Forms ..................................................................................................................... 15
Appendix 1: Annualized Income ................................................................................................................. 16
Appendix 2: Excluded Income ..................................................................................................................... 17
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Page 3 of 18
1. Background
The Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program (TERAP) provides rental assistance to income-eligible
households impacted by COVID-19 to help them stay housed during the pandemic and help them recover
economically from the impact of the pandemic. Administered by the Texas Department of Housing and
Community Affairs (TDHCA), with Community Development Block Grant CARE Act funds (CDBG-CV), the
program can pay up to six months of an eligible household’s rent, including rental arrears, with at least
one of those months covering a month of future rent. The program can specifically provide rental
assistance to tenants who have been sued for eviction (i.e. forcible detainer action) filed against them,
providing the landlord and tenant an alternative to eviction.
Funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this CDBG-CV program
is specifically designed to help households prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impacts of
COVID-19. The Governor of the State of Texas designated TDHCA as the administrator of the state’s
allocation of these funds. TDHCA has designated $105 million to eligible jurisdictions or entities through
direct awards and through a competitive process for the exclusive purpose of providing emergency rental
assistance for Texans.
These program guidelines list program requirements including tenant and landlord eligibility
requirements, minimum federal administration and reporting requirements, length of assistance,
maximum amounts of assistance, and maximum household income.
2. Program Goals
The goal of the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program is to help stabilize low- and moderate-income
Texas renters impacted by the coronavirus pandemic through the provision of up to six months of rental
assistance.
3. CDBG National Objective
Rental assistance payments will be available exclusively to households whose incomes are at or below
80% or less of Area Median Income (AMI). This activity qualifies under the “limited clientele” category of
the CDBG national objective of benefit to low- and moderate-income persons or households (24 CFR
§570.483((b)(2)(C)).
4. Governing Requirements
The following regulations establish federal and state requirements. Relevant legal authority includes, but
is not limited to, the following as now in effect or as amended in the future:
• CARES Act (Public Law No: 116-136)
• Texas Government Code 2105: Administration of Block Grants
• Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq)
• 24 CFR Part 570 Subpart I
• CDBG-CV Notice, FR-6218-N-01
• 24 CFR Part 58
• 2 CFR Part 200
• Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS)
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs 2019 Annual Action Plan, as amended
• Texas Administrative Code: Title 10, Part 1, Chapters 1 and 2
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Page 4 of 18
If state or federal statutes or regulations, or other laws, relating to the CDBG-CV funds are modified by
the United States Congress, HUD, the Department, the Texas State Legislature, or the Governor, the
changes may become effective immediately and may be applicable to existing contracts.
If there is a conflict between the state and federal regulations, the federal regulations shall prevail. In
addition, the Department reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to suspend or amend the provisions
governing this program. If such an action occurs, the Department will notify interested parties. Awards
are also contingent upon the Department executing a grant agreement from HUD for the CDBG CARES Act
funds.
Financial Management
Subrecipients must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department that it is in compliance with the
financial management requirements at 2 CFR Part200, including the single audit requirements of 2 CFR
§200.501. All Subrecipients are subject to the requirements of 10 TAC §1.403, concerning Single Audits.
If a Subrecipient utilizes subawardees they are responsible for monitoring those financial management
systems in accordance with 10 TAC §1.402.
Previous Participation Review and Federal/State Debarment
All entities will be subject to a Previous Participation Review by the Department, as outlined in 10 TAC
§1.302.
Pursuant to 24 CFR Part 5, all CDBG-CV applicants are required to verify that they and their principals, or
any/all persons, contractors, consultants, businesses, subawardees, etc., that will be conducting business
with the applicant as part of the rental assistance activity are not presently debarred, proposed for
debarment, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in the covered
transaction or in any proposal submitted in connection with the covered transaction.
The Department will not award any CDBG-CV funds to organizations that are debarred, suspended,
proposed for debarment, and declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation from federal
or state assisted programs, or that are proposing to partner, contract, or otherwise fund rental assistance
activities through an organization that is debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or otherwise
ineligible from participation in federally assisted programs. If an organization has a member of its
governing body that has this status, the Department will allow the member to resign so that the
organization can enter into a Contract with the Department.
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Page 5 of 18
5. Program Overview
The following table provides an overview of eligible program components explained in detail in
subsequent sections.
Program Component Criterion
Eligible Activities Emergency Rental assistance
o Tenant/Landlord learn about the program and voluntarily
apply.
Texas Eviction Diversion Program
o Tenant/Landlord are referred by Justices of the Peace after
the filing of an eviction (i.e. forcible detainer) and
Tenant/Landlord voluntarily apply.
Income Determination Zero Income to 60% of AMI Self-Certification form
60% to 80% of AMI Income Verification
Considered income eligible if:
o Receiving SNAP, SSI, LIHEAP, Medicaid benefits
o Living in rent-restricted property, has evidence of income
certification on or after April 1, 2020 (but within one year
of the household assistance application), and self-certify
that income does not exceed 80% of AMI.
Rent Ceilings Yes, assistance up to 120% of, and rent max up to 150% of, Small
Area Fair Market Rent (SMFMR) or Fair Market Rent (FMR) Limits
(as applicable).
Rent Payment Up to 6 consecutive months
Included rental arrears, with at least one of those months covering
a month of future rent
Administrative Costs
for Grantee
Salary and benefits
Supplies and equipment
Overhead (administration utilities, maintenance, etc.)
Transportation/mileage
Tenant Certification Required
Landlord Certification Required
Duplication of Benefits Prohibited; Cannot have already received six months of payment from
CDBG funds or another payment covering the same time period.
Lead-based paint
requirement
For more than 3 months of CDBG-CV rental assistance on units built prior to
1978 (and that do not qualify for a federal exception), a visual assessment
must be performed.
Environmental review No- TDHCA has received statewide clearance for this activity and no action
is required from the program administrator.
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Page 6 of 18
6. Eligible Activities
Emergency Rental Assistance
To keep Texans who need assistance with rent because of the impact of COVID-19 in their homes, TERAP
provides income-eligible, COVID-impacted households, with up to six months of rental assistance. Any
combination of arrears, current and future rent will be available to assist the household and at least one
month of assistance is not for arrears (is current or future rent). Current and future rent payment must
be for consecutive months. Assistance can be in the form of a one-time lump-sum payment and/or
scheduled payments for future rent up to six months of total assistance.
Program administrators can incur the following administrative costs to deliver the emergency rental
assistance program (24 CFR § 570.206(a)): salary and benefits, supplies, equipment, overhead (utilities,
maintenance, etc.), and transportation and mileage.
Texas Eviction Diversion Program
Each TERAP contract includes the requirement that a Subrecipient participle in the Texas Eviction
Diversion Program (TEDP). TEDP allows Texans who have fallen behind on their rent because of the impact
of COVID-19 and whose landlords have initiated eviction proceedings, to stay in their homes. TEDP is
operated in partnership with the Supreme Court of Texas, the Office of Court Administration (OCA) and
local courts and provides referred income-eligible, COVID-impacted households with up to six consecutive
months of rental assistance. Any combination of arrears, current and future rent will be available to assist
the household so long as the future months of assistance are all consecutive, at least one month of
assistance is not for arrears (is future rent) AND at least one month of rent is for rent in arrears. Assistance
can be in the form of a one-time lump-sum payment and/or scheduled payments for future rent for up to
six months of total assistance.
All Subrecipients will be required to administer the eviction diversion emergency rental assistance activity
in conjunction with one or more designated Justices of the Peace as specified by TDHCA and the OCA. In
this partnership, the Supreme Court of Texas is intending to remove or seal the initiated eviction from the
household’s record to mitigate the secondary effects on the tenant’s ability to rent housing in the future.
Information on the order issued by the Court and the Court’s portion of the program can be found at the
OCA program website. Subrecipients whose service area contains an organization in the Texas Eviction
Diversion Pilot Program may, for a time, be required to receive referrals from these organizations.
Ten percent of the contract amount will be allocated for this activity for a specified time. If there are
limited referrals from the local courts or referrals are primarily ineligible, the Department may reallocate
these funds to other Subrecipient contracts for this activity, or may allow the funds to be used for
emergency rental assistance payments by the Subrecipient. If this ten percent is spent, Subrecipient may
spend other contract funds on this activity without prior Department approval, but will need to report to
the Department about what categories funds were spent.
Administrative Expenses
Subrecipients can incur the following administrative costs to deliver the emergency rental assistance
program (per 24 CFR § 570.206(a) and UGMS): salaries and related costs, supplies, overhead (utilities,
maintenance, etc.), equipment (with Department approval), transportation, and mileage. Funds
requested for administration are limited up to 13 percent of the total amount of funds requested.
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Page 7 of 18
Indirect Cost Rate
Indirect costs are allowable if the entity has an approved federal indirect cost rate or are using the de
minimis rate per 2 CFR §200.414(f). In the application, subrecipients must identify each department or
division that will administer activities under the grant.
7. Geographic Coverage and Non-duplication of Benefits
A Duplication of Benefits (DOB) occurs when a program beneficiary receives assistance from multiple
sources for a cumulative amount that exceeds the total need for a particular funding need. The amount
of the duplication is the amount of assistance provided in excess of the need. In the case of rental
assistance, a duplication of benefits would occur if a program beneficiary (either landlord or tenant)
received assistance for the same months of rent for the same unit.
Per CDBG-CV Notice Part III.B.9, it is the Department’s responsibility to ensure that each CDBG-CV grantee
provides assistance only to the extent that the rental assistance needs have not been met by another
source.
As a Grantee, TDHCA is required to develop and maintain adequate procedures to prevent a duplication
of benefits that address (individually or collectively) each activity or program. To accomplish this TDHCA
has instituted the following requirements:
Any person or entity receiving CDBG-CV assistance certifies that they have not, and will not,
pursue assistance for the same period of time for the same unit and household;
Any person or entity receiving CDBG-CV assistance (including Subrecipients must agree to repay
assistance that is determined to be duplicative (this is included in both the tenant and landlord
certifications); and
Prohibiting any geographic area from being covered by more than one Subrecipient.
Any refunds the Subrecipient receives or other program income must be returned to the Department
within ten calendar days.
8. Time Period of Assistance
Landlords may receive financial assistance for past-due rent payments dating back to April 1, 2020.
9. Subawards
Subrecipients may request to enter into a subaward with a unit of local government, council of
government, public housing authority, or private nonprofit organization for some or all of its program and
administrative funds through a direct (non-competitive) award. However, if a Subrecipient chooses to
subaward its funds it must fulfil all of the requirement of a pass-through entity listed in 24 CFR §200.331
and must monitor its subawardee at least once during the contract term. Any award to a subawardee
most cover both the rental assistance and the eviction diversion activity for a defined geographic area.
Not more than one entity can serve a geographical area.
Any subgrant must contain all the applicable terms and conditions required by federal and state
requirements and as further reflected in the Subrecipient’s contract with TDHCA. With the application to
TDHCA or if selecting a subawardee after submitting the application before executing the subgrant
agreement, Subrecipient must provide the Department with the applicable contact information for the
proposed subgrantee on the Department’s form to ensure that accurate contact information is available
relating to both rental assistance and eviction diversion activities to include in a list of resources for
landlords/tenants.
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Page 8 of 18
Before entering into a contract or other agreement with a subgrantee, Subrecipient must 1) check the
Federal and State debarment and suspended listsboth that of TDHCA (all subawardees) and Texas
Department of Agriculture (only if the subawardee is a non-entitlement city or county) for and governing
board members of subawardees; 2) ensure that the entity (if applicable) is current on its Single Audit
submission to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse; 3) Request a disclosure for matters under 2 CFR §200.113,
2 CFR Part 200 Appendix XII, 24 CFR Part 9, or the Fair Housing Act; and 4) Provide the Department this
information on Department’s form.
Prohibition on Certain Funds Transfers
Per the CDBG-CV Notice Part III.B.5.(c)(ii), all Subrecipients that directly or indirectly receive CDBG-CV
funds are prohibited from selling, trading, or otherwise transferring all or any such portion of such funds
to another such entity in exchange for any other funds, credits or non-Federal considerations, and must
use such funds only for eligible activities, in this case, emergency rental assistance and eviction diversion.
10. Tenant Eligibility Requirements
Regardless of whether the household is assisted with TERAP or TEDP, the tenant must certify the following
in the Tenant Certification form to qualify for assistance.
COVID-19 Impact: The Household must have been economically impacted by COVID-19. The
household will be asked to describe the impact, but is not requested to submit documentation of
such impact with their application.
No Duplication of Benefits: The Household must:
Certify that they have not received, assistance for the same period of time for the same
unit and household, or if they do receive funding that they will pay back Subrecipient
within ten calendar days.
Certify that they cannot have previously received rental assistance funded with CDBG
CARES funds, that would exceed 6 months in total, when combined with this assistance.
Income Eligibility: The Household must have gross annual income at or below 80% of the Area
Median Income (AMI) and the program administrator must follow the income verification
guidelines in the following section to determine the household’s income eligibility.
Proof of Tenancy: Proof of tenancy is most readily established with a copy of the lease for the
unit. If there is no copy of the lease provided, or no lease exists, both tenant and landlord are
required to certify that the information they have provided on the application regarding the terms
of the lease and the rent amount is true and accurate and proof of tenancy must be provided (e.g.
cancelled check, money order, utility bill etc.).
Unit Eligibility: Rental units must be eligible. Ineligible units include those already receiving
project-based assistance, public housing units, and units owned by a unit of government.
Truth and Accuracy: The tenant must certify to the accuracy of all they are stating.
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Ineligible Clients
Households receiving duplicative rental assistance from any other source for the same period of
time for which they are seeking assistance from the CDBG-CV program. Other sources may include
but are not limited to rental assistance programs run by cities, counties, nonprofits or religious
organizations.
Tenants receiving tenant-based voucher assistance, those who are in a unit receiving project-
based assistance, or those who are in public housing are ineligible. Public housing authority (PHAs)
properties or properties receiving federal or state rental assistance are not eligible as they are
already receiving assistance to meet their rent obligations. Examples of federal rental assistance
programs whose program participants are not eligible for CDBG-CV rental assistance include but
are not limited to the Housing Choice Voucher program (tenant or project based), Housing
Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA), and HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA).
11. Appeal Procedures for Households
This appeal procedure is not applicable if the landlord declines to participate in the program. This appeal
procedure is only available to an applicant household or to a household participating in the program,
referred to hereafter as household.
Subrecipient must establish a denial of service complaint procedure to address written complaints (or an
oral complaint if a person with a disability requests a reasonable accommodation based on their disability)
from a household. At a minimum, the procedures described in paragraphs (1) - (8) shall be included:
(1) Subrecipient shall provide a written denial of assistance notice to a household within 10 calendar days
of the determination. Such a determination is defined as a denial of assistance, but does not include
a level of assistance lower than the possible program limits or a reduction in assistance, as long as
such process is in accordance with the Subrecipient's written policy. This notification shall include
written notice of the right of a hearing and specific reasons for the denial by program or denial of the
amount of assistance requested. The household wishing to appeal a decision must provide notice to
Subrecipient within 20 calendar days of receipt of the denial notice;
(2) A Subrecipient must establish an appeals committee composed of at least three persons. Subrecipient
shall maintain documentation of appeals in its customer files;
(3) Subrecipient shall hold a private appeal hearing (unless otherwise required by law) by phone or in
person in an accessible location within 10 business days after the Subrecipient received the appeal
request from the household and must provide the household notice in writing of the time/location of
the hearing at least seven calendar days before the appeal hearing;
(4) Subrecipient shall record the hearing;
(5) The hearing shall allow time for a statement by Subrecipient staff with knowledge of the case;
(6) The hearing shall allow the household at least equal time, if requested, to present relevant
information contesting the decision;
(7) Subrecipient shall notify applicant of the decision in writing. The Subrecipient shall mail the
notification by close of business on the third calendar day following the decision (three day turn-
around); but
(8) If the denial is solely based on income eligibility, the provisions described in paragraphs (2) - (7) do
not apply, but the household may request a recertification of income eligibility based on initial
documentation provided at the time of the original application. The recertification will be an analysis
of the initial calculation based on the documentation received with the initial application for services
and will be performed by an individual other than the person who performed the initial
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determination. If the recertification upholds the denial based on income eligibility documents
provided at the initial application, the household must be notified in writing.
If the household is not satisfied with Subrecipient's decision, the household may further appeal the
decision in writing (or telephonically if a person with a disability requests a reasonable accommodation
based on their disability) from a household to the Department within 10 calendar days of notification of
an adverse decision. Households who allege that the Subrecipient has denied all or part of a service or
benefit in a manner that is unjust, violates discrimination laws, or without reasonable basis in law or fact,
may request a contested hearing under Tex. Gov't Code, Chapter 2001. The hearing shall be conducted
by the State Office of Administrative Hearings on behalf of the Department in the locality served by the
Subrecipient, for which the procedures are further described in 10 TAC §1.13 (relating to Contested Case
Hearing Procedures). If the household appeals to the Department, the Subrecipient's funds that could be
pledged to that household should remain unencumbered until the Department completes its decision.
12. Income Determination and Verification
To determine whether a household qualifies for the program they must have gross annual income at or
below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Program administrators must follow these guidelines and
should complete the Household Income Certification (HIC) Form to determine a household income, unless
they have a similar tool that achieves the same purpose.
The household income determination process used for this program is based on HUD’s Handbook 4350.3,
Part 5, Income Determination, but has been modified by TDHCA to minimize barriers to income
documentation recordkeeping.
A household is defined as all persons occupying the same housing unit, regardless of their
relationship to each other. The occupants could consist of a single family, two or more families
living together, or any other group of related or unrelated persons who share living arrangements.
Gross amount. For the types of income counted, gross amounts means income before any
deductions have been taken.
Annualized Gross Income
Annualized Gross Income provides a “snapshot” of the household’s current estimated annual income. For
TERAP the household’s circumstances for the most recent four weeks (or month, if monthly) are used to
project future income. Please refer to the Appendix 1 for details on annualizing income.
Every household must qualify under one of the following four categories of income eligibility. A list of the
income types that must be excluded from consideration is provided in Appendix 2.
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Income Eligibility Categories and Required Documentation
Income/Eligibility Type Documentation
1. Considered income eligible if anyone in
the household is currently receiving SNAP,
SSI, LIHEAP, or Medicaid benefits
Enrollment documentation for the eligible program
(no further documentation is needed and an income
self-certification is not needed).
2. Considered income eligible if living in a
rent-restricted property and has evidence
of income certification on or after April 1,
2020, but within 12 months of the CDBG
application
A copy of the Property/landlord’s Income
Certification dated on or after April 1, 2020 (within
12 months of the CDBG application) AND
Submission of the “Self-Certification of Annual
Income by Beneficiary” form must be submitted
certifying that their income remains below 80% of
AMI.
3. Zero Income to 60% of AMI Submission of the “Self-Certification of Annual
Income by Beneficiary” form must be submitted
certifying that their income is below 60% of AMI.
4. 60% to 80% of AMI Income Verification as provided below. An income
self-certification form is not permitted for
households in this income range.
o The full amount, before any payroll
deductions of wages and salaries,
overtime pay, commissions, fees, tips
and bonuses, (before payroll
deductions),
Pay stub(s) covering at least most recent 4 weeks
(weekly, bi-weekly) or covering most recent month
(monthly, semi-monthly)
o The net income from the operation
of a business (self-employment)
Self-certification
o Payments in lieu of unemployment
and disability compensation,
worker's compensation, and
severance pay, and similar payments
in lieu of earnings
Benefits statement from agency OR One month’s
bank statement demonstrating deposit(s) made
from agency. Note: unemployment benefits should
be included only for the period of time the applicant
is actually eligible to receive those benefits
o Actual Child Support Received Bank statements or payment log from attorney
general
o Part-time students over 18 years of
age
Bank statements or pay stub(s) covering at least
most recent 4 weeks (weekly, bi-weekly) or
covering most recent month (monthly, semi-
monthly)
o Full-time students over 18 years of
age AND Head or Co-head of
household
Bank statements or pay stub(s) covering at least
most recent 4 weeks (weekly, bi-weekly) or
covering most recent month (monthly, semi-
monthly)
o Full-time students over 18 years of
age and NOT Head or Co-head of
household
Proof of full-time status from institution
Do NOT count income if they can prove full-time
status
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13. Affordable Rent Standard/ Rent Ceiling
The contract Rent (the amount in the lease) for the unit in which the household is requesting assistance
may not exceed TDHCA maximum limits by zip code.
The maximum amount of rent the program will pay is set at 120% of the Small Area Fair Market
Rent (SAFMR), or where no SAFMR exists, the Fair Market Rent (FMR).
The maximum amount of contract rent for the unit cannot exceed 150% of the SAFMR, or where
no SAFMR exists, the FMR. If a unit’s contract rent exceeds this amount, the unit and household
are not eligible for assistance under the program.
If a tenant’s unit rent falls between 120% and 150% of the applicable SAFMR or FMR (as
applicable), the program will still be able to assist the tenant. However, the tenant must pay the
amount of arrears in excess of the 120% limit, or enter into a payment plan executed by both the
tenant and the landlord, before the program will pay the 120% contribution. For any forward
payment of rent, the household will have to pay that amount in excess of the 120% limit each
month.
To find the 120% and 150% limits described above, use the Rent Limit Calculator (XLSX). Enter
the zip code for the unit for which assistance is being requested. If no zip code is listed, clear the
zip code cell and enter the county.
14. Landlord Eligibility Requirements
The landlord must complete and certify the following in the Landlord Form and Certification to qualify for
assistance.
Non-Eviction: To receive financial assistance, the landlord must agree not to evict the renter for
non-payment of rent associated with any of the months for which the rental assistance payment
is made. In the case of TEDP assistance, the Landlord must agree to release the tenant from
payment liability and waive all claims raised in the eviction case and not evict the tenant for non-
payment of rent for the period covered by the assistance.
Prevention of Duplication of Benefits Certification:
o Landlord cannot have received assistance from another program for the same rent for
the same client and must agree to not apply in the future for the covered months.
o The landlord receiving CDBG-CV assistance must agree to repay any assistance that is
determined to be duplicative. Landlord will reimburse the TEDP Program Administrator
within 10 business days if they receive duplicative payment for the same tenant and same
time period.
Proof of Tenancy: If no written lease is available, the landlord must certify the lease term, rent
amount, and be able to provide proof of tenancy (e.g. cancelled checks, money order, utility bill,
etc.).
Unit Eligibility: Rental units must be eligible. Ineligible units include those already receiving
project-based assistance, public housing units, and a property owned by a unit of government.
Direct Deposit: Landlord must have a bank account with direct deposit, unless otherwise agreed
to with the program administrator.
W-9: Submission of a W-9 form completed by the landlord.
Age of Property: the Landlord is certifying to the accurate age of the property.
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Fees and Penalty Forgiveness: Landlord must agree to forgive late fees/penalties for rental
arrears.
Assistance cannot cover rent any earlier than April 2020.
Truth and Accuracy: The landlord must certify to the accuracy of all items on the certification.
15. Required Documentation for Application
Landlord Tenant
Copy of lease OR certification proving
tenancy
Documentation of missed payments
W9
Completed Landlord Form and
Certification
Government-issued ID for one household
member that is on the lease, or where
the member demonstrates occupancy
through another method such as a
sublease agreement, utility bill, voter
registration, school registration form, etc.
Written lease OR certification to tenancy
and another method (e.g. cancelled
check, money order, utility bill, etc.)
Evidence of income eligibility under other
qualified program OR income
determination documentation
Completed Tenant Application
Completed Housing Income Certification
Completed Tenant Certification
16. Environmental Review
The Department has received statewide environmental clearance for this rental assistance program and
program administrators will not have to perform individual environmental reviews.
17. Lead Based Paint Requirements
Emergency Rental Assistance, provided for any period of time longer than 100 days, is covered by the
Lead Safe Housing Rule (LSHR) at Title 24, Part 35 and must follow the requirements of Subpart K, whether
occupied by a child less than six years or not. The Landlord Certification form requires the Landlord to
disclose the date the property was constructed. If the date disclosed is 1978 or newer, no further action
is required by the Subrecipient. However, units built before 1978 and receiving four or more months of
assistance are subject to this requirement.
Subpart K requires that most dwelling units built prior to January 1, 1978, that receive Federal assistance
undergo a visual assessment for deteriorated paint (inside, outside and all common areas) by a
trained grantee or subrecipient. Visual Assessment training is free and may be taken through this
link: https://apps.hud.gov/offices/lead/training/visualassessment/h00101.htm.
The results of the visual assessment must be documented. Should deteriorated paint be identified, the
household is not eligible to be assisted unless the administrator elects to follow the compliance steps to
properly address the deteriorated painted surfaces, detailed in Subpart K. A list of exemptions to the LSHR,
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steps to comply with Subpart K, and associated resources can be reviewed
here: https://portalapps.hud.gov/CORVID/HUDLBPAdvisor/welcome.html.
18. Affirmatively furthering fair housing
All Subrecipients must affirmatively further fair housing. This includes but is not limited to marketing the
program to those least likely to apply. Examples of actions of affirmative marketing are reaching out to
organizations that work with persons with disabilities or marketing the program to communities that may
not speak English or speak English less than well in their preferred spoken language.
19. Procurement
Pursuant to 24 CFR §570.489(g), all Grantees must comply with federal and state procurement
requirements. Federal procurement rules can be found at 2 CFR §200.317-326. State procurement
requirements are at ___.36 of the Uniform Grant Management Standards and 10 TAC §1.404. Failure to
meet procurement requirements may result in, repayment of federal funds, and debarment. The
Department will review the Grantee’s procurement documents for services (i.e., sub-contractor
agreement) when monitoring.
20. Program Administration and Performance
Execution of Grant Documents
Before accessing the CDBG-CV funds, the Subrecipient must execute and deliver a Contract to TDHCA and
must provide to TDHCA all executed, legally enforceable grant documents, as applicable, and any other
documents reasonably requested by TDHCA in connection with these funds.
One-Time Advance of Funds
Per 2 CFR 200.305, the Subrecipient may request a one-time advance of funds (no more than 30 days cash
need) by submitting to TDHCA a properly completed planned expenditure report that includes a request
for advance funds, in a format specified by TDHCA. TDHCA shall determine the reasonableness of each
amount requested and shall not make disbursement of any such payment until TDHCA has reviewed and
approved such request. TDHCA may request Subrecipient to make modifications to the disbursement
request and is authorized to modify the disbursement procedures set forth herein as may be necessary
or advisable for compliance with the Federal Act and Program Requirements.
The Subrecipient's requests for the advance of funds shall be limited to the minimum amounts needed
for effective operation of programs, and shall be timed as closely as possible to be in accord with actual
cash requirements. The Subrecipient shall establish procedures to minimize the time elapsing between
the transfer of funds from TDHCA to the Subrecipient and the spending of such funds and shall ensure
that such funds are disbursed as soon as administratively possible. If Subrecipient subgrants any part of
its award, it must have financial management systems in place to pay the subgrantee for expenses under
the agreement, generally within 30 days.
Performance Benchmarks, Contract Term and Deobligation
The contract will be issued for a term of 12 months, subject to extension requests at the sole discretion
of the Department.
Contract benchmarks will be reflected in the contract with the Subrecipient that require expenditures as
follows:
No later than the end of the fourth month of the contract, at least 20% of total contracted funds
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must be reported as expended.
No later than the end of the sixth month of the contract, at least 40% of total contracted funds
must be reported as expended.
No later than the end of the ninth month of the contract, at least 70% of total contracted funds
must be reported as expended.
No later than the end of the twelfth month of the contract, at least 100% of total contracted funds
must be reported as expended.
Failure to achieve contract benchmarks may be cause for a partial or complete deobligation of
the remaining unexpended contract funds, as determined by TDHCA on a case-by-case basis.
Reporting Responsibilities & Records to be maintained
Subrecipients will be required to submit monthly performance reports outlining accomplishments relative
to program goals, client demographic data and verification of grant-funded program expenses. The
reports will be reviewed for accuracy, performance measures and compliance. In addition, monitoring
and auditing of grantees for ongoing compliance and eligibility will be performed by the State to ensure
federal requirements are being met.
Subrecipients will be required to maintain client data supporting client eligibility for services provided.
Data shall include, but not be limited to: how the person/household was directly impacted by the
coronavirus, number of persons/households served, family size, race/ethnicity and income
documentation.
Subrecipients will also be required to maintain client and program data relating to the Texas Eviction
Diversion Program including, but not limited to: number of persons whose evictions were diverted, client
eligibility and demographic information.
21. Other Federal Cross-cutting requirements
24 CFR 570 Subpart K
Fair Housing Act
Federal reporting requirements - 24 CFR 91.520
Monitoring and reporting program performance - 2 CFR 200.329
Monitoring requirements - 24 CFR 91.330
22. List of Program Forms
Tenant Application Form
Tenant Certification Form
Household Income Certification
Income Self-Certification
Rent Limit Calculator
Landlord Certification Form
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Appendix 1: Annualized Income
In general, a Subrecipient evaluating a household’s income should assume that the household’s
circumstances today will continue for the next 12 months (ANNUALIZE), unless there is verifiable evidence
to the contrary.
For example, if a head of household is currently working for $7.00 per hour, 40 hours per week, the
Subrecipient should assume that this family member will continue to perform that work for that rate and
amount of time for the next year. Thus, estimated earnings will be $7.00 per hour multiplied by 2,080
hours (40 hours per week for 52 weeks of the year), or $14,560 per year.
This method should be used even when it is not clear that the type of income received currently will
continue in the coming year.
For example, assume a family member has been receiving unemployment benefits of $100 per month for
16 weeks at the time of income certification. It is unlikely that the family member will continue on
unemployment for another 52 weeks. However, because it is not known whether or when the family
member will find employment, the Subrecipient should use the current circumstances to anticipate
annual (gross) income. Income would therefore be calculated as follows:
$100 per week x 52 weeks, or $5,200.
The exception to this rule is when documentation is provided that current circumstances are known to be
time limited or about to change. For example, an employer might report that an employee currently
makes $7.50 an hour, but a negotiated union contract will increase this amount to $8.25 an hour eight
weeks from the date of assistance. In such cases, income can be calculated based on the information
provided. In this example, the calculation would be as follows:
• $7.50/hour x 40 hours/week x 8 weeks = $2,400
• $8.25/hour x 40 hours/week x 44 weeks (remaining weeks in the year) = $14,520
• $2,400 + $14,520 = $16,920=Anticipated and Annualized Gross Income from that household member.
Methods to annualize for part-time and full-time gross income
Weekly pay:
4 pays stubs: Add the four gross amounts of each stub and divide by four to give you the weekly average.
Multiply the weekly average by 52 to arrive at the gross annualized income.
Bi-weekly (every two weeks) pay:
2 pay stubs: Add the two gross amounts of each stub and divide by two to give you the bi-weekly average.
Multiply the bi-weekly average by 26 to arrive at the gross annualized income.
Semi-monthly (twice per month) pay:
2 pay stubs: Add the two gross amounts of each stub and divide by two to give you the semi -monthly
average. Multiply the semi-monthly average by 24 to arrive at the gross annualized income.
Monthly pay:
One pay stub: Multiply gross amount by 12 to arrive at the gross annualized income.
Irregular pay:
Use a reasonable, consistent method to arrive at the gross annualized income.
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Appendix 2: Excluded Income
The calculation of annual income shall not include the following:
A. Income from Children, which is income from the employment of children (including foster children)
under the age of 18 years.
B. Payments Received for the Care of Foster Children, including foster adults (usually persons with
disabilities, unrelated to the family, who are unable to live alone).
C. Lump-Sum Payments, including additions to family assets, such as inheritances, insurance payments
(e.g., health and accident insurance, and worker's compensation), capital gains and settlement for
personal or property losses [except as provided].
D. Reimbursement for Medical Costs, including all payments received by the family that are specifically
for, or in reimbursement of, medical expenses for any family member.
E. Live-in Aide, including the income of a live-in aide employed because of a medical condition or disability
of a family member. A live-in aide is determined to be essential to the care and well-being of the person,
not obligated for the support of the person, and would not be living in the unit except to provide the
necessary supportive services.
F. Education Assistance, including the full amount of educational scholarships paid directly to the student
or to the educational institution, and Government funds paid to a veteran for tuition fees, books,
equipment, materials, supplies, transportation and miscellaneous personal expenses of the student. Any
amount of such scholarship or payment to a veteran not used for the above purposes that is available for
subsistence is to be included in income.
G. Armed Forces (Special Pay), specifically special pay to a family member serving in the Armed Forces
who is exposed to hostile fire.
H. Government Programs, including the following: Amounts received under training programs funded by
HUD and earnings and benefits from participation in qualifying State or local employment training
programs (including training programs not affiliated with a local government.) Amounts received by a
disabled person that are disregarded for a limited time for purposes of Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) eligibility and benefits, because they are set aside for use under a Plan to Attain Self-Sufficiency
(PASS). Amounts received by a participant in other publicly-assisted programs, which are specifically for
or in reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred (special equipment, clothing, transportation,
child care, etc.) and made solely to allow participation in a specific program. Amounts specifically excluded
by any other Federal statue from consideration as income for purposes of determining eligibility or
benefits under a category of assistance programs that includes assistance under the U.S. Housing Act of
1937. Amounts paid by a State agency to a family with a member who has developmental disability and
is living at home to offset the cost of services and equipment neede d to keep the developmentally
disabled family member living at home.
I. Temporary Income, considered temporary, nonrecurring or sporadic in nature (including gifts).
J. Income of Full-Time Students, earnings in excess of $480 for each full-time student 18 years old or older
attending school or vocational training (excluding the head of household and spouse).
K. Property Tax Refunds, including amounts received by the family in the form of refunds or rebates under
State or local law for property taxes paid on the dwelling of the unit.
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L. Adoption Assistance Payments, in excess of $480 per adopted child.
35
United Way of Denton County COVID-19 Relief Fund Eviction Prevention Program Outcomes
Last Updated Friday, December 4th at 5:47 p.m.
WEEKLY EXPENDITURES
Week Amount Months Approvals
3/23 - 3/27 $5,345.00 4 4
3/30 - 4/3 $42,854.30 43 43
4/6 - 4/10 $46,085.95 57 57
4/13 - 4/17 $32,092.23 38 38
4/20 - 4/24 $36,787.09 41 41
4/27 - 5/1 $43,606.58 36 35
5/4 - 5/8 $55,072.99 51.5 44
5/11 - 5/15 $47,984.69 51.5 44
5/18 - 5/22 $61,817.38 61 52
5/25 - 5/29 $48,039.52 38.5 26
6/1 - 6/5 $96,321.75 90.5 68
6/8 - 6/12 $88,825.90 89.5 63
6/15 - 6/19 $54,046.36 54 40
6/22 - 6/26 $85,037.08 75 53
6/29 - 7/3 $87,213.59 75 57
7/6 - 7/10 $96,909.43 84 63
7/13 - 7/17 $134,450.92 124 90
7/20 - 7/24 $156,977.56 140 91
7/27 - 7/31 $211,039.09 173 101
8/3 - 8/7 $190,345.00 194 117
8/10 - 8/14 $190,854.15 203 116
8/17 - 8/21 $215,147.17 262 125
8/24 - 8/28 $256,055.75 333 144
8/31 - 9/4 $253,159.91 337 158
9/8* - 9/11 $238,556.51 273 144
9/14 - 9/18 $256,410.70 315 136
9/21 - 9/25 $217,336.05 267 126
9/28 - 10/2 $218,333.30 265 143
10/5 - 10/9 $156,890.55 175 119
10/12 - 10/16 $223,412.89 267 162
10/19 - 10/23 $291,264.90 345 200
10/26 - 10/30 $344,848.98 392 231
11/2 - 11/6 $370,288.69 373 208
11/9 - 11/13 $454,458.67 503 281
11/16 - 11/20 $415,892.73 436 267
11/23* - 11/24 $211,251.84 227 140
11/30* - 12/4 $624,015.08 686 404
Weekly Average $177,271.09 194 114
36
United Way of Denton County COVID-19 Relief Fund Eviction Prevention Program Outcomes
Last Updated Friday, December 4th at 5:47 p.m.
ASSISTANCE BY CITY
Municipality
Households
Assisted
Months of
Help
% Months of
Countywide Total
Argyle 19 40 0.6%
Aubrey 210 380 5.3%
Bartonville 1 1 0.0%
Carrollton 293 469 11.1%
Coppell 7 7 0.1%
Corinth 54 71 1.0%
Cross Roads 18 36 0.5%
Dallas 316 528 7.4%
Denton 1,378 2,450 34.2%
Flower Mound 54 81 1.1%
Frisco 123 209 2.9%
Haslet 4 7 0.1%
Hickory Creek 2 3 0.0%
Highland Village 2 2 0.0%
Justin 31 55 0.8%
Krum 19 38 0.5%
Lake Dallas 55 96 1.3%
Lewisville 975 1,570 21.9%
Little Elm 194 338 4.7%
Northlake 8 14 0.2%
Oak Point 8 12 0.2%
Pilot Point 21 35 0.5%
Plano 3 10 0.1%
Ponder 18 36 0.5%
Prosper 22 48 0.7%
Providence Village 21 41 0.6%
Roanoke 35 58 0.8%
Sanger 36 62 0.9%
Savannah 8 16 0.2%
Shady Shores 1 1 0.0%
The Colony 291 459 6.4%
Trophy Club 2 2 0.0%
TOTAL 4,229 7,170 100%
FUNDING
Metric Denton
Funding
Lewisville
Funding
All Denton County
Funding
PACCAR
Funding Total
Funds
Raised $130,000.00 $74,000.00 $6,121,172.77 $75,000.00 $6,400,172.77
Expenses $130,000.00 $73,400.00 $6,281,831.89 $75,000.00 $6,560,231.89
Current
Balance $0.00 $600.00 -$160,659.12 $0.00 -$160,059.12
TYPE OF ASSISTANCE
Rent/Mortgage/Utilities 4,187
Extended Hotel Stay 21
Temporary Hotel 21
Requests Not Approved 200
Unique Households 2,402
3 mo. Relief Exhausted 1,059
APPROVED REQUESTS BY AGENCY
Agency Number of Requests
Christian Community Action 563
Denton County Friends of the Family 195
Giving HOPE, Inc. 310
Grace Like Rain 652
Interfaith Ministries 137
Metrocrest Services 301
Next Steps The Colony 201
Our Daily Bread 43
Salvation Army Denton 344
Salvation Army Lewisville 67
United Way of Denton County 1,417
37
Statement of Purpose
The fundamental objective of the City's legislative activities is to produce positive outcomes for the
Denton community as a whole. Numerous proposals in the Texas Legislature have the potential to
seriously impact the ability of the City to carry out its overall mission. By taking a proactive role in
monitoring and engaging the Texas Legislature on proposed legislation, we are working to ensure that
the Denton community can continue to enjoy the quality of life they have come to expect and deserve.
General Policies
As a general policy, the City will oppose any legislation that:
Is viewed as detrimental to the Denton's strategic goals or would limit its home rule authority;
Is contrary to the health, safety, and welfare of its residents;
Mandates increased costs or loss of revenues;
Would adversely impact municipal operations; or
Would diminish the fundamental authority of the City.
As a general policy, the City supports any legislation that:
Would advance the City's strategic goals and interests;
Improve the health, safety, and welfare of its residents; or
Responsibly increase revenues.
Partnerships and Coalitions
The City will form strategic partnerships with other cities, political subdivisions, private sector and non-
profit entities, and other appropriate stakeholders that share common goals with the City of Denton.
Additionally, the City will work in coordination with organizations such as the Texas Municipal League,
when their adopted positions are in line with the legislative objectives and goals of the City. The
formation of strategic partnerships and coordinated efforts is intended to provide the City with a
stronger presence in the legislative process.
General Government
We will work to protect Denton residents’ right to govern themselves and work with their local
government and local elected officials to make decisions about the community at the local level. To
accomplish this, we will:
Support legislation that supports or advances the principle of local control to allow for locally
elected officials to make decisions that are beneficial to the interests of City residents or that
are otherwise beneficial to the City's interest.
Oppose state preemption of municipal authority in regulation of payday lenders, unless
proposed legislation provides adequate protections from aggressive, predatory, deceptive, and
harmful lending practices.
Support legislation that improves government transparency, so long as such legislation does not
create legal confusion, duplicate existing disclosure requirements, or cause an undue burden as
an unfunded mandate to the City.
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Oppose legislation that would increase state regulation of local ballot language.
Support legislation that heightens environmental standards, improves air and water quality, and
protects the health, safety, and welfare of Texans, so long as they do not create an undue
burden or unfunded mandate on the City.
Support the ability of the city to use third parties to advocate on behalf of the City with regard
to legislative issues that would impact our city or its residents.
Revenue and Taxation
We will work to protect the ability of the City's elected governing body to set its own budget, raise the
revenue necessary to provide services to City residents and businesses, and effectively respond to the
needs of the Denton community. To accomplish this goal, we will:
Oppose legislation that would impose a revenue cap or tax cap, further reduce the rollback rate,
or otherwise restrict the City's ability to fund the necessary programs and services, including
legislation that would erode the ability of a city to issue debt, place limits on the City's overall
expenditures, or limit economic development.
Oppose legislation that restricts options and flexibility with regard to debt financing of one-time
capital projects.
Support legislation that would improve the appraisal process to ensure equal and uniform
application of property taxes.
Support legislation that expands the collection of city sales taxes or the sales tax base, so long as
the city tax base receives the full benefit from the expansion.
Oppose legislation that would impose any penalty relating to local police funding decisions.
Support legislation that makes favorable changes to Senate Bill 2 from the 86th Legislature,
including clarification of disaster policy related to tax rates, new action on tax rates if entities go
over 3.5%, and other constructive adjustments that strengthen city services, operations, and
financial planning.
Support legislation that would provide maximum flexibility for the expenditure of CARES Act
funds or other disaster-related federal and state funding.
Economic Development
We will continue to support access to economic development tools that expand our tax base, bring jobs
to our community, and support businesses and industries that have chosen to locate in Denton. To
accomplish this goal, we will:
Support legislation that continues to allow for the use of Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code
property tax abatements and Chapter 380 of the Local Government Code for economic
development grants that promote job creation and economic growth.
Support legislation that would continue or expand funding of the Skills Development Fund of the
Texas Workforce Commission to promote workforce training or other programs that would
enhance training and upskilling of the labor force.
Oppose legislation that restricts the use of Chapter 380 agreements and, specifically, changes
that threaten options for future agreements and for policy adjustments that affect existing
agreements
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Land Use and Resources
We will work to protect the City's ability to regulate growth and land development, promote good land
use, and manage development within the city limits and our extraterritorial jurisdiction. To accomplish
this goal, we will:
Support legislation that preserves property value for Denton taxpayers by protecting the City's
authority to promote sound land use through: land use and zoning regulations (including
billboard regulations, tree, and landscape regulations), building and property maintenance
codes (including in ETJ), planning requirements, impact fees, building permit fees, annexation,
or eminent domain.
Oppose legislation that would restrict the ability of cities to impose and collect municipal impact
fees from new developments.
Oppose legislation that would reduce a municipality's authority and discretion to approve the
creation of a special district within a city's incorporated area or ETJ, including but not limited to
the expansion of a district's boundaries or powers.
Oppose legislation that would restrict cities' ability to adopt or amend zoning regulations or the
applicability of those regulations to existing projects, including but not limited to the creation of
any property rights or vesting in a zoning and use classification or any restrictions regarding
downzoning.
Support the preservation of municipal authority to reduce the effects of oil and gas
development on city residents or legislation that would enhance local regulations related to oil
and gas operations.
Oppose legislation that would erode local control or existing authority and regulations of gas
well operations as articulated in HB 40 (84th Legislature).
Support legislation that would allow cities to enact ordinances regulating zoning and
development free from exception/exemption, including but not limited to imposing limitations
on the availability of the Freeze Law under Chapter 245 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Support legislation that seeks to make amendments to HB 2439 from the 86th Legislature,
known as the Building Materials bill, to provide additional local authority to control the use of
building materials to new structures or additions to existing structures.
Support legislation that seeks to make amendments to HB 3167 from the 86th Legislature,
known as the 30-Day Shot Clock bill, to provide more time and capacity to local governments to
fully review and evaluate development plans to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the
public.
Oppose legislation that would allow changes to the governance of municipal management
districts (MMDs) by creating standardization in the creation of MMDs, thereby restricting local
control.
Mobility and Transportation
We will continue efforts to improve and enhance the mobility and transportation system throughout the
state, region, and within the City of Denton, including advocating for increased funding and pursuing
collaborative and innovative solutions.
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Support legislation to identify additional transportation revenue to enhance statewide and
regional transportation infrastructure, or that would provide metropolitan areas with flexible
solutions to solve problems, address needed connectivity in high growth areas, and ensure that
areas contributing to transportation solutions will not be penalized with a loss of traditional
transportation funding.
Support legislation and funding for 35Express, 35W, and 35N to Red River, and Loop 288
projects.
Support legislation that would index the motor fuels tax to reduce the decline in purchase
power of transportation funding.
Support legislation that would provide state funding to support active mobility projects for
bicycles and pedestrians.
Support legislation that encourages responsible transportation system innovations through
technology, renewable energy-based vehicles and their necessary facilities, autonomous
vehicles, autonomous freight, connected vehicle infrastructure and mobility technologies.
Utilities
We will work to protect our ability to manage our utilities, rights-of-way, and publicly owned land and
maintain our authority to make decisions about how our utilities are governed, funded, and operated.
To accomplish this goal, we will:
Oppose legislation that would deregulate municipally owned utilities (MOUs), amend their
governance authority, or remove local control of setting electric rates.
Support legislation that preserves the governance structure and ability of MOUs to maintain a
diversified energy portfolio.
Oppose legislation that would extend or increase mandates for rate payer funded electric
subsidies provided by MOUs to four-year state universities, upper level institutions, Texas state
technical colleges, or other special groups.
Oppose legislation that will restrict MOUs from building transmission infrastructure outside
their service area.
Oppose legislation that would diminish an MOU's ability to maintain the reliability of the electric
utility system and protect the safety of employees by allowing wireless communication facilities
and antennas to be mounted on utility poles in a manner that disregards best engineering
practices, safety codes, or the judgement of electric utilities.
Oppose legislation that modifies the ERCOT energy only market to include an installed capacity
mandate or that increases ERCOT ancillary service charges to an MOU’s customer/owners to
compensate merchant battery storage projects
Support legislation to cost effectively increase the capacity of the ERCOT transmission system
and thus mitigate congestion costs associated with moving renewable energy to the load
centers in Texas
Oppose legislation that provides any further exemptions to the drainage fee.
Oppose legislation that would impose a state charge on municipal water systems or their
customers.
Oppose legislation that would increase any state-required Municipal Solid Waste or other solid-
waste related permitting requirements and fees without justification of need.
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Support legislation that would expand the state’s use of revenues held in TCEQ Fund 5000 in the
form of increased Solid Waste Program Grants directly to municipalities or Councils of
Government.
Support legislation that would raise the exemption amounts for public works projects in the
Texas Engineering Practices Act.
Oppose legislation that would further erode the City's authority to be adequately compensated
for any use of its rights-of-way or that would further erode the City's authority over the
management and control of its rights-of-way.
Oppose any legislation that would erode the City's authority to require utility companies to pay
the costs of relocating their facilities in a timely manner as required by current law.
Community Development and Human Services
We will work to encourage expansion of the support and human services to the Denton community,
including access to affordable housing, social support for addressing homelessness and mental health
issues, and education. To accomplish this goal, we will:
Support legislation that reduces the number of people experiencing and at risk of
homelessness, through the expansion of affordable, accessible housing opportunities, such as
expanding investment in the Housing Trust Fund adequate to Texas’ affordable housing needs.
Support legislation to expand homeownership opportunities that reflect the role of affordable
home ownership in ensuring wealth building for individuals and families affected by racial and
ethnic segregation, marginalization, and discrimination in compliance with Fair Housing laws.
Support legislation that allocates funding for foreclosure protections such as foreclosure
counseling programs.
Support housing stability through tenant protections and COVID-19 recovery efforts, including
stated allocated funding for rental assistance and eviction protection programs.
Support legislation that would increase funding for coordinated and comprehensive services for
effective behavioral health resources at the community level that ensures wellbeing and
community safety for residents of all ages.
Support legislation that would increase access to high quality, affordable childcare and early
childhood education; increase access to dropout prevention programs for at-risk students that
improve student achievement and post-graduation success; and increase access to programs for
children experiencing abuse and neglect.
Support legislation to increase transparency and clarify regulations related to the formation of
public facility corporations.
Public Safety and Municipal Court
We will continue efforts to ensure the safety or our residents and administer efficient and effective
public safety services and municipal court operations. To accomplish this goal, we will:
Oppose legislation that would impose additional state fees or costs on municipal court
convictions or require municipal courts to collect fine revenue for the state; and support
legislation that would provide a more equitable distribution of court fines, resulting in a higher
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percentage of fines being kept local, where the laws are enforced, the court is held, and the
fines are collected.
Support legislation that would require 100 percent reimbursement of costs incurred by cities for
services provided during emergency evacuation and shelter operations resulting from an
emergency evacuation ordered by the governor or the governor's Division of Emergency
Management.
Support legislation that would clarify regulations related to open carry in municipally owned
facilities that are contractually operated by non-profit or private entities or clarify where open
carry is prohibited in an office building where a municipally owned court is located, or a
correctional facility is locked.
Oppose legislation that would restrict a city's authority to determine the appropriate use of
technology in public safety, such as the use license plate readers by law enforcement agencies.
Oppose legislation that would prohibit use of Association Business Leave by authorized public
safety association members, as provided in existing meet and confer agreements.
Support legislation allowing municipal judges to issue Magistrate's Order of Emergency
Protection at a discretionary length as set by the judge.
Support legislation that allows for remote court services such as the virtual operation of jury
trials and the use of signed statements in place of sworn affidavits.
Support legislation that would extend the sunset date of Chapter 419 of the Texas Government
Code to allow for the continuation of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, so long as
certain provisions as they pertain to the composition of the Fire Fighter Advisory Committee are
met.
Support additional funding for mental health resources, support, and training for public safety
operations.
City of Denton Partners
We will continue to support local, regional, and state partners in meaningful ways that benefit the
Denton community. To accomplish this goal, we will:
Support legislation that directly benefits Denton County Transportation Authority, if such
proposals do not adversely affect the City's interests.
Support legislation that directly benefits NCTC, UNT, and/or TWU and Denton lSD, if such
proposals do not adversely affect the City's interests.
Support legislation that directly benefits non-profit partners serving the Denton community and
their ability to provide critical services to Denton residents in need, if such proposals do not
adversely affect the City’s interests.
Oppose legislation that would further reduce funding to Denton lSD, if such proposals do not
adversely affect the City's interests.
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City-Related Bills Filed
Table of Contents
Property Tax.................................................................................................................................... 1
Public Safety ................................................................................................................................... 5
Sales Tax ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Community and Economic Development ..................................................................................... 30
Elections ........................................................................................................................................ 33
Emergency Management .............................................................................................................. 37
Municipal Courts .......................................................................................................................... 40
Open Government ......................................................................................................................... 41
Other Finance and Administration ................................................................................................ 41
Personnel ....................................................................................................................................... 47
Purchasing ..................................................................................................................................... 53
Transportation ............................................................................................................................... 55
Utilities and Environment ............................................................................................................. 56
Property Tax
H.B. 59 (Murr) – School District Property Taxes: would: (1) provide for the elimination of
school district maintenance and operations property taxes by January 1, 2024, with certain
exceptions; and (2) create a joint interim committee on the elimination of school district
maintenance and operations property taxes.
H.B. 96 (Toth) – Appraisal Cap: would, among other things: (1) provide that the appraised value
of residence homestead for a tax year is equal to the market value of the property for the first tax
year that the owner qualified the property for a homestead exemption; and (2) require an owner of
property to apply for the appraisal cap under (1), above, using an application form prescribed by
the comptroller that includes, among other information, the purchase price of the property paid by
the applicant. (See H.J.R. 8, below.)
H.B. 122 (Bernal) – Property Tax Exemption: would provide that a qualifying caregiver is
entitled to a property tax exemption of the total appraised value of the qualifying caregiver’s
residence homestead for the period during which the qualifying individual for whom the qualifying
caregiver provides care is on an interest list for long-term services and supports under the Medicaid
program. (See H.J.R. 14, below.)
H.B. 125 (Buckley) – Disabled Veteran Grants: would provide that, for purposes of the law
governing the provision of state aid to certain local governments disproportionately affected by
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the granting of property tax relief to disabled veterans, the term “local government” includes a city
with extraterritorial jurisdiction located within two miles of the boundary line of a United States
military installation.
H.B. 186 (Zwiener) – Property Tax Exemption: would exempt from property taxation the
portion of the appraised value of a person’s property that is attributable to the installation in or on
the property of a rainwater harvesting or graywater system. (See H.J.R. 17, below.)
H.B. 203 (Bernal) – Sales Price Disclosure: would require the comptroller to conduct a study of
the impact, feasibility, and advisability of adopting a property tax system in which the disclosure
of the sales price of real property is required by law.
H.B. 281 (Stephenson) – Appraisal Review Board: would, among other things, provide that: (1)
an appraisal review board consists of five members elected at the general election for state and
county officers; (2) the board members are elected from each of the four commissioners precincts
in the county in which the appraisal district is established and one member is elected at large from
the county; and (3) the members serve two-year terms beginning on January 1 of odd-numbered
years.
H.B. 283 (Stephenson) – Appraisal District: would, among other things, require the chief
appraiser of an appraisal district to be elected at the general election for state and county officers
every two years.
H.B. 288 (Stephenson) – Property Tax Exemption: would exempt the total appraised value of
an adult’s residence homestead from school district maintenance and operations property taxes and
offset the resulting revenue loss to school districts with state sales and use tax revenue. Of
importance to cities, the bill would repeal several sales tax exemptions for purposes of both state
and local sales taxes, including: (1) accounting and auditing services; (2) engineering services; (3)
legal services; and, (4) real estate brokerage and agency services. (See H.J.R. 19, below.)
H.B. 381 (Pacheco) – Property Tax Limitation: would establish a mandatory property tax freeze
for all taxing units on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or over 65 and
their surviving spouses. (See H.J.R. 22, below.)
H.B. 469 (J. Gonzalez) – Property Tax Collection: would entitle an individual to defer collection
of a tax imposed on the portion of the appraised value of the property the individual owns and
occupies as the individual’s residence homestead that exceeds the sum of: (1) 105 percent of the
appraised value of the property for the preceding year; and (2) the market value of all new
improvements to the property.
H.B. 475 (Lopez) – Property Tax Exemption: would exempt from property taxes the residence
homestead of the surviving spouse of a member of the armed services who is fatally injured in the
line of duty. (See H.J.R. 29, below.)
H.B. 494 (White) – Property Tax Appraisal: would: (1) for real property omitted from the tax
roll in any one of the five preceding tax years, provide that the chief appraiser may, or shall if
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otherwise required by law, appraise the property as of January 1 of each tax year that it was omitted
and enter the property and its appraised value in the appraisal records; and (2) provide that if the
chief appraiser enters the property in the appraisal records under (1), above, the entry must show
that the appraisal is for the property that was omitted from an appraisal roll in a prior year and
must indicate the year and the appraised value for each year.
H.B. 522 (Shine) – Property Tax Sales: would, for property tax sales of personal property seized
under a tax warrant, require that the posting of the notice and the sale of the property be conducted:
(1) by the peace officer or collector, as specified in the warrant, in the manner required for the sale
under execution of personal property; or (2) pursuant to an agreement with an auctioneer.
H.B. 528 (White) – Appraisal Cap: would establish a 3.5 percent appraisal cap on commercial
real property. (See H.J.R. 30, below.)
H.B. 529 (White) – Appraisal Cap: would reduce the property tax appraisal cap on residence
homesteads from ten to 2.5 percent. (See H.J.R. 31, below.)
H.B. 534 (Shine) – Appraisal Methods: would require the chief appraiser to reduce the sales
price of a comparable property for appraisal purposes by an amount equal to the amount of the
commission that would typically be paid for the sale or purchase of such property.
H.B. 535 (Shine) – Property Tax Collection: would provide that the interest rate associated with
a tax lien during a period of deferred collection of taxes on the residence homestead of an elderly
or disabled individual or a disabled veteran is the ten-year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate
reported by the Federal Reserve as of January 1 of the year in which the deferral or abatement was
obtained. (Note: Current law provides for a five percent interest rate.)
H.B. 649 (Raymond) – Property Tax Exemption: would exempt from property taxes real
property owned by a charitable organization for the purpose of providing: (1) housing counseling
services without regard to the beneficiaries’ ability to pay; and (2) rental housing to low-income
and moderate-income individuals and families at below-market rates.
H.B. 650 (Raymond) – Property Tax Exemption: would, among other things, provide a local
option property tax exemption for a residence homestead owned by a parent or guardian of a person
who is disabled and who resides with the parent or guardian. (See H.J.R. 38, below.)
H.J.R. 8 (Toth) – Appraisal Cap: would amend the Texas Constitution to provide that the
appraised value of residence homestead for a tax year is equal to the market value of the property
for the first tax year that the owner qualified the property for a homestead exemption. (See H.B.
96, above.)
H.J.R. 14 (Bernal) – Property Tax Exemption: would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize
the legislature to exempt from property taxes the total assessed value of the residence homestead
of an unpaid caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive certain long-term services. (See
H.B. 122, above.)
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H.J.R. 17 (Zwiener) – Property Tax Exemption: would amend the Texas Constitution to
authorize the legislature to exempt from property taxation the portion of the appraised value of a
person’s property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of a rainwater
harvesting or graywater system. (See H.B. 186, above.)
H.J.R. 19 (Stephenson) – Property Tax Exemption: would amend the Texas Constitution to
authorize the legislature to exempt from maintenance and operations property taxation by a school
district all or part of the appraised value of the residence homestead of a married or unmarried
adult, including one living alone. (See H.B. 288, above.)
H.J.R. 22 (Pacheco) – Property Tax Limitation: would amend the Texas Constitution to
establish a mandatory property tax freeze for all taxing units on the residence homesteads of
individuals who are disabled or over 65 and their surviving spouses. (See H.B. 381, above.)
H.J.R. 29 (Lopez) – Property Tax Exemption: would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize
the legislature to exempt from property taxes the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of
a member of the armed services who is fatally injured in the line of duty. (See H.B. 475, above.)
H.J.R. 30 (White) – Appraisal Cap: would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize the
legislature to limit increases in the appraised value of commercial real property for property tax
purposes to 3.5 percent per year. (See H.B. 528, above.)
H.J.R. 31 (White) – Appraisal Cap: would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize the
legislature to reduce the property tax appraisal cap on residence homesteads from ten to 2.5
percent. (See H.B. 529, above.)
H.J.R. 38 (Raymond) – Property Tax Exemption: would, among other things, amend the Texas
Constitution to authorize a local option property tax exemption for a residence homestead owned
by a parent or guardian of a person who is disabled and who resides with the parent or guardian.
(See H.B. 650, above.)
S.B. 63 (Nelson) – Appraisal Process: would make several changes to the property tax appraisal
process, including: (1) imposing term limits on appraisal district board of directors members; (2)
prohibiting certain former employees of an appraisal district from later serving on an appraisal
district board of directors; (3) prohibiting certain former members of the appraisal review board
from serving as an employee of the appraisal district; (4) imposing a 90-day time limit on various
determinations that a chief appraiser can make on certain exemptions and other appraisal
applications; and (5) limiting the ability of a chief appraiser to offer evidence at certain protest and
appraisal hearings in support of modifying or denying an application.
S.B. 134 (Johnson) – Property Tax Appraisal: would provide that in a property tax protest or
appeal on the grounds of unequal appraisal of property based upon the value relative to the median
appraised value of a reasonable number of comparable properties, the appraisal district must
generally use comparable properties located within the appraisal district, unless a reasonable
number of comparable properties does not exist in the appraisal district, in which case the median
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appraised value of a reasonable number of comparable properties may be calculated using
comparable properties in other parts of the state.
Public Safety
H.B. 43 (Dominguez) – Medical Marihuana: would: (1) authorize the possession, use,
cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by
qualifying patients with certain debilitating medical conditions; and (2) authorize the licensing of
dispensing organizations with a fee not to exceed $30,000 for licenses to dispense medical
cannabis.
H.B. 54 (Talarico) – Police Reality TV Shows: would prohibit a law enforcement department
that employs peace officers from authorizing a television crew to film peace officers while acting
in the line of duty for the purpose of creating a reality television show.
H.B. 71 (J. Johnson) – Motor Vehicle Search: would provide that: (1) a peace officer is
prohibited from searching a motor vehicle that is stopped for a traffic violation unless the peace
officer: (a) has probable cause; (b) obtains written consent from the vehicle’s operator on a specific
form; (c) obtains oral consent from the vehicle’s operator that is evidenced by an audio and video
recording on a body worn camera; or (d) has reasonable and articulable fear that the vehicle’s
operator and/or passengers pose a threat to the safety of the peace officer or another person; and
(2) the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement shall promulgate rules related to the required
written consent form and audio and video recording.
H.B. 73 (Hinojosa) – Defense Limitations: would: (1) define the terms “gender identity” and
“sexual orientation;” (2) limit the use of certain defenses if they are based on the actor’s or
defendant’s discovery or knowledge of, or the victim’s disclosure or potential disclosure of, the
gender identity or sexual orientation of the victim or a nonviolent romantic or sexual advance made
by the victim toward the actor; and (3) apply regardless of whether a defendant’s knowledge,
discovery, or belief regarding the victim’s gender identity or sexual orientation was accurate.
H.B. 86 (Swanson) – Wireless Devices: would prohibit a local authority from regulating or
prohibiting the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.
H.B. 88 (Thompson) – Police Reform: this bill, known as the “George Floyd Act,” would make
numerous changes related to interactions between peace officers and individuals detained or
arrested on the suspicion of the commission of crimes, peace officer liability for those interactions,
and the disciplinary of peace officers in certain cities. Of primary importance to cities, the bill
would:
1. With respect to officer liability:
a. provide that a person may bring an action for any appropriate relief against a
peace officer who, under the color of law, deprived the person or caused the
person to be deprived of any rights under the Texas Constitution, provided that
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such action is brought not later than two years after the day the cause of action
accrues;
b. provide that statutory immunity or a limitation on liability, damages, or
attorney’s fees does not apply to the action described in (1)(a), above, and a
court shall award reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs to a prevailing
plaintiff and if judgment is entered in favor of the defendant, the court may
award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to the defendant only for defending
claims the court finds frivolous;
c. provide that qualified immunity or the defendant’s good faith but erroneous
belief in the lawfulness of the defendant’s conduct is not a defense to an action
brought under (1)(a), above; and
d. require a public entity, including a city, to indemnify a peace officer employed
by the entity for liability incurred by and a judgement imposed against the
officer in an action brought under (1)(a), above, except that the entity shall not
be required to indemnify the peace officer if the officer was convicted for the
conduct that is the basis for the action;
2. With respect to the duties and powers of a peace officer:
a. amend current law to provide that a peace officer has the discretion on whether
or not, if authorized, to:
i. interfere without a warrant to prevent or suppress a crime; or
ii. arrest offenders without warrant so that they may be taken before the
proper magistrate or court and be tried;
b. provide that a peace officer shall:
i. identify as a peace officer before taking any action within the course
and scope of the officer’s official duties unless the identification would
render the action impracticable;
ii. intervene if the use of force by another peace officer:
1. violates state or federal law or a policy of any entity service by
the other officer;
2. puts any person at risk of bodily injury, unless the officer
reasonably believes that the other officer’s use of force is
immediately necessary to avoid imminent harm to a peace
officer or other person; or
3. is not required to apprehend or complete the apprehension of a
suspect; and
4. shall provide aid immediately to any person who needs medical
attention, including a person who needs medical attention as a
result of the use of force by a peace officer;
c. provide that a defendant may not be convicted of an offense related to controlled
substances on the testimony of person acting covertly on behalf of a law
enforcement agency unless the testimony is corroborated by evidenc e tending
to connect the defendant with the offense committed;
3. With respect to issuing citations in lieu of arrest for misdemeanor offenses:
a. provide that the Texas Southern University, in consultation with other law
enforcement organizations, shall publish a model policy related to the issuance
of citations for misdemeanor offenses, including traffic offenses, that are
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punishable by fine only, that includes the procedure for a peace officer, upon a
person’s presentation of appropriate identification, to verify the person’s
identity and issue a citation to the person;
b. provide that each law enforcement agency shall adopt a written policy regarding
the issuance of citations for misdemeanor offenses, including traffic offenses,
that are punishable by fine only, provided that such policy meets the
requirements of the model policy described in (3)(a), above;
c. provide that a law enforcement agency may adopt the model policy developed
under (3)(a), above;
d. provide that, with the exception of certain assault offenses and for the offense
of public intoxication, a peace officer or any other person may not, without a
warrant, arrest an offender for a misdemeanor punishable by fine only or arrest
a person who commits one or more offenses punishable by fine only;
e. provide that a peace officer who is charging a person, including a child, with
committing an offense that is a misdemeanor punishable by fine only, other than
an offense of public intoxication, shall, instead of taking the person before a
magistrate, issue a citation to the person;
f. provide that a peace officer who is charging a person, including a child, with
committing certain assault offenses that are a misdemeanor, punishable by fine
only, may, instead of taking the person before a magistrate, issue a citation to
the person;
g. provide that a peace officer may not arrest, without warrant, a person found
only committing one or more misdemeanors related to certain traffic offenses
that are punishable by fine only, and in such instances shall issue a written
notice to appear to the person;
4. With respect to de-escalation and proportionate response:
a. provide that a law enforcement agency shall adopt a detailed written policy
regarding the use of force by peace officers that must:
i. emphasize the use of force in a manner proportionate to the threat posed
and to the seriousness of the alleged offense;
ii. mandate that deadly force is only to be used by peace officers as a last
resort; and
iii. affirm the sanctity of human life and the importance of treating all
persons with dignity and respect;
b. provide that a law enforcement agency may adopt the model policy on use of
force developed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and described
in (6)(a), below;
5. With respect to disciplinary procedures in certain cities:
a. require a civil service commission to implement a progressive disciplinary
matrix for infractions committed by police officers that consists of a range of
progressive disciplinary actions applied in a standardized way based on the
nature of the infraction and the officer’s prior conduct record, and such matrix
must include:
i. standards for disciplinary actions related to use of force against another
person, including the failure to de-escalate force incidents in accordance
with departmental policy;
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ii. standards for evaluating the level of discipline appropriate for
uncommon infractions; and
iii. presumptive actions to be taken for each type of infraction and any
adjustment to be made based on a police officer’s previous disciplinary
action;
b. make changes to the meet and confer provisions applicable to police officers to
provide that certain cities that have adopted a meet and confer agreement but
are not subject to civil service rules or collective bargaining shall implement a
progressive disciplinary matrix as described in (5)(a), above, for its police
officers, and that such agreement may not conflict or supersede a rule
concerning the disciplinary actions that may be imposed under the disciplinary
matrix;
c. provide that a hearing examiner in a city subject to civil service rules must
presume a disciplinary action applied to a police officer under a progressive
disciplinary matrix is reasonable unless the facts indicate that the department
inappropriately applied a category of offense to the particular violation; and
d. make changes to the collective bargaining statute to provide that a city that has
adopted a collective bargaining agreement but is not subject to civil service
rules shall implement a progressive disciplinary matrix as described in (5)(a),
above, for its police officers, and that such agreement may not conflict with an
ordinance, order, statute, or rule related to disciplinary actions that may be
imposed on its police officers under a disciplinary matrix implemented by the
city;
6. With respect to use of force:
a. provide that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall develop and
make available to all law enforcement agencies a model policy and associated
training materials regarding the use of force by peace officers;
b. make changes to the instances in which a person, including a peace officer and
a person in the presence of and at the direction of a peace officer, may be
justified in using nonlethal force in connection with making or assisting in
making an arrest or search, or preventing or assisting in preventing escape after
an arrest,
c. make changes to instances in which a peace officer or a person in the presence
of and at the direction of a peace officer may be justified in using deadly force
in connection to making an arrest or preventing escape after an arrest;
d. provide that the use of force against a person in connection with making or
assisting in making an arrest or search, or preventing or assisting in preventing
an escape after an arrest, is not justified if the force is used in a manner that
impedes the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the person by
applying pressure to the person’s throat or neck or by blocking the person’s
nose or mouth; and
e. repeal the Penal Code provision that provides that a peace officer or a person
other than a peace officer acting in the officer’s presence and direction has no
duty to retreat before using deadly force in connection with making an arrest or
preventing escape after arrest.
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(Companion bill is S.B. 161 by West.)
H.B. 94 (Reynolds) – Medical Marihuana: would: (1) authorize the possession, use, cultivation,
distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by qualifying
patients with certain debilitating medical conditions; (2) provide for medical cannabis registry
identification cards; (3) authorize the licensing of dispensing organizations and testing facilities;
and (4) authorize an application fee for licenses to operate a dispensing organization. (Companion
bill is S.B. 90 by Menéndez.)
H.B. 95 (Meza) – Discharge of Weapon: would: (1) require a law enforcement agency that is
authorized to employ peace officers to adopt a policy regarding a peace officer discharging a
firearm at or in the direction of a moving vehicle; and (2) provide that such policy must prohibit a
police officer from discharging a firearm at or in the direction of a moving vehicle unless the peace
officer discharges the firearm only when and to the degree the officer reasonably believes is
immediately necessary to protect the officer or another person from the use of unlawful deadly
force by an occupant of the vehicle by means other than by using the moving vehicle to strike any
person. (Companion bill is S.B. 72 by Miles.)
H.B. 99 (Toth) – Criminal Penalties for Possession of Marihuana: would: (1) reduce criminal
penalties for the possession of two ounces or less of marihuana; (2) provide that a peace officer
may not arrest an individual without a warrant for possession of two ounces or less of marihuana;
and (3) provide that the driver’s license of a person convicted of possession of two ounces or less
of marihuana is not automatically suspended.
H.B. 100 (Gervin-Hawkins) – Dangerous Dogs: would provide that a municipal animal control
authority may impound and manage dangerous dogs and aggressive dogs in the extraterritorial
jurisdiction (ETJ) of the city if: (1) the authority receives a petition: (a) signed by at least three
residents from three different households in the ETJ requesting assistance from the authority; and
(b) alleging that dangerous or aggressive dogs have repeatedly attacked humans, domestic animals,
or livestock within the ETJ, and due to their presence, the ETJ is an unsafe environment for
humans, domestic animals, or livestock; and (2) no animal control authority is authorized to
operate in the ETJ, or the operating animal control authority does not provide for the impoundment
or management of dangerous dogs or aggressive dogs.
H.B. 101 (Toth) – Immigration Detainers: would provide that a city that releases from custody
a person who is the subject of an immigration detainer request issued by United State Immigration
and Customs Enforcement is liable for damages resulting from a felony committed by the person
in Texas within 10 years following the person’s release if: (1) the city did not retain the person as
requested; (2) the person was not a citizen at the time of release; and (3) the attorney general has
filed a petition or applied for equitable relief against the city.
H.B. 103 (Landgraf) – Active Shooter Alert System: would require the Texas Department of
Public Safety to establish the Texas Active Shooter Alert System and allow local law enforcement
agencies to request activation of the system when certain criteria are met.
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H.B. 118 (Ortega) – Private Firearms Transfers: would impose regulations on a person who
sells or otherwise transfers a firearm to another person, and provide criminal penalties for a failure
to comply with such regulations.
H.B. 127 (Ortega) – Firearms: would, with certain exceptions, make it an offense for a person to
intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carry on or about his person a firearm, other than a handgun,
at any time in which the firearm is in plain view.
H.B. 132 (Canales) – Forfeiture Proceeding: would: (1) raise the state’s burden of proof from
preponderance of the evidence to clear and convincing evidence in proceedings related to the
seizure of property and forfeiture hearings; (2) limit the transfer of forfeitable property to the
federal government; and (3) limit law enforcement agency or Texas National Guard cooperation
in federal forfeiture actions.
H.B. 138 (Landgraf) – Disorderly Conduct: would increase, to a Class B misdemeanor, the
penalty for the offense of, for a lewd or unlawful purpose: (1) entering into property of another
and looking into a dwelling on the property through any window or other opening in the dwelling;
(2) while on the premises of a hotel or comparable establishment looking into a guest room not the
person’s own through the window or other opening in the room; or (3) while on the premises of a
public place, looking into an area such as a restroom or shower stall or changing or dressing room
that is designed to provide privacy to a person using the area.
H.B. 162 (Thierry) – Prostitution: would: (1) provide that a child may not be referred to juvenile
court for prostitution; (2) provide that a law enforcement officer taking possession of a child
suspected of engaging in prostitution shall: (a) use best efforts to deliver the child to the child’s
parent or another person entitled to take possession of the child; (b) in the event the officer cannot
find an individual under (a), take the child to a local service provider who will facilitate the
assignment of a caseworker; or (c) in the event an individual under (a) and (b) is unavailable,
transfer possession of the child to the Department of Family Protective Services; and (3) provide
that a person may not be prosecuted for prostitution that the person committed when younger than
17 years of age.
H.B. 164 (Meza) – Extreme Risk Protective Orders: would, among other things: (1) provide
that, in certain circumstances, courts may issue an extreme risk protective order against a person
exhibiting dangerous behavior or conduct as a result of a serious mental illness, including any
behavior or conduct related to the person’s use of firearms, requiring the person to relinquish his
or her firearms; (2) require local law enforcement agencies to: (a) take possession of a person’s
firearms when a court issues an extreme risk protective order against that person and to
immediately provide the person a written copy of the receipt for the firearm and written notice of
the procedure for return of the firearm; (b) if applicable, notify the court that issued the e xtreme
risk protective order that the person who is the subject of the order has relinquished the firearm
not later than seven days after the law enforcement agency receives the firearm; (c) conduct a
check of state and national criminal history record information to verify whether the person may
lawfully possess a firearm not later than 30 days after receiving notice from the court that the
extreme risk protective order has expired; (d) if the check described in (c) verifies that the person
may lawfully possess a firearm, provide written notice to the person by certified mail stating that
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the firearm may be returned to the person if the person submits a written request before the 121st
day after the date of the notice; (3) provide that a local law enforcement agency in possession of a
firearm relinquished because of an extreme risk protective order may not destroy the firearm but
may sell the firearm to a licensed firearms dealer if the check in (2)(c) shows that the person may
not lawfully possess a firearm or the person does not submit a written request as required by (2)(d);
(4) provide that the proceeds from the sale of a firearm in (3), above, shall be paid to the owner of
the seized firearm, less the cost of administering the bill with respect to the firearm; and (5) provide
that a law enforcement officer or other employee of a law enforcement agency is subject to
punishment for contempt of court if the officer or employee violates the bill with the intent to
withhold a firearm from a person who, at the time the violation occurred: (a) was the subject of an
extreme risk protective order that was rescinded or that expired; and (b) may lawfully possess the
firearm. (Companion bill is H.B. 395 by Moody.)
H.B. 169 (S. Thompson) – Criminal Penalties for Drug Possession: would reduce the criminal
penalties for possession of small amounts of Penalty Group 1 controlled substances and marihuana.
H.B. 170 (Ortega) – Alcoholic Beverages: would provide that the prohibition on the consumption
of alcoholic beverages in a public place during certain hours applies to all public places, regardless
of whether it is a licensed or permitted premises.
H.B. 175 (Thierry) – Arrest Without Warrant: would eliminate a Penal Code provision that
provides that a peace officer or any other person may arrest, without a warrant, an offender who
commits a felony or offense against the public peace when the offense is committed in the presence
or view of the officer or person.
H.B. 177 (Bernal) – Immigration Enforcement: would provide that a law enforcement agency
is not required to comply with, honor, or fulfill a detainer request provided by the federal
government with respect to a person who is younger than 18 years of age.
H.B. 182 (Bernal) – Immigration Enforcement: would repeal certain provisions governing state
and local enforcement of immigration laws and other provisions related to immigration law, such
as the requirement that a law enforcement agency honor a detainer request.
H.B. 184 (Thierry) – Civilian Complaint Review Board: would create, in a city with a
population of one million or more and in a county with a population of two million or more, a
civilian complaint review board with, among other things, the authority to: (1) investigate
allegations of peace officer misconduct involving excessive use of force or abuse of authority; and
(2) issue subpoenas.
H.B. 196 (Meza) – Stand Your Ground: would, among other things, amend current law to
provide that: (1) a person is not justified in using deadly force against another individual: (a) if the
person is able to safely retreat, unless the person is in his or her own habitation; or (b) to prevent
the individual’s imminent commission of robbery or aggravated robbery.
H.B. 229 (Meza) – Reporting Protective Orders and Convictions: would: (1) provide that, on
receipt of an original or modified protective order from the clerk of the court, a law enforcement
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agency must immediately, and not more than 48 hours later, enter the information into the
statewide law enforcement information system; and (2) require a local entity to report a conviction
that would prohibit a person from possessing a firearm under state or federal law to the Texas
Department of Public Safety not later than 48 hours after the judgment of conviction is entered.
H.B. 234 (Ortega) – Large-Capacity Magazines: would: (1) create a criminal offense for the
unlawful possession or transfer of a large-capacity magazine; and (2) provide that it is a defense
to prosecution under (1) if the actor engaged in the conduct while in the discharge of official duties,
or directly in route to an assignment, as a peace officer.
H.B. 236 (Bernal) – Licensed Carry: would provide that, in relation to the notice required to
prohibit licensed carry (e.g., “30.06” and “30.07” signs): (1) the Department of Public Safety
(DPS) shall adopt rules that prescribe the size of a sign and the lettering on the signs; (2) the rules
may not require that the signs be larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches for each language in which
the sign must be posted; (3) DPS by rule shall adopted a Spanish translation of the language
required to be on the signs; and (4) DPS shall make available on its website a printable copy of the
English and Spanish versions of the signs.
H.B. 238 (Meza) – Ammunition and Firearms: would remove certain prohibitions against a city
adopting regulations related to ammunition and firearms.
H.B. 239 (Murr) – Drug Free Zones: would increase certain controlled substance offenses to a
felony of the first degree if it is shown at trial that the offense was committed in, on, or within
1,000 feet of any real property that is owned, rented, or leased to a school or school board, the
premises of public or private youth center, a playground, or on a school bus.
H.B. 241 (Ortega) – Assault Weapons: would: (1) create a criminal offense for the unlawful
possession or transfer of an assault weapon; (2) provide that it is a defense to prosecution under
(1) if the actor engaged in the conduct while in the discharge of official duties, or directly in route
to an assignment, as a peace officer; (3) except assault weapons from certain requirements when a
law enforcement agency holds the weapon in connection with a seizure; (4) prohibit a peace officer
or retired peace officer from purchasing an assault weapon from his/her department; and (5) amend
certain use of force provisions.
H.B. 251 (S. Thompson) – Asset Forfeiture: would, with certain exceptions, repeal the law
related to civil asset forfeiture and establish criminal asset forfeiture in this state, and among other
things: (1) authorize a convicting court to order a person convicted of an offense subject to
forfeiture to forfeit certain property, but only after the state establishes by clear and convincing
evidence that the requirements for forfeiture are met or enters into a court-approved plea agreement
for the forfeiture of the property; (2) provide that contraband is not subject to forfeiture, but is
subject to seizure and must be disposed in accordance with state law; (3) establish procedures for
the seizure of real and personal property and for the defendant to challenge the seizure; (4) provide
that a forfeiture proceeding must be held following the trial of the related alleged offense; (5)
authorize a defendant, at any time following a forfeiture determination, to petition the court to
determine whether the forfeiture is unconstitutionally excessive; (6) prohibit the property of an
innocent owner from being forfeited; (7) prohibit a law enforcement agency from: (a) retaining
any forfeited or abandoned property for the agency’s use; or (b) selling any forfeited or abandoned
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property directly or indirectly to an employee, a person related to an employee, or another law
enforcement agency; (8) require law enforcement agencies to report certain forfeiture information
to the Department of Public Safety; (9) require a law enforcement agency to return property under
certain circumstances and make the agency responsible for any damage, storage fees, and related
costs applicable to the property; and (10) prohibit the transfer of seized property to the federal
government, with some exceptions.
H.B. 266 (S. Thompson) – Criminal Penalties for Drug Possession: would reduce the criminal
penalties for possession of small amounts of Penalty Group 1 controlled substances.
H.B. 268 (Meza) – Prohibiting Chokeholds: would provide that the use of any force, by any
person, including a peace officer or person acting in and at the direction of an officer, in connection
with the arrest of another person, is not a justified use of force if such force is used in a manner
that impedes the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the person by applying pressure
to the person’s throat or neck or by blocking the person’s nose or mouth.
H.B. 272 (Meza) – No-Knock Entries: would, among other things, provide that not later than
December 1, 2022, a law enforcement agency that employs peace officers who enter, for the
purpose of executing a warrant, into a building or other place without giving notice of the officer’s
authority or purpose before entering (no-knock entry) shall report to the Department of Public
Safety, on a form prescribed by the department, the following information for the period beginning
on November 1, 2021, and ending on October 31, 2022: (1) the number of no-knock entries
performed by peace officers employed by the law enforcement agency; and (2) for each no-knock
entry performed: (a) whether any peace officer suffered an injury or death as a result of the entry
and a description of each injury and cause of death, as applicable; (b) whether any other person
suffered an injury or death as a result of the entry and a description of each injury and cause of
death, as applicable; (c) if the entry was performed for the purpose of executing a search warrant,
a description of the property to be searched for and of any property seized; (d) if the entry was
performed for the purpose of executing an arrest warrant, the name of the person whose arrest was
ordered and the offense the person was accused of committing; and (e) the name of the person
arrested.
H.B. 274 (Meza) – Cite and Release: would: (1) provide that each law enforcement agency, in
consultation with judges, prosecutors, commissioners courts, city council, and residents located
within the agency’s jurisdiction, shall adopt a written policy regarding the issuance of citations for
misdemeanor offenses, including traffic offenses, that are punishable by fine only; (2) provide that
such policy must: (a) provide a procedure for a peace officer, on a person’s presentation of
appropriate identification, to verify the person’s identity and issue a citation to the person; (b)
comply with current law; and (c) ensure judicial efficiency, law enforcement efficiency and
effectiveness, and community safety; (3) provide that a peace officer or any other person may not,
without a warrant, arrest an offender who commits only one or more offenses punishable by fine
only, other than certain assaultive offense, public intoxication, or offenses related to alcohol and
minors, unless the officer or person has probable cause to believe that: (a) the failure to arrest the
offender creates a clear and immediate danger to the offender or the public; (b) the failure to arrest
the offender will allow the continued breach of the public peace; or (c) the offender will not appear
in court in accordance with the citation; (4) provide that, notwithstanding current law, a peace
officer may not arrest, without a warrant, a person who commits one or more offenses punishable
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by fine only, other than certain assaultive offenses, public intoxication or offenses related to minors
and alcohol, unless the officer has probable cause as described in (3), above; (5) amend current
law to provide that a peace officer who is charging a person, including a child, with committing a
misdemeanor punishable by fine only, other than for certain assaultive offenses, public
intoxication or offenses related to minors and alcohol, shall instead of taking the person before a
magistrate, issue a citation to the person; (6) provide that peace officer charging a person, including
a child, with committing an offense that is a misdemeanor punishable by fine only for certain
assaultive offenses or offenses related to minors and alcohol, may instead of taking such person
before a magistrate, issue a citation to that person; (7) amend current law to provide that a peace
officer may not arrest a person found committing only one or more misdemeanors, related to traffic
offenses, punishable by fine only unless the person has probable cause as described in (3), above;
and (8) amend current law to provide that unless authorized to arrest a person for violation of a
traffic rule, an peace officer shall issue a citation to a person if the offense for violation of a traffic
rule is a misdemeanor that is punishable by fine only.
H.B. 299 (Springer) – Unlicensed Carry: would: (1) grant authority to carry a handgun to an
unlicensed person who is at least 21 years old, has not been convicted of a felony, is qualified
under federal law to purchase and possess a handgun, is not a member of a criminal gang, carries
the handgun in a concealed manner or in a holster, and meets certain other legal requirements; and
(2) provide various regulatory changes to address a person who is unlicensed, but otherwise legally
authorized to carry a handgun under (1).
H.B. 304 (Springer) – Licensed Carry: would, among other things: (1) authorize a license holder
to carry in many places that carrying is currently prohibited, such as any property owned by a
governmental entity, in a bar, in a courtroom, or into the secured area of an airport; (2) attempt to
clarify that a license holder is prohibited from carrying a handgun only on the portion of: (a) any
grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being
conducted; or (b) the premises of a polling place where voting or other election-related activities
are occurring on the day of an election or during early voting; and (3) reduce the penalties that can
be imposed when a license holder carries into an impermissible area.
H.B. 307 (Collier) – Criminal Penalties for Marihuana Possession: would provide a defense to
possession of certain consumable hemp products containing a controlled substance or marihuana
if: (1) the person possesses a product that purports by the product’s label to contain a consumable
hemp product that is authorized under state or federal law; (2) the product described by (1), above,
contains a controlled substance or marihuana, other than the substances extracted from hemp in
the otherwise legal concentrations; and (3) the person purchased the product described by (1),
above, from a retailer the person reasonably believed was authorized to sell a consumable hemp
product.
H.B. 312 (Collier) – Implicit Bias Training: would provide that: (1) as part of the minimum
curriculum requirements for law enforcement training, each officer shall complete an implicit bias
training program developed by the State Board of Education and the Texas Commission on Law
Enforcement not later than the second anniversary of the date the officer is licensed unless the
officer completes the training as part of the officer’s basic training course; and (2) provide that the
required police officer continuing education program shall include training that consists of de-
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escalation techniques to facilitate interaction with members of the public, including techniques to
recognize and address implicit bias.
H.B. 313 (Collier) – Mental Health Police Certification: would amend the requirements for
certifying an peace officer as a special officer for offenders with mental impairments to include:
(1) completion of a training program on acquired and traumatic brain injuries; (2) completion of a
training program on veterans with combat-related trauma, post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic
stress disorder, or a traumatic brain injury; and (3) passing an examination that includes knowledge
and recognition of a person with the characteristics and symptoms of mental illness or an
intellectual or developmental disability.
H.B. 323 (P. King) – Accreditation Grant Program: would, among other things, provide that
the Governor’s criminal justice division shall establish and administer a grant program to provide
financial assistance, in an amount that does not exceed $5,000, to a law enforcement agency for
purpose of: (1) obtaining or maintaining recognition through the Texas Police Chiefs Association
Law Enforcement Best Practices Recognition Program; (2) becoming accredited or maintaining
accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.; or (3)
becoming accredited or maintaining accreditation by an association or organization designated by
the division.
H.B. 336 (Cain) – Prohibition of Extreme Risk Protective Orders: would, among other things:
(1) define an “extreme risk protective order” as a court order, warrant, or executive order issued
against a person that is not issued based on the person’s conduct constituting an offense and has
the primary purpose of reducing the risk of death or injury related to a firearm by: (a) prohibiting
a person from owning, possessing, or receiving a firearm; or (b) requiring a person to surrender a
firearm or otherwise removing a firearm from a person; (2) preempt cities from adopting a rule,
ordinance, order, policy, or other similar measure relating to an extreme risk protective order
unless state law specifically authorizes it; and (3) create a state jail offense if a person enforces or
attempts to enforce an extreme risk protective order against another person in this state.
H.B. 345 (Rose) - Authority of Peace Officers: would: (1) amend current law to give a peace
officer discretion to, if authorized: (a) interfere without warrant to prevent or suppress a crime;
and (b) arrest offenders without warrant so that they may be taken before a magistrate and tried;
(2) repeal current law requiring a peace officer to summon aid from a sufficient number of citizens
of his county whenever such officer meets resistance in discharging any duty imposed upon him
by laws; and (3) repeal current law requiring a peace officer to report to the district or county
attorney any person who, after being summoned by the officer to assist the officer in performing
any duty, refuses to obey the officer.
H.B. 346 (Rose) – Prohibiting Chokeholds: would provide that the use of any force, by any
person, including a peace officer or person acting in and at the direction of an officer, in connection
with the arrest of another person, is not justified if such force is used in a manner that impedes the
normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the person by applying pressure to the person’s
throat, neck, or torso or by blocking the person’s nose or mouth.
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H.B. 356 (Sherman) – Affidavit for Installation and Use of Mobile Tracking Device: would,
among other things, require a peace officer’s affidavit to provide facts and circumstances in his or
her affidavit that show probable cause (instead of reasonable suspicion under current law) that
criminal activity has been, is, or will be committed and the installation and use of a mobile tracking
device is likely to produce information that is material to an ongoing criminal investigation of that
criminal activity in order for a district judge to issue an order for the installation and use of a
mobile tracking device. (Companion bill is S.B. 112 by West.)
H.B. 367 (Sherman) – Hate Crimes: would: (1) require a local law enforcement agency receiving
notice of a judgment of a crime committed because of bias or prejudice promptly to enter the
information into the National Crime Information Center and the Texas Crime information Center;
and (2) create a criminal offense for a person convicted of certain crimes based on bias or prejudice
to possess a weapon before the fifth anniversary of the later of the date of the person’s release from
confinement following the conviction or the date of the person’s release from supervision under
community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision, as applicable.
H.B. 377 (R. Smith) – Alert for Missing Persons Experiencing Mental Health Crisis: would:
(1) add a missing person experiencing a mental health crisis to the list of persons for which a local
law enforcement agency may request the Department of Public Safety to issue a statewide alert;
and (2) define “person experiencing a mental health crisis” as a person who is experiencing a
mental health crisis and, due to that crisis, poses a danger to the person or to others.
H.B. 395 (Moody) – Extreme Risk Protective Orders: would, among other things: (1) provide
that, in certain circumstances, courts may issue an extreme risk protective order against a person
exhibiting dangerous behavior or conduct as a result of a serious mental illness, including any
behavior or conduct related to the person’s use of firearms, requiring the person to relinquish his
or her firearms; (2) require local law enforcement agencies to: (a) take possession of a person’s
firearms when a court issues an extreme risk protective order against that person and to
immediately provide the person a written copy of the receipt for the firearm and written notice of
the procedure for return of the firearm; (b) if applicable, notify the court that issued the extreme
risk protective order that the person who is the subject of the order has relinquished the firearm
not later than seven days after the law enforcement agency receives the firearm; (c) conduct a
check of state and national criminal history record information to verify whether the person may
lawfully possess a firearm not later than 30 days after receiving notice fro m the court that the
extreme risk protective order has expired; (d) if the check described in (c) verifies that the person
may lawfully possess a firearm, provide written notice to the person by certified mail stating that
the firearm may be returned to the person if the person submits a written request before the 121st
day after the date of the notice; (3) provide that a local law enforcement agency in possession of a
firearm relinquished because of an extreme risk protective order may not destroy the firearm but
may sell the firearm to a licensed firearms dealer if the check in (2)(c) shows that the person may
not lawfully possess a firearm or the person does not submit a written request as required by (2)(d);
(4) provide that the proceeds from the sale of a firearm in (3), above, shall be paid to the owner of
the seized firearm, less the cost of administering the bill with respect to the firearm; and (5) provide
that a law enforcement officer or other employee of a law enforcement agency is subject to
punishment for contempt of court if the officer or employee violates the bill with the intent to
withhold a firearm from a person who, at the time the violation occurred: (a) was the subject of an
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extreme risk protective order that was rescinded or that expired; and (b) may lawfully possess the
firearm. (Companion bill is H.B. 164 by Meza.)
H.B. 402 (Hernandez) – Asset Forfeiture: would allow the head of a law enforcement agency to
use any portion of the gross amount credited to the agency’s special forfeited property fund from
the forfeiture of contraband gained from a human trafficking offense to cover the costs of a contract
with a city program to provide services to domestic victims of trafficking.
H. B. 418 (Sherman) - Prohibiting Chokeholds: would provide that the use of any force, by any
person, including a peace officer or person acting in and the direction of an officer, in connection
with the arrest of another person, is not a justified use of force if such force is used in a manner
that impedes the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the person by applying pressure
to the person’s throat, neck, or torso or by blocking the person’s nose or mouth. (This bill is
identical to H.B. 346 and S.B. 69 by Rose and Miles, respectively.)
H.B. 421 (Cortez) – Notice to Adult Victims of Family Violence: would add to the notice of
victim’s legal rights and remedies that a peace officer who investigates a family violence allegation
or who responds to a disturbance call that may involve family violence gives to the victim: (1)
information about terminating a lease; (2) information about retrieving important items of personal
property from a residence; and (3) an instruction to consult a legal aid office, prosecuting attorney,
or private attorney for assistance obtaining the proper document or court order to terminate a lease
or enter a residents to get important personal property.
H.B. 435 (Gervin-Hawkins) – Public Transportation System Vehicles: would increase the
criminal penalty for certain offenses committed in a vehicle operated by a public transportation
system.
H.B. 439 (Canales) – Marihuana Concentrate: would: (1) define marihuana concentrate as the
resin extracted from marihuana or a compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or
preparation of the resin; and (2) add marihuana concentrate as a controlled substance subject to
criminal penalties for possession or delivery or marihuana concentrate. (Companion bill is S.B.
151 by N. Johnson.)
H.B. 441 (Zwiener) – Criminal Penalties for Possession of Marihuana: would: (1) reduce
criminal penalties for the possession of one ounce or less of marihuana and possession of drug
paraphernalia; (2) provide that a peace officer may not arrest an individual without a warrant for
possession of one ounce or less of marihuana or possession of drug paraphernalia; and (3) provide
that a person may apply and pay a fee to expunge a criminal complaint for possession of one ounce
or less of marihuana or drug paraphernalia in certain circumstances.
H.B. 446 (Allison) – Public Monuments: would increase the criminal penalty for the offense of
criminal mischief involving the damage or destruction of a public monument.
H.B. 447 (Moody) – Cannabis: would: (1) authorize the possession, use, cultivation, manufacture,
distribution, sale, and testing of cannabis and cannabis products; (2) authorize the licensing of
dispensing organizations; (3) authorize an application fee for licenses to operate a dispensing
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organization; (4) preempt cities from enacting, adopting, or enforcing a rule, ordinance, order,
resolution, or other regulation that prohibits or unreasonably restricts the cultivation, production,
processing, dispensing, transportation, or possession of cannabis or cannabis products or the
operation of a cannabis grower, cannabis establishment, cannabis secure transporter, or cannabis
testing facility as authorized by the bill; (5) provide that cities may adopt regulations consistent
with the bill governing the hours of operation, location, manner of conducting business, and
number of cannabis growers, cannabis establishments, or cannabis testing facilities; (6) provide
for certain criminal penalties; and (7) provide for a tax on cannabis or cannabis products, 10% of
which would go to cities in which cannabis establishments are located in proportion to number of
cannabis establishments.
H.B. 459 (Shaheen) - Suspicious Activity: would prohibit a civil lawsuit against a person who
reports suspicious activity to an appropriate law enforcement authority if the person acted: (1) as
a reasonable person would in the same or similar circumstances; and (2) with a reasonable belief
that the suspicious activity constituted or was in furtherance of a crime, including an act of
terrorism.
H.B. 461 (Shaheen) – Super-Intensive Supervision Program: would require a law enforcement
agency to execute, as soon as practicable, a warrant: (1) that is directed to the agency; and (2)
issued for the return of a releasee in the super-intensive supervision program based on a violation
of a condition of parole or mandatory supervision related to the electronic monitoring of the
releasee.
H.B. 492 (Wu) – No-Knock Entries: would prohibit a magistrate, including a municipal judge,
from issuing an arrest or search warrant that authorizes a peace officer from entering, for the
purpose of executing a warrant, into a building or other place without giving notice of the officer’s
authority or purpose before entering (a no-knock entry). (Companion bill is S.B. 175 by Miles.)
H.B. 496 (Wu) – Display of Identification: provides that a peace officer: (1) who is discharging
an official duty and not undercover shall: (a) display in a visible manner at all times the officer’s
first and last name and badge number or other identification number; and (b) provide the officer’s
first and last name and badge number of other identification number to any person on request; (2)
wearing riot gear that includes a helmet or a shield is considered to have complied with (1), above,
only if the officer displays the required information on each of those items, as applicable; and (3)
commits an offense if the officer violates (1)(b), and such offense is a Class C misdemeanor.
H.B. 498 (Wu) – Criminal Penalties for Possession of Marihuana: would reduce criminal
penalties for the possession of one ounce or less of marihuana.
H.B. 558 (White) – Blood Specimen: would, for certain arrests for an intoxication and alcoholic
beverage offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle or a watercraft: (1) require the taking
of a specimen of a person’s blood if at the time of the arrest, the arresting peace officer reasonably
believes that as a direct result of the accident any individual has died or will die; and (2) require
the taking of a specimen of a person’s blood or breath at the time of the arrest, if the arresting
peace officer reasonably does not believe that as a direct result of the accident any individual has
died or will die, but believes as a direct result of the accident, an individual other than the person
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has: (a) suffered serious bodily injury; or (b) has suffered bodily injury and has been transported
to a hospital or other medical facility.
H.B. 562 (Meza) – De-escalation Policy: would provide that, no later than January 1, 2022, each
law enforcement agency adopt a detailed written policy regarding the use of force by its peace
officers that must: (1) emphasize the use of conflict de-escalation techniques; and (2) authorize
force to be used only after attempts to de-escalate a situation have failed.
H.B. 563 (Meza) – Law Enforcement Intervention Policy: would provide that, no later than
January 1, 2022, each law enforcement agency shall adopt a detailed written policy requiring its
peace officers to intervene to stop or prevent another peace officer from: (1) using excessive force
against a person suspected of committing an offense, if an ordinary, prudent peace officer would
intervene under the same or similar circumstances; or (2) committing an offense.
H.B. 579 (Dutton) – SWAT Teams: would provide that: (1) a law enforcement agency may not
create or administer a SWAT team unless: (a) each law enforcement officer on that team is
equipped with a body worn camera; and (b) the law enforcement agency establishes policies and
procedures to ensure that body worn cameras: (i) are activated and recording during all team
action; and (ii) continue recording until all suspects present at the scene have been arrested or
released from custody or all law enforcement personnel have left the premises; (2) a law
enforcement agency administering a SWAT team shall adopt a policy designed to limit the
deployment of that team to situations involving an imminent threat of serious bodily injury to law
enforcement officers or the public, except that the existence of a legally owned firearm in the home
of an individual does not in itself constitute evidence of an imminent threat; (3) the decision to
deploy a SWAT team must be based on consideration of: (a) any available evidence indicating an
imminent threat to a person or officer; and (b) whether conditions are such that the suspect cannot
reasonably be apprehended using routine methods; (4) when a SWAT team is deployed for a
planned warrant service or for an incident not involving ongoing violence: (a) the basis for
believing an imminent threat exists must be reviewed and approved by a supervisor at the level of
captain or above before the deployment occurs; and (b) the supervisor described by (4)(a), above,
must provide in advance of the deployment written justification for any execution of a warrant
after sunset and before sunrise; (5) each law enforcement agency administering a SWAT team
shall annually report, to the agency’s local governing body, information about team deployments
and training that include: (a) each date on which the SWAT team was deployed; (b) the location
for each incident involving the deployment of the SWAT team; (c) the specific reason for the
deployment, including a short description of the evidence of an imminent threat or the existence
of a tip by an undercover or anonymous informant; (d) a lis ting of military or forcible entry
equipment used, if any; (e) if known, the age, gender, and race or ethnicity of each injured or
deceased person involved in the incident; (f) list of any controlled substances, weapons,
contraband, or other evidence of crime seized from the premises or from any persons; (g) whether
any person used, exhibited, or carried a deadly weapon during the incident; (h) whether the incident
occurred as a result of an investigation of an offense involving a controlled substance; and (i) the
training and education completed by the SWAT team collectively and for the SWAT team certified
officers individually; (6) a person who suffers serious bodily injury as a result of a SWAT team
action, or an immediate family member of a person who suffered serious bodily injury or died as
a result of a SWAT team action, is entitled to receive a copy of any video or audio recording made
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by the team and containing footage of the action, and such person or family member must submit
a request for the recording to the law enforcement agency administering the applicable SWAT
team; and (7) the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall create, among other things,
training curriculum and standards for certification as a SWAT team member.
H.B. 585 (Cole) – Criminal Penalties for Possession of Marihuana: would reduce criminal
penalties for certain crimes involving the possession of marihuana.
H.B. 600 (J. Johnson) – Psychological Examinations: would: (1) provide that, once every 24
months, each peace officer shall be examined by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist who can
declare in writing that the officer is in satisfactory psychological and emotional health to serve as
a peace officer; (2) provide that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) shall, by
rule: (a) provide grounds for which a law enforcement agency may exempt a peace officer from
the requirement described in (1), above; and (b) adopt procedures to ensure timely and accurate
reporting by law enforcement agencies and peace officers of the results of a psychological
examination; and (3) provide that TCOLE shall suspend the license of a peace officer who fails to
comply with the requirements of (1), above.
H.B. 616 (Dutton) – Criminal Penalties for Possession of Marihuana: would, among other
things: (1) reduce criminal penalties for the possession of two ounces or less of marihuana; (2)
provide that an offense for possession of two ounces or less of marihuana is a Class B misdemeanor
if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously convicted three or
more times of an offense involving the possession of marihuana and each prior offense was
committed within the 24-month period preceding the date of the commission of the instant offense;
and (3) require a judge to order a defendant who receives a deferral for possession of marihuana
to successfully complete a drug awareness and education program.
H.B. 638 (Krause) – Public Safety Funding: would: (1) define “public safety service” to mean
fire protection, law enforcement, or emergency medical service; (2) provide that a political
subdivision may not adopt a budget unless the political subdivision allocates money in that budget
to provide for each public safety service in an amount equal to or greater than the amount allocated
to provide for that service in the preceding fiscal year; (3) allow a political subdivision to adopt a
budget that does not meet the requirements of (2), above, if the political subdivision will not
provide the public safety service in the fiscal year for which the budget is adopted; and (4) provide
that the amount allocated in a budget to provide a public safety service includes all maintenan ce,
operations, and debt service costs associated with providing the service.
H.B. 656 (J. Gonzalez) – Consent to Take Specimen: would provide that if a person consents to
an officer’s request to take a blood or breath specimen, the officer shall request the person to sign
a statement providing that: (1) the officer requested that the person submit to the taking of a
specimen; (2) the person was informed of the consequences of not submitting to the taking of a
specimen; and (3) the person voluntarily consented to the taking of a specimen.
H.B. 657 (J. Gonzalez) – Evidence of Intoxication: would, among other things, provide that in
the prosecution of any offense involving a motor vehicle, only an analysis of a lawfully obtained
specimen of the defendant’s blood, breath, or urine or other bodily substance is admissible to show
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the defendant’s alcohol concentration or the presence of a controlled substance, drug, dangerous
drug, or other substance in the defendant’s body at the time of the offense.
H.B. 667 (Dutton) – Asset Forfeiture: would require: (1) a final conviction for an underlying
offense in order to pursue forfeiture of contraband; and (2) a court to dismiss a contraband
forfeiture proceeding on proof of a dismissal or acquittal of the underlying offense.
H.B. 689 (Collier) – Appearance of Arrested Person before Magistrate: would, among other
things, provide that when an arrested person appears before a magistrate: (1) if the proceeding is
conducted through videoconference, the magistrate shall ensure the arrested person is able to
connect to and understand the image and sound of the videoconference; (2) if the magistrate is
unable to ensure that the arrested person is able to understand and participate in the proceeding,
the magistrate shall: (a) if the magistrate has appointing authority, appoint counsel for the person;
or (b) if the magistrate does not have appointing authority, notify the appointing authority of the
person’s inability to understand and participate in the proceeding; and (3) if the magistrate has
reasonable cause to believe that the arrested person has a mental illness or is a person with an
intellectual disability, the magistrate shall follow the required procedures for early identification
of a defendant suspected of having mental illness or intellectual disability.
H.J.R. 11 (Reynolds) – Medical Marihuana: would amend the Texas Constitution to provide
that the legislature shall authorize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for
medical use in Texas.
H.J.R. 13 (Canales) – Legalization of Marihuana: would amend the Texas Constitution to
provide that the legislature shall authorize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and sale of
cannabis in Texas.
H.J.R. 28 (Larson) – Medical Marihuana: would amend the Texas Constitution to provide that
the legislature by law shall authorize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis
for medical use in Texas. (Companion bill is H.J.R. 11 by Reynolds.)
S.B. 42 (Zaffirini) – Cell Phone Ban: would provide: (1) that a vehicle operator commits an
offense if the operator uses a portable wireless communication device while operating a motor
vehicle, unless the vehicle is stopped outside a lane of travel; and (2) for an affirmative defense
(except for a person under 18 years of age or by a person operating a school bus with a minor
passenger on the bus) for the use of a portable wireless communications device: (a) in conjunction
with a hands-free device; (b) to contact emergency services; or (c) that was mounted in or on the
vehicle solely to continuously record or broadcast video inside or outside of the vehicle.
S.B. 64 (Nelson) – Mental Health Programs: would require: (1) the executive commissioner of
the Health and Human Services Commission to develop a mental health intervention program for
peace officers that includes, among other things, peer-to-peer counseling, access to licensed mental
health professionals, training, including suicide prevention training, technical assistance, and
coordination of mental health first aid for law enforcement officers and their immediate family
members; and (2) require the commission submit an annual report to the governor and legislature
that includes the number of peace officers who received services through the program, the number
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of peers and peer service coordinators trained, an evaluation of the services provided, and any
recommendations for program improvements.
S.B. 66 (Miles) – Retention and Disclosure of Police Complaints: would, among other things,
provide that: (1) a complaint that alleges conduct by a peace officer employed by a municipality
constitutes official oppression by the police officer must be retained on filed by the city for at least
five years after the officer’s employment with the city ends; (2) an abstract of the complaint
described in (1), above, must be created and retained indefinitely once the original complaint is
destroyed; and (3) such complaint is not excepted from disclosure under a discretionary exception
or the law enforcement exception of the Public Information Act.
S.B. 67 (Miles) – Civilian Complaint Review Boards: would create, in cities with a population
of 200,000 or more a municipal civilian complaint review board with, among other things, the
authority to: (1) investigate a complaint of alleged misconduct by a peace officer involving: (a)
excessive use of force; (b) improper use of power to threaten, intimidate, or otherwise mistreat a
member of the public; (c) threat of force; (d) an unlawful act, search or seizure; or (e) other abuses
of authority; and (2) issue subpoenas.
S.B. 68 (Miles) – Excessive Force Reporting: would provide that: (1) a peace officer has a duty
to intervene to stop or prevent another peace officer from using excessive force against a person
suspected of committing an offense if an ordinary, prudent peace officer would intervene under
the same or similar circumstances; and (2) a peace officer who witnesses the use of excessive force
by another peace officer shall promptly make a detailed report of the incident and deliver the report
to the supervisor of the peace officer making the report and the supervisor of the peace officer who
used the excessive force.
S.B. 69 (Miles) – Prohibiting Chokeholds: would provide that the use of any force, by any person,
including a peace officer or person acting in and the direction of an officer, in connection with the
arrest of another person, is not a justified use of force if such force is used in a manner that impedes
the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the person by applying pressure to the person’s
throat, neck, or torso or by blocking the person’s nose or mouth. (This bill is identical to H.B. 346
and H.B. 418 by Rose and Sherman, respectively.)
S.B. 70 (Miles) – Use of Force Reporting: would provide that: (1) a law enforcement agency,
including an agency of a political subdivision, authorized by law to employ peace officers shall
require each police officer employed by the agency to submit a detailed report to the agency
regarding each incident in which the officer uses force, or witnesses another officer use force,
against a person suspected of committing an offense; and (2) the report described in (1), above,
must include: (a) a description of the force used by the peace officer; (b) an explanation as to why
the degree of force used was necessary; and (c) if applicable, a description of any attempt that was
made by the officer to de-escalate the situation before the force was used.
S.B 71 (Miles) – Use of Force Policy: would provide that: (1) no later than January 1, 2022, a law
enforcement agency, including an agency of a political subdivision authorized by law to employ
police officers, shall adopt a detailed written policy regarding the use of force by police officers;
and (2) such policy must provide peace officers employed by the agency with explicit guidelines
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for the use of force that ensure that force will only be used against a person in a manner
proportionate to the threat posed by the person.
S.B. 72 (Miles) – Discharge of Firearms Policy: would provide that: (1) a law enforcement
agency, including an agency of a political subdivision authorized by law to employ police officers,
shall adopt a policy regarding the discharge of a firearm by a peace officer at or in the direction of
a moving vehicle; and (2) such policy must prohibit a peace officer from discharging a firearm at
or in the direction of a moving vehicle unless the peace officer discharges the firearm only when
and to the degree the officer reasonably believes is immediately necessary to protect the officer or
another person from the use of unlawful deadly force by an occupant of the vehicle by means other
than by using the moving vehicle to strike any person. (Companion bill is H.B. 95 by Meza.)
S.B. 84 (Miles) – Extreme Risk Protective Orders: would, among other things: (1) provide that,
in certain circumstances, courts may issue a lethal violence protective order against a person
exhibiting dangerous behavior or conduct, including any behavior or conduct related to the
person’s use of firearms, requiring the person to relinquish his or her firearms; (2) require local
law enforcement agencies to: (a) take possession of a person’s firearms when a court issues an
lethal violence protective order against that person and to immediately provide the person a written
copy of the receipt for the firearm and written notice of the procedure for return of the firearm; (b)
if applicable, notify the court that issued the lethal violence protective order that the person who
is the subject of the order has relinquished the firearm not later than seven days after the law
enforcement agency receives the firearm; (c) conduct a check of state and national criminal history
record information to verify whether the person may lawfully possess a firearm not later than 30
days after receiving notice from the court that the lethal violence protective order has expired; (d)
if the check described in (c) verifies that the person may lawfully possess a firearm, provide written
notice to the person by certified mail stating that the firearm may be returned to the person if the
person submits a written request before the 121st day after the date of the notice; (3) provide that
a local law enforcement agency in possession of a firearm relinquished because of a lethal violence
protective order may not destroy the firearm but may sell the firearm to a licensed firearms dealer
if the check in (2)(c) shows that the person may not lawfully possess a firearm or the person does
not submit a written request as required by (2)(d); and (4) provide that the proceeds from the sale
of a firearm in (3) shall be paid to the owner of the seized firearm, less the cost of administering
this article with respect to the firearm.
S.B. 90 (Menéndez) – Medical Marihuana: would: (1) authorize the possession, use, cultivation,
distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical cannabis for medical use by qualifying
patients with certain debilitating medical conditions; (2) provide for medical cannabis registry
identification cards; (3) authorize the licensing of dispensing organizations and testing facilities;
and (4) authorize an application fee for licenses to operate a dispensing organization. (Companion
bill is H.B. 94 by Reynolds.)
S.B. 92 (Menéndez) – Immigration: would repeal certain provisions governing state and local
enforcement of immigration laws and other provisions related to immigration law, such as the
requirement that a law enforcement agency honor a detainer request.
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S.B. 110 (West) – Extreme Risk Protective Orders: would, among other things: (1) provide that,
in certain circumstances, courts may issue an extreme risk protective order against a person
exhibiting dangerous behavior or conduct as a result of a serious mental illness, including any
behavior or conduct related to the person’s use of firearms, requiring the person to relinquish his
or her firearms; (2) require local law enforcement agencies to: (a) take possession of a person’s
firearms when a court issues an extreme risk protective order against that person and to
immediately provide the person a written copy of the receipt for the firearm and written notice of
the procedure for return of the firearm; (b) if applicable, notify the court that issued the extreme
risk protective order that the person who is the subject of the order has relinquished the firearm
not later than seven days after the law enforcement agency receives the firearm; (c) conduct a
check of state and national criminal history record information to verify whether the person may
lawfully possess a firearm not later than 30 days after receiving notice from the court that the
extreme risk protective order has expired; (d) if the check described in (c) verifies that the person
may lawfully possess a firearm, provide written notice to the person by certified mail stating that
the firearm may be returned to the person if the person submits a written request before the 121st
day after the date of the notice; (3) provide that a local law enforcement agency in possession of a
firearm relinquished because of an extreme risk protective order may not destroy the firearm but
may sell the firearm to a licensed firearms dealer if the check in (2)(c) shows that the person may
not lawfully possess a firearm or the person does not submit a written request as required by (2)(d);
(4) provide that the proceeds from the sale of a firearm in (3) shall be paid to the owner of the
seized firearm, less the cost of administering this article with respect to the firearm; and (5) provide
that a law enforcement officer or other employee of a law enforcement agency is subject to
punishment for contempt of court if the officer or employee violates the bill with the intent to
withhold a firearm from a person who, at the time the violation occurred: (a) was the subject of an
extreme risk protective order that was rescinded or that expired; and (b) may lawfully possess the
firearm.
S.B. 111 (West) – Duties of Law Enforcement Agency: would provide: (1) that a law
enforcement agency filing a case with an attorney representing the state in a criminal case,
including a city attorney, shall submit to the attorney a written statement by an employee of such
agency with knowledge of the case acknowledging that all documents, items, and information in
the possession of the agency that are required to be disclosed to the defendant as discovery have
been transmitted to the attorney; and (2) that at any time after the case is filed with the attorney
representing the state the law enforcement agency discovers or acquires any additional document,
item, or information required to be disclosed to the defendant, an employee of the agency shall
promptly transmit such document to the attorney.
S.B. 112 (West) – Affidavit for Installation and Use of Mobile Tracking Device: would, among
other things, require a peace officer’s affidavit to provide facts and circumstances in his or her
affidavit that show probable cause (instead of reasonable suspicion under current law) that criminal
activity has been, is, or will be committed and the installation and use of a mobile tracking device
is likely to produce information that is material to an ongoing criminal investigation of that
criminal activity in order for a district judge to issue an order for the installation and use of a
mobile tracking device. (Companion bill is H.B. 356 by Sherman.)
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S.B. 140 (Gutierrez) – Marihuana: would, among other things: (1) authorize the cultivation,
manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; (2)
authorize the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of medical
cannabis and the licensing of medical cannabis dispensing organizations; (3) prohibit a political
subdivision from enacting, adopting, or enforcing a rule, ordinance, order, resolution, or other
regulation that prohibits or unreasonably restricts the cultivation, production, processing,
dispensing, transportation, or possession of cannabis or cannabis products or the operation of a
cannabis grower, cannabis establishment, cannabis secure transporter, or cannabis testing facility;
(4) provide that a political subdivision may adopt regulations consistent with the bill governing
the hours of operation, location, manner of conducting business, and number of cannabis growers,
cannabis establishments, or cannabis testing facilities; (5) provide that a city, county, or other
political subdivision may not enact, adopt, or enforce a rule, ordinance, order, resolution, or other
regulation that prohibits the cultivation, production, dispensing, or possession of medical cannabis;
(6) authorize the imposition of taxes and fees on the sale of cannabis; (7) require an occupational
license to operate as a cannabis grower, cannabis establishment, cannabis secure transporter, or
cannabis testing facility; (8) allocate the net revenue derived from a tax on the sale of cannabis as
follows: (a) five percent to the Border Security Enhancement Fund; (b) five percent to the
Municipal Security Enhancement Fund; (c) one percent to the cannabis testing and quality control
fund; (d) an amount certified to the comptroller by the commission to the Cannabis Regulation
Fund; and (e) the remainder to the Foundation School Program; (9) provide that in determining
the local share for each municipality in which one or more cannabis establishments are located,
the comptroller shall allocate funds under Subsection (8)(b) in proportion to the number of
cannabis establishments located in each municipality; and (10) create a fund to pay for to border
security enhancement projects including: (a) the Border Security Fund, which the governor shall
administer and dispense money in the fund to local law enforcement authorities in counties located
on an international border or municipalities located within 50 miles of an international border fo r
certain purposes, including the pay and salary of peace officers and other law enforcement
personnel; and (b) the Municipal Security fund, which the governor shall administer and shall
dispense money in this fund to local law enforcement authorities in municipalities with a
population of at least 1.2 million for the following purposes: (i) the prevention and investigation
of violent crimes, family violence, and intoxication offenses; and (ii) the pay and salary of peace
officers and other law enforcement personnel.
S.B. 151 (N. Johnson) – Marihuana Concentrate: would: (1) define marihuana concentrate as
the resin extracted from marihuana or a compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or
preparation of the resin; and (2) add marihuana concentrate as a controlled substance subject to
criminal penalties for possession or delivery or marihuana concentrate. (Companion bill is H.B.
439 by Canales.)
S.B. 161 (West) – Police Reform: this bill, known as the “George Floyd Act,” would make
numerous changes related to interactions between peace officers and individuals detained or
arrested on the suspicion of the commission of crimes, peace officer liability for those interactions,
and the disciplinary of peace officers in certain cities. Of primary importance to cities, the bill
would:
1. With respect to officer liability:
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a. provide that a person may bring an action for any appropriate relief against a peace
officer who, under the color of law, deprived the person or caused the person to be deprived
of any rights under the Texas Constitution, provided that such action is brought not later
than two years after the day the cause of action accrues;
b. provide that statutory immunity or a limitation on liability, damages, or attorney’s fees
does not apply to the action described in (1)(a), above, and a court shall award reasonable
attorney’s fees and court costs to a prevailing plaintiff and if judgment is entered in favor
of the defendant, the court may award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to the defendant
only for defending claims the court finds frivolous;
c. provide that qualified immunity or the defendant’s good faith but erroneous belief in
the lawfulness of the defendant’s conduct is not a defense to an action brought under (1)(a),
above; and
d. require a public entity, including a city, to indemnify a peace officer employed by the
entity for liability incurred by and a judgement imposed against the officer in an action
brought under (1)(a), above, except that the entity shall not be required to indemnify the
peace officer if the officer was convicted for the conduct that is the basis for the action;
2. With respect to the duties and powers of a peace officer:
a. amend current law to provide that a peace officer has the discretion on whether or not,
if authorized, to:
i. interfere without a warrant to prevent or suppress a crime; or
ii. arrest offenders without warrant so that they may be taken before the proper
magistrate or court and be tried;
b. provide that a peace officer shall:
i. identify as a peace officer before taking any action within the course and scope
of the officer’s official duties unless the identification would render the action
impracticable;
ii. intervene if the use of force by another peace officer:
1. violates state or federal law or a policy of any entity service by the other
officer;
2. puts any person at risk of bodily injury, unless the officer reasonably
believes that the other officer’s use of force is immediately necessary to
avoid imminent harm to a peace officer or other person; or
3. is not required to apprehend or complete the apprehension of a suspect;
and
4. shall provide aid immediately to any person who needs medical
attention, including a person who needs medical attention as a result of the
use of force by a peace officer;
c. provide that a defendant may not be convicted of an offense related to controlled
substances on the testimony of person acting covertly on behalf of a law enforcement
agency unless the testimony is corroborated by evidence tending to connect the defendant
with the offense committed;
3. With respect to issuing citations in lieu of arrest for misdemeanor offenses:
a. provide that the Texas Southern University, in consultation with other law enforcement
organizations, shall publish a model policy related to the issuance of citations for
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misdemeanor offenses, including traffic offenses, that are punishable by fine only, that
includes the procedure for a peace officer, upon a person’s presentation of appropriate
identification, to verify the person’s identity and issue a citation to the person;
b. provide that each law enforcement agency shall adopt a written policy regarding the
issuance of citations for misdemeanor offenses, including traffic offenses, that are
punishable by fine only, provided that such policy meets the requirements of the model
policy described in (3)(a), above;
c. provide that a law enforcement agency may adopt the model policy developed under
(3)(a), above;
d. provide that, with the exception of certain assault offenses and for the offense of public
intoxication, a peace officer or any other person may not, without a warrant, arrest an
offender for a misdemeanor punishable by fine only or arrest a person who commits one
or more offenses punishable by fine only;
e. provide that a peace officer who is charging a person, including a child, with
committing an offense that is a misdemeanor punishable by fine only, other than an offense
of public intoxication, shall, instead of taking the person before a magistrate, issue a
citation to the person;
f. provide that a peace officer who is charging a person, including a child, with
committing certain assault offenses that are a misdemeanor, punishable by fine only, may,
instead of taking the person before a magistrate, issue a citation to the person;
g. provide that a peace officer may not arrest, without warrant, a person found only
committing one or more misdemeanors related to certain traffic offenses that are
punishable by fine only, and in such instances shall issue a written notice to appear to the
person;
4. With respect to de-escalation and proportionate response:
a. provide that a law enforcement agency shall adopt a detailed written policy regarding
the use of force by peace officers that must:
i. emphasize the use of force in a manner proportionate to the threat posed and to
the seriousness of the alleged offense;
ii. mandate that deadly force is only to be used by peace officers as a last resort;
and
iii. affirm the sanctity of human life and the importance of treating all persons
with dignity and respect;
b. provide that a law enforcement agency may adopt the model policy on use of force
developed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and described in (6)(a), below;
5. With respect to disciplinary procedures in certain cities:
a. require a civil service commission to implement a progressive disciplinary matrix for
infractions committed by police officers that consists of a range of progressive disciplinary
actions applied in a standardized way based on the nature of the infraction and the officer’s
prior conduct record, and such matrix must include:
i. standards for disciplinary actions related to use of force against another person,
including the failure to de-escalate force incidents in accordance with departmental
policy;
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ii. standards for evaluating the level of discipline appropriate for uncommon
infractions; and
iii. presumptive actions to be taken for each type of infraction and any adjustment
to be made based on a police officer’s previous disciplinary action;
b. make changes to the meet and confer provisions applicable to police officers to provide
that certain cities that have adopted a meet and confer agreement but are not subject to civil
service rules or collective bargaining shall implement a progressive disciplinary matrix as
described in (5)(a), above, for its police officers, and that such agreement may not conflict
or supersede a rule concerning the disciplinary actions that may be imposed under the
disciplinary matrix;
c. provide that a hearing examiner in a city subject to civil service rules must presume a
disciplinary action applied to a police officer under a progressive disciplinary matrix is
reasonable unless the facts indicate that the department inappropriately applied a category
of offense to the particular violation; and
d. make changes to the collective bargaining statute to provide that a city that has adopted
a collective bargaining agreement but is not subject to civil service rules shall implement
a progressive disciplinary matrix as described in (5)(a), above, for its police officers, and
that such agreement may not conflict with an ordinance, order, statute, or rule related to
disciplinary actions that may be imposed on its police officers under a disciplinary matrix
implemented by the city;
6. With respect to use of force:
a. provide that the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall develop and make
available to all law enforcement agencies a model policy and associated training materials
regarding the use of force by peace officers;
b. make changes to the instances in which a person, including a peace officer and a person
in the presence of and at the direction of a peace officer, may be justified in using nonlethal
force in connection with making or assisting in making an arrest or search, or preventing
or assisting in preventing escape after an arrest,
c. make changes to instances in which a peace officer or a person in the presence of and
at the direction of a peace officer may be justified in using deadly force in connection to
making an arrest or preventing escape after an arrest;
d. provide that the use of force against a person in connection with making or assisting
in making an arrest or search, or preventing or assisting in preventing an escape after an
arrest, is not justified if the force is used in a manner that impedes the normal breathing or
circulation of the blood of the person by applying pressure to the person’s throat or neck
or by blocking the person’s nose or mouth; and
e. repeal the Penal Code provision that provides that a peace officer or a person other
than a peace officer acting in the officer’s presence and direction has no duty to retreat
before using deadly force in connection with making an arrest or preventing escape after
arrest.
(Companion bill is H.B. 88 by Thompson.)
S.B. 175 (Miles) – No-Knock Entries: would prohibit a magistrate, including a municipal judge,
from issuing an arrest or search warrant that authorizes a peace officer from entering, for the
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purpose of executing a warrant, into a building or other place without giving notice of the officer’s
authority or purpose before entering (a no-knock entry). (Companion bill is H.B. 492 by Wu.)
S.J.R. 16 (Eckhardt) – Legalization of Marihuana: would amend the Texas Constitution to
provide that the legislature by law shall authorize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and sale
of cannabis in Texas. (Companion bill is H.J.R. 13 by Canales.)
Sales Tax
H.B. 89 (Canales) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt the following from sales and use taxes
as “emergency preparation items”: (1) medical or other face masks used to protect the nose and
mouth of a person wearing the mask from potential contaminants, or from transmission of particles
from the person wearing the mask; (2) disposable gloves the primary purpose of which is to act as
a protective barrier to prevent the possible transmission of disease; and (3) disinfectant cleaning
supplies, including bleach products and sanitizing wipes.
H.B. 174 (Canales) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt the sale, use, or consumption of
college textbooks from sales taxes during two seven-day periods, one beginning in August and one
beginning in January.
H.B. 321 (Howard) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt feminine hygiene products from the
sales tax.
H.B. 322 (Howard) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt child and adult diapers from the sales
tax.
H.B. 387 (Pacheco) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt child and adult diapers from the sales
tax.
H.B. 388 (Pacheco) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt feminine hygiene products from the
sales tax.
H.B. 406 (Hernandez) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt the sale, use, or consumption of
college textbooks from sales taxes during two seven-day periods, one beginning in August and one
beginning in January.
H.B. 490 (Wu) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt feminine hygiene products from the sales
tax.
H.B. 524 (Rosenthal) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt firearm safety equipment from
sales taxes.
H.B. 592 (C. Turner) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt the sale of an animal by an animal
rescue group from sales and use taxes.
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S.B. 61 (Zaffirini) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt the sale, storage, use, or other
consumption of firearm safety supplies from the sales tax.
S.B. 148 (Powell) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt feminine hygiene products from the
sales tax.
S.B. 153 (Perry) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt from sales taxes data processing services
designed to process payment made by credit card or debit card.
S.B. 197 (Nelson) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt the sale of an animal by a nonprofit
animal welfare organization from sales and use taxes.
S.B. 200 (Nelson) – Sales Tax Exemption: would exempt internet access service from sales and
use taxes. (Note: this legislation brings state law into conformity with federal law, which already
preempts the ability of state and local governments to collect sales taxes on internet access.)
Community and Economic Development
H.B. 84 (Hinojosa) – Home and Residential Lot Sales Price: would repeal the provision in
current state law that prohibits a city from adopting a requirement that establishes a maximum
sales price for a privately produced housing unit or residential building lot.
H.B. 128 (Landgraf) – Economic Development Corporations: would: (1) expand the definition
of “primary job” for purposes of Type A and Type B EDC projects to include certain health care
and mental health care facilities; and (2) expand the scope of projects related to the creation or
retention of primary jobs to include facilities for the provision of health care or mental health care
to the public.
H.B. 149 (Reynolds) – Group Homes Study: would direct the Texas Health and Human Services
Commission to conduct a study on the regulation of group homes, and provide that the study
analyze, among other things: (1) city authority to enforce boarding home regulations; and (2)
whether the prohibition against a city excluding board homes from residential areas prevents cities
from regulating boarding homes.
H.B. 206 (Bernal) – Payday and Auto Title Lending: would provide for the statewide regulation
of payday and auto title lenders. Of primary importance for cities, the bill would: (1) provide that
a municipal ordinance regulating credit access businesses is not preempted by state law; and (2)
provide that, if a municipal ordinance conflicts with a provision of state law, the more stringent
regulation controls.
Additionally, the bill would, among other things:
(1) require the contract and other documents provided by a credit access business to be written
wholly in English or the language in which the contract is negotiated, and read in their entirety in
the language in which the contract is negotiated to any consumer who cannot read; (2) prohibit a
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credit services organization from assisting a consumer in obtaining an extension of consumer credit
in any form other than a single-payment payday loan, multiple-payment payday loan, single
payment auto title loan, or multiple-payment auto title loan; (3) provide that each day of a
continuing violation of a provision related to state notice and disclosure requirements or state
licensing and regulation requirements by a credit services organization constitutes a separate
offense; (4) provide that the general limitations on payday and auto title loans in the bill apply to
any consumer physically located in this state at the time the loan is made, regardless of whether
the loan was made in person in this state; (5) require a credit access business to require certain
types of documentation to establish a consumer’s income for purposes of extending credit; (6)
provide specific limitations on the structure of single-payment and multiple-payment payday and
auto title loans; (7) require any refinance of a payday or auto title loan to: (a) be authorized by
state law; (b) be in the same form as the original loan; and (c) meet all requirements applicable to
the original loan; and (8) require a credit access business to maintain a complete set of records of
all loans and retain the records until the third anniversary of the date of the loan.
H.B. 233 (Murr) – Building Materials and Methods: would provide that the prohibition on city
regulation of building products, materials, or methods passed by H.B. 2439 in 2019 does not apply
to a city with a population of less than 25,000.
H.B. 258 (Bernal) – Broadband: would provide, among other things, that a governmental entity
(including a city) may not contract with a broadband Internet access servi ce provider, unless the
contract contains a written verification from the provider that the provider does not: (a) block
lawful content, applications, or services or the use of non-harmful devices; (b) impair or degrade
lawful Internet traffic for the purpose of discriminating against or favoring certain Internet content,
applications, or services or the use of non-harmful devices; or (c) engage in paid prioritization.
H.B. 311 (Springer) – Monuments and Memorials: would, among other things: (1) provide that
a monument or memorial located on city property: (a) for at least 40 years may not be removed,
relocated, or altered; (b) for at least 20 years but less than 40 years may be removed, relocated, or
altered only by approval of a majority of the voters of the city at an election held for that purpose;
or (c) for less than 20 years may be removed, relocated, or altered only by the governing body; (2)
define “monument or memorial” as used in (1), above, to mean a permanent monument, memorial,
or other designation, including a statute, portrait, plaque, seal, symbol, cenotaph, building name,
bridge name, park name, area name, or street name, that honors an event or person of historic
significance; (3) authorize an additional monument or memorial to be added to the surrounding
city property on which a monument or memorial is located to complement or contrast with the
monument or memorial; (4) authorize a city resident to file a complaint with the attorney general
if the resident asserts facts supporting an allegation that the city has violated (1), above; and (5)
authorize civil penalties against a city for intentional violations of (1), above.
H.B. 417 (Walle) – Payday Lending: would provide that a credit services organization or a
representative of a credit services organization may not, unless the credit services organization or
representative of the credit services organization has evidence sufficient prove that the consumer
has committed theft or issued a bad check: (1) file a criminal complaint or threaten to file a criminal
complaint related to an extension of consumer credit or provision of credit services against the
consumer; or (2) refer or threaten to refer a consumer to a prosecutor for the collection and
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processing of a check or similar sight order that was issued in relation to an extension of consumer
credit.
H.B. 425 (K. King) – Rural Broadband: would, among other things: (1) create a rural broadband
service program; and (2) require the Public Utility Commission to provide financial ass istance
from the universal service fund for broadband service providers who elect to participate in the rural
broadband service program for the purpose of offering retail broadband service in underserved
rural areas of the state at rates comparable to the benchmark rates established by the Federal
Communications Commission.
H.B. 467 (J. Gonzalez) – Tax Increment Financing: would, among other things: (1) require a
city, before adopting an ordinance designating a tax increment reinvestment zone, to prepare or
have prepared an affordable housing impact statement; (2) require the statement in (1), above, to
be made available to the public and posted on the city’s Internet website at least 60 days before
the city holds the hearing on the tax increment reinvestment zone; and (3) provide that the
statement under (1), above, must include estimates of the impact on the availability of affordable
housing in the area of the proposed zone for the 30-year period following designation of the
proposed zone.
H.B. 539 (Patterson) – Economic Development Corporation: would authorize an economic
development corporation, by election, to spend on a project for: (1) general infrastructure, limited
to the development, improvement, maintenance, or expansion of streets and roads, water supply
facilities, or sewage facilities; or (2) improving, enhancing, or supporting public safety, including:
(a) expenditures for improving public safety facilities; (b) expenditures for public safety equipment
and for first responders and other personnel; and (c) other expenditures that enhance the level of
services provided by public safety facilities.
H.B. 544 (Minjarez) – Recovery Housing: would, among other things: (1) define the term
“recovery house” as a shared living environment that promotes sustained recovery from substance
use disorders by integrating residents into the surrounding community and providing a setting that
connects residents to supports and services promoting sustained recovery from substance use
disorders, is centered on peer support, and is free from alcohol and drug use; (2) prohibit a city or
county from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, order, or other regulation that prevents a recovery
house from operating in a residential community; and (3) require the Health and Human Services
Commission to adopt minimum standards for certification as a recovery house that are consistent
with standards from the National Alliance for Recovery Residences and authorize one or more
credentialing organizations to develop and administer a voluntary certification program for
recovery housing.
H.B. 545 (E. Thompson) – Annexation: would authorize a city to annex a portion of the state
highway system or right-of-way of a portion of the state highway system if the city receives
consent for the annexation from the Texas Department of Transportation.
H.B. 639 (White) – Emergency Services District: would allow an emergency services district to
provide public health services, contract with a local government to provide those services, and
charge a reasonable fee for performing those services for or on behalf of a person or entity.
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H.B. 662 (Collier) – Homeless Housing: would expand the ability of the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Affairs to administer a homeless housing and services program in each
city in the state with a population of 285,500 or more to include programs to prevent homelessness
resulting from displacement due to economic development activities.
S.B. 46 (Zaffirini) – Homeless: would provide that: (1) a city zoning or land use ordinance may
not prohibit a religious organization from using the organization’s facility as housing for homeless
individuals, or from having housing units for the homeless on the organization’s property; and (2)
a city may adopt or enforce an ordinance that imposes reasonable health and safety regulations on
housing for homeless individuals provided on a religious organization’s property, including
requirements that the organization provide electricity and heat for each housing unit, and at least
one kitchen and bathroom on the property.
S.B. 113 (West) – Community Land Trusts: would, among other things: (1) expand the type of
nonprofit organizations that may constitute a community land trust; (2) provide that, once adopted
by the governing body of a taxing unit, certain community land trust tax exemptions continue to
apply to the property until the governing body rescinds the exemption in the manner provided by
law; and (3) impose certain requirements on a chief appraiser who is appraising land or a housing
unit leased by a community land trust, including that the chief appraiser use the income method of
appraisal.
S.B. 144 (Powell) – School Property Tax Limitations: would extend the expiration date of the
Texas Economic Development Act from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2032.
S.B. 154 (Perry) – Broadband Office: would, among other things: (1) establish the broadband
office within the Texas Public Utility Commission to: (a) facilitate and coordinate the efforts of
state agencies and local units of government, including regional planning commissions, in
connection with the planning and deployment of broadband projects; (b) develop broadband
investment and deployment strategies for rural communities and other areas of this state that are
underserved and unserved with respect to broadband; (c) promote and coordinate public sector and
private sector broadband solutions in support of statewide broadband development goals; (d) assist
and promote local and regional broadband planning; (e) pursue and obtain federal sources of
broadband funding; (f) develop a framework to measure broadband access in and designate areas
of this state that are underserved and unserved with respect to broadband; (g) develop statewide
goals for broadband deployment in rural communities and other underserved and unserved areas;
(h) manage and award funds allocated to the broadband office for broadband projects; and (i) serve
as an information clearinghouse in relation to federal programs providing assistance to local
entities with respect to broadband; and (2) provide that the broadband office shall establish a
program to provide grants to private sector broadband providers for projects to provide broadband
service in an unserved area.
Elections
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H.B. 22 (Swanson) – Polling Place Parking: would require: (1) that a polling place have two
parking spaces reserved for the use of a voter who is unable to enter the polling place without
personal assistance or likelihood of injuring the voter’s health; and (2) that each parking space
must be clearly marked with a sign indicating that the space is reserved for use by a vo ter who is
unable to enter the polling place and displaying, in large font, a telephone number that a voter may
call to request assistance from an election official at the polling place.
H.B. 25 (Swanson) – Early Voting Ballot Application: would prohibit an officer or employee of
the state or a political subdivision from distributing an official application form for an early voting
ballot to a person.
H.B. 32 (Fierro) – Voting Outside Polling Place: would, on the voter’s request, require an
election officer to deliver a ballot to the voter at the polling place entrance or curb if a voter is: (1)
physically unable to enter the polling place without personal assistance or likelihood of injuring
the voter’s health; or (2) a parent or legal guardian accompanied by the parent’s or legal guardian’s
child.
H.B. 46 (Fierro) – Vote by Mail Application: would: (1) provide that the officially prescribed
application form for an early voting ballot must include, among other things, a space for entering
an applicant’s email address; (2) require the early voting clerk, before rejecting an application for
a ballot to be voted by mail, to make a reasonable effort to contact the applicant by e-mail, at any
e-mail address provided on the application, to ask questions about the application; (3) provide that
if the early voting clerk does not receive a response before the fourth day after the date the clerk
tries to contact an applicant as described in (2), the clerk may reject the application; (4) authorize
an applicant for an application for a ballot to be voted by mail to make clerical corrections to the
application by email; (5) require the early voting clerk to attach to and maintain with the original
application submissions and corrections provided by email; and (6) prohibit an applicant from
changing the address or county of residence submitted on the original application to a different
address or county of residence by email.
H.B. 61 (Swanson) – Early Voting by Mail: would, among other things: (1) require that an
application for an early voting ballot to be voted by mail be signed by the applicant using ink on
paper; and (2) provide that an electronic signature or photocopied signature is not permitted.
H.B. 76 (Meza) – Early Voting by Mail: would, among many other things, authorize early voting
by mail for any qualified voter and provide for implementing procedures. (Companion bill is S.B.
95 by Menéndez.)
H.B. 110 (Reynolds) – Voter Identification: would, among other things, eliminate the photo
identification requirement and expand the types of documentation that are considered acceptable
forms of identification for purposes of voting.
H.B. 123 (Meza) – Countywide Polling Place: would authorize the secretary of state to select
any county to participate in the countywide polling place program.
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H.B. 142 (Meza) – Voter Registration: would, among other things: (1) require the voter registrar
to appoint at least one election officer serving each polling place as a regular deputy registrar; and
(2) provide that a person may register to vote at the polling place located in the precinct of the
person’s residence if the person submits a voter registration application and presents adequate
proof of identification on the day the person offers to vote.
H.B. 160 (Zwiener) – Voter Identification: would provide that an identification card issued by a
public institution of higher education in the state that contains the person’s photograph, full legal
name, and a date of expiration that has not expired or that expired no earlier than four years before
the date of presentation, is an acceptable form of identification for voting.
H.B. 221 (Ortega) – Early Voting by Mail: would, among many other things, authorize early
voting by mail for any qualified voter and provide for implementing procedures. (Companion bill
is S.B. 95 by Menéndez.)
H.B. 230 (Bernal) – Voter Identification: would, among other things, expand the list of
acceptable forms of identification for the purposes of voting and allow a voter to present two forms
of certain types of identification from the expanded list as proof of identification, so long as one
form of identification contains the name and address of the voter. (Companion is S.B. 100 by
Menéndez.)
H.B. 329 (Cain) – Election Integrity: would: (1) require the secretary of state and Department of
Public Safety to take certain actions to ensure a person who is not a citizen of the United States
may not register to vote or vote; and (2) require the secretary of state to create an examination of
election law and procedures that a person must pass before serving as an election judge during
early voting by personal appearance or on election day.
H.B. 330 (Cain) – Election Procedures: would, among other things: (1) provide that an election
held by a political subdivision to authorize the issuance of bonds does not authorize the issuance
of bonds unless at least: (a) two-thirds of the voters voting in the election vote in favor of
authorizing the issuance of bonds; and (b) 20 percent of the registered voters eligible to vote in the
election vote in the election; (2) provide that, for a political subdivision located entirely in a county
with a population of 250,000 or more, the governing body of the political subdivision shall request
an election services contract with the county elections administrator to perform all duties and
functions of the political subdivision in relation to an election held on the May uniform election
date; (3) prohibit a ballot proposition from exceeding 400 characters; (4) provide that an election
judge commits a state jail felony if: (a) the judge accepts a voter for voting under the regular
procedure for voting if the voter is only permitted to vote a provisional ballot in the election; (b)
the judge, in one election, accepts for voting under the regular procedure for voting three or more
voters whose names are not on the list of registered voters for the precinct; or (c) the judge provides
a voter with a form for an affidavit required under the regular procedure for voting if the form
contains false information; and (5) would require early voting to take place at a residential care
facility if five or more voters residing in the same residential care facility apply to vote early by
mail on the grounds of age or disability.
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H.B. 400 (Bucy) – Early Voting by Mail: would, among many other things, authorize early voting
by mail for any qualified voter and provide for implementing procedures. (Companion bill is S.B.
95 by Menéndez.)
H.B. 463 (Shaheen) – Poll Watchers: would provide that a person is ineligible to serve as a poll
watcher in an election if the person has been finally convicted of a felony.
H.B. 478 (J. Gonzalez) – Polling Place Parking: would require an election officer to designate a
clearly-marked parking space at each polling place for voters that are unable to enter the polling
place.
H.B. 479 (J. Gonzalez) – Early Voting by Mail: would require the secretary of state to implement
a program allowing a person to complete an application for an early voting ballot by mail over the
internet from the official website of the state.
H.B. 482 (J. Gonzalez) – Early Voting by Mail: would, among other things, provide that a
marked ballot voted by mail must arrive at the address on the carrier envelope not later than the
fifth day after the date of the election, if the carrier envelope was placed for delivery by mail or
common or contract carrier before election day and bears a cancellation mark of a common or
contract carrier or a courier indicating a time not later than 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election
on election day.
H.B. 519 (Beckley) – Voter Registration: would, among other things, provide that: (1) an election
officer serving a polling place for early voting by personal appearance is a deputy voter registrar
and has the same authority as a regular deputy registrar; (2) a person who would be eligible to vote
in an election but for the requirement to be a registered voter must be accepted during early voting
by personal appearance for voting the ballot for the precinct of the person’s residence as shown by
the identification presented if the person: (a) submits a voter registration application that complies
with state law to an election officer at the polling place; and (b) presents adequate proof of
residence; (3) an election officer must make a copy of the proof of residence, attach it to the
registration application, and return the original proof of residence to the voter; (4) a person voting
under (2), above, shall vote a provisional ballot; and (5) the secretary of state may, by rule,
designate additional documents that a person may offer to prove the person’s residence to register
and vote.
H.B. 530 (Patterson) – Handguns: would allow a person to carry a handgun at a polling place if
the person is licensed to carry a handgun and is working as an election judge during early voting
or on election day.
H.B. 583 (Cole) – Early Voting by Mail: would, among many other things, authorize early voting
by mail for any qualified voter and provide for implementing procedures. (Companion bill is S.B.
95 by Menéndez.)
H.B. 611 (Swanson) – Voter Assistance: would provide that a person assisting a voter commits
a state jail felony of perjury if the person assists a voter in a way that violates the oath administered
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by an election officer to the person providing assistance to the voter and does so three or mo re
times in a single election.
H.J.R. 18 (Canales) – Resign to Run: would amend the Texas Constitution to allow judges of
the county courts at law, county criminal courts, county probate courts, and county domestic
relations courts to become candidates for another office without automatically resigning from the
office already held.
S.B. 95 (Menéndez) – Early Voting by Mail: would, among many other things, authorize early
voting by mail for any qualified voter and provide for implementing procedures. (Companion bill
is H.B. 76 by Meza.)
S.B. 99 (Menéndez) – Countywide Polling Place: would authorize the secretary of state to select
any county to participate in the countywide polling place program. (Companion bill is H.B. 123
by Meza.)
S.B. 100 (Menéndez) – Voter Identification: would, among other things, expand the list of
acceptable forms of identification for the purposes of voting and allow a voter to present two forms
of certain types of identification from the expanded list as proof of identification, so long as one
form of identification contains the name and address of the voter. (Companion is H.B. 230 by
Bernal.)
S.B. 131 (Johnson) – Uniform Election Dates: would: (1) authorize a city council to change the
date on which it holds its general election for officers to the November uniform election date if the
change is approved by at least two-thirds of the governing body; and (2) provide that a change
made under (1), above, supersedes a city charter provision that requires a different general election
date.
S.B. 208 (Bettencourt) – Early Voting Ballot Application: would prohibit an officer or employee
of the state or a political subdivision from distributing an official application form for an early
voting ballot to a person. (Companion bill is H.B. 25 by Swanson.)
Emergency Management
H.B. 26 (Swanson) – Weapons: would eliminate the governor’s authority to: (1) limit the sale,
dispensing, or transportation of firearms during a state of disaster; and (2) issue directives on the
control of the sale, transportation, and use of weapons during a state of emergency.
H.B. 173 (Springer) – Emergency Powers Board: would: (1) establish the Emergency Powers
Board to provide oversight during a declared state of disaster, including a declared public health
disaster; (2) provide that the Board is made up of the governor, lieutenant governor, the speaker of
the house, the chair of the Senate State Affairs Committee; and the chair of the House State Affairs
Committee; (3) provide that after the eighth day after the date the governor issues an executive
order, proclamation or regulation related to a declared state of disaster or public health disaster,
the Board, by a majority vote, may set an expiration date for the order, proclamation or regulation;
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(4) the board may meet by telephone conference, videoconference, or other similar
telecommunication method provided that the requirements of the Open Meetings Act are met; and
(5) if an executive order, proclamation or regulation issued by the governor has an expiration date
set by the governor and not modified by the Board that is on or after the 22nd day after the date the
order, proclamation or regulation is issued, the governor shall convene a special legislative session
to determine whether any legislation is necessary to implement, modify, or repeal the order,
proclamation or regulation.
H.B. 340 (Cain) – Weapons: would eliminate the governor’s authority: (1) during a state of
emergency, to issue directives on the control of: (a) the sale, transportation, and use of weapons;
and (b) the storage, use, and transportation of explosives or flammable materials considered
dangerous to public safety; and (2) during a declared state of disaster to suspend or limit the sale,
dispensing, or transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, and combustibles.
H.B. 429 (K. King) – Texas Windstorm Insurance Association: would: (1) add the provision of
an adequate market for tornado insurance and wildfire insurance statewide to the primary purpose
of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; (2) define “tornado insurance,” “wildfire,” and
“wildfire insurance”; and (3) require the Department of Insurance to (a) maintain a list of all
insurers that engage in the business of property and casualty insurance in the voluntary market in
a city or county that includes a catastrophe area and (b) develop incentive programs to encourage
authorized insurers to write insurance on a voluntary basis and to minimize the use of the
association as a means to obtain insurance.
H.B. 431 (K. King) – Insurance Rates in Disaster Area: would provide that if the governor
designates a disaster area, an insurer may not consider loss and expense experience caused by the
disaster in the designated area to set rates for risks outside of the designated area.
H.B. 525 (Shaheen) – Religious Organizations: would: (1) provide that a religious organization
is an essential business and that its activities are essential activities; (2) provide that a governmental
entity, including a city, may not prohibit a religious organization from operating, including during
a declared state of disaster; and (3) authorize a person to sue, and the attorney general to seek
injunctive or declaratory relief, for a violation of the prohibition in (2).
H.B. 655 (Raymond) – Statewide Disaster Alarm System: would, among other things, provide
that: (1) the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) shall conduct a study on the
efficacy of existing mass notification deployments by local governmental entities throughout the
state and the feasibility of establishing a statewide disaster alert system; (2) the study must: (a)
identify the costs to local governmental entities associated with existing local disaster alert or
notification systems; (b) examine the potential benefits to local governmental entities of
implementing an alert system; (c) examine the importance of a local governmental entity’s
discretion regarding the entity’s level and manner of participating in the alert system; (d) examine
potential costs to local governmental entities or this state associated with implementing the alert
system; and (e) identify any state or local governmental entity actions necessary to implement a
comprehensive alert system; (3) if, based on the findings of the study described, TDEM and the
office of the governor conclude that the benefits to the state and local governmental entities of
implementing a coordinated alert system outweigh any additional costs, TDEM, with cooperation
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of appropriate state agencies and using money available for that purpose, shall develop and
implement the alert system; (4) a local government entity that chooses to participate in an alert
system implemented under (3), above, may use local funds for that purpose and may contract with
TDEM for services associated with the alert system; (5) an alert system may be operated in
conjunction with any other emergency alert system required by federal or state law and designed
to notify persons statewide of a disaster affecting any location in the state; and (6) a participating
local government entity may, in coordination with TDEM, chose the manner in which the alert
system is activated and notifications are issued within the entity’s geographic region.
H.B. 665 (Landgraf) – Emergency Rules: would provide, among other things, that an emergency
rule that is adopted by a state agency during a period in which at least 75 percent of the counties
in the state are declared to be in a state of disaster or emergency by the governor may be effective
for not longer than 30 days, and may be renewed for not longer than 60 days.
H.B. 671 (Martinez, A) – Disaster Identification System: would, among other things, provide
that: (1) the Texas Division of Emergency Management may include in its state emergency plan
provisions for the use of a disaster identification system; (2) in an area subject to a state of disaster
declaration, a person may elect to participate in a disaster identification system activated for that
area; (3) such system shall authorize the use of a device that is capable of displaying a flashing
light and continuous light in either the color white or the colors blue, green, red, and yellow (an
“illuminated display”) to communicate with disaster relief personnel; and (4) an executive order
or proclamation declaring a state of disaster activates for the area subject to the declaration the
disaster identification system described above.
H.J.R. 15 (Springer) – Emergency Special Session: would provide that: (1) the governor shall
convene a special session of the legislature: (a) if a state of disaster or emergency declared by the
governor continues for more than 21 days; or (b) on receipt of a petition from any member of the
legislature requesting legislative review of a declared state of disaster or emergency if the petition
is signed by at least two-thirds of the members of the house of representatives and at least two-
thirds of the members of the senate; (2) in such convened special session, the Legislature may: (a)
review an order, proclamation, or other instrument issued by the governor during the 90 days
before the special session begins declaring a state of disaster or emergency or in response to an
emergency declared by any federal, state or local official or entity; (b) terminate or modify an
order, proclamation or other instrument described in (2)(a), above, by passage of a resolution
approved by a majority voted of the members of the members present in each house of the
legislature; (c) respond to the state of disaster or emergency, including by passing laws and
resolutions related to the state of disaster or emergency; and (d) consider any other subjects stated
in the governor’s proclamation convening the legislature.
H.J.R. 40 (White) – Disaster Management: would amend the Texas Constitution to prohibit the
governor from suspending or limiting, by order or proclamation, the sale, dispensin g, or
transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, or combustibles regardless of whether
the state is in a period of emergency resulting from a disaster.
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S.B. 114 (Lucio) – Border Health: would require the Texas Department of State Health Services
to establish a border public health response team to deploy in response to certain public health
threats and declared disasters in border counties.
Municipal Courts
H.B. 80 (J. Johnson) – Municipal Court: would provide, when fines and costs are being imposed
on a defendant under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services or
in extended foster care, that a municipal judge: (1) may not require a defendant to pay any amount
of fines and costs; and (2) shall require the defendant to perform community services to discharge
fines and costs if the fines and costs are not waived.
H.B. 210 (Meza) – Family Violence Cases: would: (1) require a court, in regard to a person
convicted of certain family violence offenses or subject to a family violence protective order, t o
provide written notice to the person that he/she is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, or
controlling a firearm, and order the person to surrender all firearms; and (2) provide various ways
a person in (1) may surrender a firearm, including surrender to a law enforcement agency.
H.B. 267 (Canales) – Municipal Court: would: (1) require the Office of Court Administration to
create, promulgate, and update standard forms for use in criminal actions for: (a) waiving a jury
trial and entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere in a misdemeanor case; (b) a trial court to
admonish a defendant; and (c) a defendant who receives admonitions in writing to acknowledge
that the defendant understands the admonitions and is aware of the consequences of the
defendant’s plea; and (2) provide that the Texas Supreme Court by rule shall set the date by which
all courts must adopt and use the forms.
H.B. 489 (Wu) – Guilty Plea Admonitions: would, among other things, require a court to, before
accepting a guilty plea or a nolo contender plea for an offense punishable as a felony, give an
admonition regarding: (1) the applicable provisions governing whether a judge or jury will assess
punishment; (2) the range of punishments; and (3) the effect of judge or jury sentencing on the
eligibility of the defendant for judge-ordered community supervision, jury-recommended
community supervision, or deferred adjudication community supervision.
H.B. 569 (Sanford) – Misdemeanor Fines: would, among other things, provide that in imposing
a fine and costs in a case involving a misdemeanor punishable by a fine only, the justice or judge
shall credit the defendant for any time the defendant was confined in jail or prison while serving a
sentence for another offense at a rate of $200 for each day of confinement if that confinement
occurred after the commission of the misdemeanor. (Companion bill is S.B. 192 by West.)
S.B. 164 (Blanco) – Family Violence: would require notice to certain defendants regarding the
unlawful possession or acquisition of a firearm or ammunition, including notice given by: (1) a
peace officer who issues a citation; and (2) a court to a person convicted of a misdemeanor
involving family violence.
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S.B. 192 (West) – Misdemeanor Fines: would, among other things, provide that in imposing a
fine and costs in a case involving a misdemeanor punishable by a fine only, the justice or judge
shall credit the defendant for any time the defendant was confined in jail or prison while serving a
sentence for another offense at a rate of $200 for each day of confinement if that confinement
occurred after the commission of the misdemeanor. (Companion bill is H.B. 569 by Sanford.)
Open Government
H.B. 642 (Raymond) – Criminal History Record Information: would, among other things,
provide that: (1) criminal history record information that relates to a person’s conviction within
the preceding 10-year period for certain offenses related to driving while intoxicated, intoxication
assault, and intoxication manslaughter is public information, with the exception of: (a) information
regarding the person’s social security number, driver’s license or personal identification certificate
number, or telephone number; and (b) any information that would identify a victim of the offense;
(2) the Department of Public Safety (DPS) shall implement and maintain an internet website to
allow any person, free of charge, to electronically search for and receive the information described
in (1), above; (3) DPS shall establish a procedure by which a peace officer or employee of a law
enforcement agency who provides DPS with a driver’s license number, personal identification
certificate number, or license plate number may be provided any criminal history record
information maintained by the DPS concerning a conviction of the person to whom the license,
certificate, or plate is issued for the offenses described in (1), above; and (4) the procedure
described in (3), above, must allow a peace officer to request the information from the location of
a motor vehicle stop and to receive a response to the request within the duration of a reasonable
motor vehicle stop.
Other Finance and Administration
H.B. 29 (Swanson) – Temporary Weapon Storage: would authorize several methods to
temporarily store firearms and certain other weapons for a person who enters a building used by a
political subdivision in which carrying the weapon is prohibited by law or the political subdivision.
H.B. 35 (Swanson) – Local Debt: would, among other things: (1) provide that an election held by
a political subdivision to authorize the issuance of bonds or a tax increase has no effect regarding
the issuance of the bonds or the tax increase unless more than 25 percent of the registered voters
of the political subdivision whose registrations are effective on the date the governing body of the
political subdivision adopts the election order vote in the election in which the bond or tax
proposition is on the ballot; (2) require an election for the issuance of bonds or a tax increase by a
political subdivision to be held on the November uniform election date, except for an automatic
election to approve a tax rate; (3) provide that in an election held by a political subdivision for
which the ballot includes a proposition seeking voter approval of the issuance of bonds or a tax
increase, a temporary branch polling place must: (a) remain at the same location for the entire
period during which early voting by personal appearance is conducted in the district; and (b) allow
for early voting by personal appearance to be conducted during the same days and hours as voting
is conducted at the main early voting polling place; (4) require an election authorizing the issuance
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of bonds or a tax increase by a political subdivision to be held as a joint election, and provide that
a single ballot containing all the offices or propositions stating measures to be voted on at a
particular polling place must be used in a joint election; (5) require a political subdivision to hold
an election prior to issuing all bonds, including revenue bonds; and (6) provide that refunding
bonds and bonds issued in an amount less than $2,000 to repair a building or structure that may be
built using the proceeds of bonds are subject to the election and notice requirements applicable to
other bond issuances.
H.B. 36 (J. Johnson) – Abolish Confederate Heroes Day: would abolish Confederate Heroes
Day as a state holiday. (Companion bill is H.B. 219 by Thierry.)
H.B. 66 (Fierro) – Election Day Holiday: would designate every day on which a statewide
election, including a primary election, is held as a state holiday.
H.B. 67 (Toth) – Restrictive Covenants: would prevent a property owners’ association from
enforcing a restrictive covenant prohibiting a property owner from installing a swimming pool
enclosure that conforms to applicable state or local requirements.
H.B. 83 (Toth) – Firework Sales: would extend the ending date when a retail fireworks permit
holder may sell fireworks to the public for the 4th of July holiday from midnight on July 4 to
midnight on July 5.
H.B. 112 (Toth) – Firearm Regulation: would: (1) prohibit a city from adopting a rule, order,
ordinance, or policy under which the city enforces certain federal provisions enacted after January
1, 2021, that regulate a firearm, a firearm accessory, or firearm ammunition; and (2) provide that
a violation of the prohibition in (1) may be enforced: (a) by denying state grant funds to the city;
(b) through court action by the attorney general; and (c) by imposing criminal penalties against
officials, employees, and persons acting under control of the city.
H.B. 167 (Ortega) – Common Nuisance: would authorize a court to issue a temporary restraining
order in a suit to abate certain common nuisances.
H.B. 188 (Bernal) – Discrimination: would, among other things: (1) prohibit a person, other than
certain religious organization, from denying an individual full and equal accommodation in any
place of public accommodation or otherwise discriminating against or segregating the person
because of or based on the individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; (2)
allow a person described in (1), above, who is aggrieved to file a civil cause of action in dis trict
court to recover actual and punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and injunctive relief, provided that
such action is brought not later than the second anniversary of the occurrence or termination of the
alleged discriminatory practice; (3) prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of an
individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; and (4) prohibit a person from
refusing to sell or rent a dwelling to an individual because of such individual’s sexual orientation
or gender identity or expression.
H.B. 219 (Thierry) – Abolish Confederate Heroes Day: would abolish Confederate Heroes Day
as a state holiday. (Companion bill is H.B. 36 by J. Johnson.)
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H.B. 285 (Murr) – Obstruction or Retaliation: would make the punishment for conduct
constituting the criminal offense of obstruction or retaliation a second degree felony if the victim
is harmed or threatened because of the victim’s service or status as a public servant.
H.B. 292 (Murr) – Recovery Housing: would, among other things: (1) prevent a city from
adopting or enforcing an ordinance, order, or other regulation that prevents a recovery house from
operating in a residential community; (2) define a “recovery house” as a shared living environment
that promotes sustained recovery from substance use disorders by integrating residents into the
surrounding community and providing a setting that connects residents to supports and services
promoting sustained recovery from substance use disorders, is centered on peer support, and is
free from alcohol and drug use; (3) require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
to adopt standards for certification of a recovery house consistent with the quality standards from
the National Alliance for Recovery Residences; (4) require each recovery house to be managed by
a certified recovery house administrator who has completed required training; (5) require the
revocation of a recovery house’s certification if it is without a recovery house administrator for
more than 30 days; and (6) require HHSC to prepare an annual report regarding recovery houses,
including the number of certified recovery houses and any revocations of their certifications.
H.B. 298 (Zwiener) – Dark Sky Communities: would provide that: (1) a city that has applied for
or received the International Dark Sky Community designation may regulate by ordinance the
installation and use of outdoor lighting in the city and the city’s ex traterritorial jurisdiction; (2) a
city may sue in any court to enjoin a violation of an ordinance under (1); and (3) a person who
violates an ordinance adopted under (1) commits a Class C misdemeanor offense.
H.B. 337 (Rosenthal) – Animal Shelter Records: would require each animal shelter operated by
a city to prepare and maintain monthly records on the intake and disposition of animals, and
provide for how such records must be made available to the public.
H.B. 371 (Fierro) – State Holidays: would designate the day after the Super Bowl as a state
holiday.
H.B. 386 (Pacheco) – Unlawful Restraint of Dog: would: (1) prohibit and create a criminal
offense for the unlawful restraint of a dog; and (2) provide that the prohibition in (1) does not
preempt a local regulation relating to the restraint of a dog or affect the authority of a political
subdivision to adopt or enforce an ordinance or requirement relating to the restraint of a dog if the
regulation, ordinance, or requirement: (a) is compatible with and equal to, or more stringent than,
the prohibition; or (b) relates to an issue not specifically addressed by the prohibitions.
H.B. 409 (Cortez) – First Responder Admission to State Parks: would: (1) provide that the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department shall waive the park entrance fees and certain license fees
for an individual who is a first responder and who has completed at least 20 years of continuous
service as a first responder or has certain disabilities connected to service as a first responder; and
(2) define “first responder” as, among others: (a) a firefighter certified by the Texas Commission
on Fire Protection or by the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas; (b) an
individual certified as emergency medical services personnel by the Department of State Health
Services; or (c) a municipal police officer.
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H.B. 433 (K. King) – Electric Generation Tax: would: (1) impose a tax on each electric generator
in the state that generates electricity using an energy source other than natural gas at the rate of
one cent for each kilowatt hour of electricity generated; and (2) require revenue collected form the
tax to be deposited to the credit of the foundation school fund.
H.B. 477 (Deshotel) – Casino Gaming: would: (1) provide for casino gaming in certain state
coastal areas; and (2) provide for a casino gaming tax equal to 18 percent of a casino's gross gaming
revenue to provide additional money for residual windstorm insurance coverage and catastrophic
flooding assistance in coastal areas.
H.B. 504 (White) – Fireworks: would expand the days that a retail fireworks seller may sell
fireworks to individuals beginning June 14 and ending on June 19.
H.B. 505 (White) – Fireworks: would expand the days that a retail fireworks seller may sell
fireworks to individuals to five days before Labor Day through midnight on Labor Day.
H.B. 537 (Patterson) – County Internet Notice: would: (1) authorize a county governmental
entity to satisfy a requirement to provide notice by publication in a newspaper by posting the notice
on the county’s Internet website; and (2) require an electronic display of information under (1),
above, to meet the time, content, appearance, and other requirements provided by law for posting
the notice, to the extent possible.
H.B. 543 (White) – Working Animals: would: (1) define “working animal” as an animal used
for the purpose of performing a specific duty or function, including entertainment, transportation,
or education; and (2) preempt a political subdivision from imposing a governmental requirement
that terminates, bans, or effectively bans by imposing an undue financial hardship, the job or use
of a working animal or an enterprise that employs a working animal.
H.B. 561 (Israel) – Juvenile Curfew: would, except for purposes of emergency management,
prohibit a political subdivision from adopting or enforcing an order, ordinance, or other measure
that imposes a curfew to regulate the movements or actions or persons younger than 18 years of
age.
H.B. 587 (Cole) – Public Facility Study: would require the Texas Facilities Commission to
conduct a study to assess the availability and suitability of existing unused and underused public
facilities for joint use by two governmental entities, including the economic advantages of that
use.
H.B. 596 (Sherman) – Election Day Holiday: would designate the first Tuesday after the first
Monday in November of an even-numbered year as a state holiday.
H.B. 604 (Noble) – Animal Shelter: would require that, as soon as practicable after an animal is
placed in the custody of an animal shelter, the shelter scan the animal to determine whether a
microchip is implanted in the animal.
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H.B. 610 (Swanson) – State License Holders: would authorize a person who, or entity that, holds
a state license in order to practice the individual’s occupation or conduct the entity’s business to
bring legal action against a city to enjoin the enforcement of a local law that: (1) establishes
requirements for, imposes restrictions on, or otherwise regulates the occupation or business
activity of the license holder in a manner that is more stringent than the requirements, restrictions,
and regulations imposed on the license holder under state law; or (2) results in an adverse economic
impact on the license holder.
H.B. 614 (S. Thompson) – Immunity Waiver for Constitutional Violations: would: (1)
authorize a person to bring an action for any appropriate relief against another person, including a
public entity, who, under the color of law, deprives the person bringing the action of a right,
privilege, or immunity secured by the Texas Constitution; (2) provide that statutory immunity or
limitation on liability, damages, or attorney ’s fees does not apply to an a ction brought under (1);
(3) provide that qualified immunity is not a defense to an action brought under (1); and (4) require
a public entity to indemnify a public employee of the entity for liability incurred by and a judgment
imposed against the employee in an action brought under (1), unless the employee is convicted of
a criminal violation for the conduct that is the basis for the action.
H.B. 624 (Shine) – Offense Against Public Servant: would increase the criminal penalty for
certain offenses committed in retaliation for, or on account of, a person’s service or status as a
public servant.
H.B. 635 (Krause) – Federal Firearms Regulations: would: (1) with certain border security
exceptions, prohibit a city or employee of the city from contracting with or providing assistance
to a federal agency or official with respect to the enforcement of a federal statute, order, rule, or
regulation purporting to regulate a firearm, a firearm accessory, or firearm ammunition that
imposes a prohibition, restriction, or other regulation, such as a capacity or size limitation or a
registration requirement, that does not exist under Texas law; and (2) provide that a violation of
the prohibition in (1) may be enforced: (a) by denying state grant funds to the city; and (b) through
court action by the attorney general.
H.B. 636 (S. Thompson) – Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners: would, among other
things, continue the functions of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
H.B. 647 (Raymond) – Gambling: would: (1) provide for local option elections to legalize or
prohibit the operation of eight-liners; and (2) impose a permit fee of $350 per year on each eight-
liner, provide that the comptroller shall collect the fee, and require the comptroller to remit 70%
of the fee back to the city. (See H.J.R. 37, below.)
H.B. 652 (Paul) – Animal Shelter: would require an animal shelter to provide notice to each
person who adopts an animal from the shelter of any epizootic infectious disease (a disease in
excess of the expected frequency in a geographic area or population) that occurs among the animals
in the shelter in a period just before or after the animal is adopted.
H.B. 664 (Landgraf) – Local Debt Elections: would provide that an election for the issuance of
bonds or other debt shall be held on the November uniform election date.
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H.J.R. 12 (Meza) – Constitutional Amendments: would amend the Texas Constitution to
provide that an election on a proposed amendment to the Texas Constitution must be held in
November of even-numbered years.
H.J.R. 21 (Craddick) – Infrastructure Funding: would amend the Texas Constitution to create
the Grow Texas fund and authorize the appropriation of money from the Grow Texas fund only
for use in areas of the state from which oil and gas are produced and only to address infrastructure
needs in the manner provided by general law in areas of the state determined by the legislature to
be significantly affected by oil and gas production.
H.J.R. 32 (Shine) – Unfunded Mandates: would amend the Texas Constitution to provide that a
law enacted by the legislature on or after January 1, 2022, that requires a city or county to establish,
expand, or modify a duty or activity that requires the expenditure of revenue is not effective unless
the legislature appropriates or otherwise provides, from a source other than the city or county
revenue, for the payment or reimbursement of the costs incurred for the biennium in complying
with the requirement.
H.J.R. 33 (Swanson) – Regulation of Occupations: would amend the Texas Constitution to
prohibit the state or a political subdivision of the state from enacting or enforcing a regulation that
imposes a substantial burden on an individual’s right to engage in a lawful occupation or profession
unless the regulation is necessary and narrowly tailored to protect against actual and specific harm
to the public’s health and safety.
H.J.R. 37 (Raymond) – Gambling: would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize: (1) local
option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners or similar gaming devices; and
(2) the legislature or a political subdivision to impose a fee on gaming devices approved by a
majority of the voters in a local option election under (1). (See H.B. 647, above.)
S.B. 61 (Zaffirini) – Unfunded Mandates: would establish an unfunded mandate interagency
workgroup and require the group to, among other things, publish an advisory list of mandates for
which the legislature has not provided reimbursement following each regular or special session of
the legislature.
S.B. 65 (Miles) – Official Oppression: would make the offense of official oppression a second
degree felony if the public servant, at the time of the offense, is a licensed peace officer and: (1)
causes bodily injury to another or threatens another with imminent bodily injury; and (2) while
engaging in the conduct described in (1), causes serious bodily injury to another, or uses or exhibits
a deadly weapon.
S.B. 73 (Miles) – Local Health Departments: would: provide that the executive commissioner
of Health and Human Services Commission shall establish a separate provider type for local health
departments, including health service regional offices acting in the capacity of local health
departments, for purposes of enrollment as a provider for and reimbursement under the medical
assistance program.
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S.B. 128 (Johnson) – State Holidays: would: (1) abolish Confederate Heroes Day as a state
holiday; and (2) create a new state holida y on June 28 as the “Celebration of Suffrage Day” in
honor of the centuries-long struggle to bring the right of suffrage to all Americans.
S.B. 133 (Johnson) – Inflation Report by Comptroller: would require the comptroller to: (1)
maintain a list of each dollar amount of certain taxes, fees, fines, and exemptions specified in
state statute; and (2) not later than November 1 of each even-numbered year: (a) determine the
inflation-adjusted amount of each dollar amount identified in (1), above; and (b) estimate the
fiscal effects the inflation-adjusted amounts determined under (1), above, would have on the
state and political subdivisions of the state if those amounts had applied during the preceding
state fiscal biennium.
S.B. 149 (Powell) – Unmanned Aircraft: would provide that is a criminal offense for a person to
intentionally or knowingly operate an unmanned aircraft over a military installation owned or
operated by the federal government, the state, or another governmental entity.
S.B. 150 (Powell) – State Agency Rules: would require a state agency that is made aware that a
proposed rule may have an adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural
communities after notice of the proposed rule has been published to: (1) prepare an economic
impact statement and regulatory flexibility analysis; (2) publish the statement and analysis in the
Texas Register as an amendment to the proposed rule; and (3) provide a copy of the statement and
the analysis to the standing committee of each house of the legislature charged with reviewing the
proposed rule.
S.B. 157 (Perry) – Eminent Domain Reporting Requirements: would: (1) exempt a city with a
population of less than 25,000 from eminent domain reporting requirements if the city’s eminent
domain authority information has not changed from the information reported in the city’s most
recently filed report; and (2) provide that for a city described by (1), above, if the city’s eminent
domain authority information is the same as the information in the eminent domain database from
the previous reporting period, the city, not later than February 1 of the current reporting period,
shall confirm the accuracy of the information by electronically updating the city’s previously filed
report with the comptroller.
Personnel
H.B. 21 (Neave) – Sexual Harassment: would expand the time frame within which an employee
must file a complaint alleging sexual harassment with the Texas Workforce Commission from not
later than the 180th day of the date the unlawful employment practice occurred to not later than the
300th day after the date the alleged sexual harassment occurred.
H.B. 34 (Canales) – Disease Presumption: would, among other things, add a diagnosis of SARS-
CoV-2 or COVID-19 by a test approved by the CDC to the workers’ compensation disease
presumption statute.
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H.B. 48 (Zwiener) – Sexual Harassment: would provide that an employer, including a city, or a
person who acts directly in the interests of an employer in relation to an employee, commits an
unlawful employment practice if sexual harassment of an employee occurs and the employer or
the employer’s agents or supervisors: (1) know or should have known that the conduct constituting
sexual harassment was occurring; and (2) fail to take immediate and appropriate corrective action.
(Companion bill is S.B. 45 by Zaffirini.)
H.B. 60 (Reynolds) – Minimum Wage: would increase the minimum wage to not less than the
greater of $15 an hour or the federal minimum wage (currently at $7.25).
H.B. 87 (Reynolds) – Paid Sick Leave: would: (1) require certain employers to provide annual
paid sick leave to each employee, accruing on the date the employee is hired at a rate of one hour
paid sick leave for each 30 hours worked by the employee; and (2) provide that an employee may
use such leave for specific reasons, including to attend: (a) to the employee’s or the employee’s
family member’s health condition; (b) to family violence related matters; and (c) a meeting at a
child family member’s school.
H.B. 145 (Rodriguez) – Unemployment Benefits: would, among other things, eliminate the
requirement that an individual have been totally or partially unemployed for a waiting period of at
least seven consecutive days before being eligible for unemployment benefits.
H.B. 224 (Ortega) – Local Minimum Wage: would, among other things, allow: (1) a city to adopt
a minimum wage that exceeds the federal minimum wage to be paid by an employer to each of its
employees for services performed in the city; and (2) a county to adopt a minimum wage that
exceeds the federal minimum wage to be paid by an employer to each of its employees for services
performed in the unincorporated areas of the county, including areas located within the
extraterritorial jurisdiction of a city.
H.B. 247 (Meza) – Family and Medical Leave: would create a state family and medical leave
law that, among other things: (1) requires an employer, including a city, to provide an employee
who has been employed for at least one year not less than 30 days of leave for specific family and
medical reasons; (2) creates a wage replacement fund administered by the Texas Workforce
Commission that is funded by an assessment on each employee’s wages in an amount equal to one
quarter of one percent of the employee’s average monthly pay; (3) provides that if an employer
provides paid sick leave to its employees, an employee is entitled to use such paid leave for the
specific family and medical reasons described in (1), above, in an amount not to exceed the lesser
or of the paid leave or 30 days; (4) provides that if an employer does not provide paid leave to its
employees, or provides paid leave that may not be used for the specific family and medical reasons
described in (1), above, the employee is entitled to wage replacement benefits for leave taken for
such reasons; and (5) provides that an employer may not interfere with an employee’s attempt to
take leave, discharge an employee or otherwise discriminate against an individual for opposing an
practice made unlawful by the bill, or discriminate or discharge an employee for exercising the
employee’s rights to leave.
H.B. 255 (Meza) – Adjusted Minimum Wage: would: (1) eliminate the current minimum wage
($7.25 per hour) and replace it with an adjusted minimum wage to be paid to an employee by
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certain employers, including a city; and (2) provide that on December 1 of each year, the
comptroller shall determine the adjusted minimum wage to be paid for the next calendar year by
increasing the adjusted minimum wage for that calendar year by the percentage increase, if any, in
the consumer price index for the 12 months preceding that date.
H.B. 310 (Springer) – Disease Presumption: would, among other things, provide: (1) that for
purposes of reimbursement of medical expenses for public safety employees, including peace
officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel, who are exposed to a contagious
disease, a disease is not an “ordinary disease of life” if the disease is the basis for a disaster
declared by the governor for all or part of the state; (2) that a firefighter, peace officer, or
emergency medical technician who contracts a disease that is the basis for a state declared disaster
that results in total or partial disability is presumed to have contracted the disease during the course
and scope of employment as a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician.
H.B. 318 (VanDeaver) – Employment Discrimination: would prohibit a city that employs 20 or
more emplo yees from terminating or suspending the employment of, or in any other manner
discriminating against, an employee who is a volunteer emergency responder and who is absent
from or late to the employee’s employment because the employee is responding to an emergency.
H.B. 360 (Sherman) – Pay Discrimination: would provide that: (1) an employer, including a
city, commits an unlawful employment action if the employer: (a) i ncludes a question regarding
an applicant’s wage history information on an employment application form; (b) inquires into an
applicant’s wage history information; (c) considers an applicant’s wage history information in
determining whether to hire the applicant or the wages to pay the applicant; or (d) obtains an
applicant’s wage history information from a previous employer of the applicant or other source,
unless the wages in that previous employment are subject to disclosure under the Public
Information Act; (2) an employer may consider an applicant’s wage history information in
determining an applicant’s wages if such information is voluntarily disclosed by the employee; (3)
upon reasonable request following an initial interview, an employer shall provide to an applicant
a pay scale for the employment position for which the applicant is applying; (4) an employer may
ask an applicant the applicant’s expectation of wages for the prospective employment position; (5)
with certain exceptions, an employer discriminates on the basis of sex by paying wages to an
employee at a rate less than the rate at which the employer pays wages to another employee of the
opposite sex for the same or substantially similar work on jobs, the performance of which requires
equal or substantially similar skill, effort, and responsibility; (6) an employer may not enter into
an agreement with an employee that provides that employer may pay the employee a wage at a
rate that violates the provisions of the bill, and may not justify a wage differential based on wage
history; and (7) require each employer to compile and maintain for a period of at least three years
records that: (a) contain the wages paid to each employee; (b) the method, system, computations,
and other factors used to establish, adjust, and determine the wage rates paid to the employee; and
(c) any other conditions of employment.
H.B. 383 (Pacheco) – Minimum Wage: would provide that the minimum wage shall be not less
than the greater of $12 an hour or the federal minimum wage (currently $7.25).
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H.B. 396 (Moody) – Disease Presumption: would provide that a nurse, including a nurse
employed by a political subdivision, who suffers from COVID-19 on or after February 1, 2020,
resulting in disability or death is presumed for workers’ compensation benefit purposes to have
contracted the disease during the course and scope of employment as a nurse if the nurse: (1) is
assigned to treat a patient diagnosed with the disease or to duties that require the nurse to come in
contact with a patient diagnosed with the disease; and (2) contracts the disease during the patient’s
admission to the health care facility at which the nurse treated or came in contact with the patient
or not later than the 14th day following the date of the patient’s discharge from the facility.
H.B. 419 (Sherman) – Pay Discrimination: would, among other things: (1) provide that an
employer, including a city, commits an unlawful employment practice if the employer: (a) relies
on an applicant’s or employee’s wage history information in determining whether to hire the
applicant, the wages to pay the applicant or employee, or whether to promote or continue to
employ the employee; (b) seeks, requests, or requires an applicant’s or employee’s wage history
information as a condition of: (i) an applicant being interviewed or receiving an offer of
employment; or (ii) a current employee’s continued employment or promotion; (c) seeks, requests,
or requires an applicant’s or employee’s wage history information from a previous employer of
the applicant or employee or other source, unless the wages in that previous employment are
subject to the Public Information Act; (d) refuses to interview, hire, promote or otherwise employ,
or retaliates against, an applicant or employee based on wage history information; or (e) refuses to
interview, hire, promote or otherwise employ, or retaliates against, an applicant or employee who
did not provide wage history information; (2) provide that if an applicant or employee voluntarily
discloses the applicant’s or employee’s wage history information to an employer, the employer
may consider that information in determining the applicant’s or employee’s wages; (3) provide
that an employer may confirm wage history information if at the time an offer of employment with
compensation is made, the employee or applicant responds to the offer by providing wage history
information to support a wage higher than that offered by the employer; (4) prohibit discrimination
or retaliation against person for taking action that is protected by this bill; (5) provides that the
bill does not diminish the rights, privileges or remedies of an applicant or employee under any
other law or rule or collective bargaining or employment agreement, and (5) an aggrieved applicant
or employee may bring a civil action to enforce rights protected by this bill, and an employer may
be liable for damages, including injunctive relief and reasonable attorney’s fees and other costs.
H.B. 455 (Deshotel) – Criminal History Inquiries: would: (1) prohibit an employer, including a
city, from including a question regarding an applicant’s criminal history record information on an
initial employment application form; (2) provide that an employer may inquire into or consider an
applicant’s criminal history record information after the employer has determined that the
applicant is otherwise qualified and has conditionally offered the applicant employm ent or has
invited the applicant to an interview; and (3) provide that the provisions of this bill do not apply
to an applicant for a position for which consideration of criminal history record information is
required by law.
H.B. 499 (Wu) – Pay Equity Task Force: would: (1) create the Texas Pay Equity Task Force,
consisting of, among others, one appointed representatives of a city, to: (a) conduct a study to
determine whether a disparity exists on the basis of gender, disability, or race in compensation
paid to employees of state agencies, counties, and cities; and (b) develop and submit a written
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report on the study and any recommendations developed to the governor, the lieutenant governor,
the speaker of the house, and each member of the legislature no later than November 1, 2022.
H.B. 540 (Patterson) – Labor Peace Agreement: would: (1) define a “labor peace agreement”
as any agreement between a person and the employees of the person or an entity that represents or
seeks to represent those employees that limits or otherwise interferes with the rights of the person
under federal labor law; and (2) provide that a city or county may not adopt or enforce an
ordinance, order, or other measure that requires a person to enter into a labor peace agreement or
to waive or limit any right of the person under federal law as a condition of: (i) being considered
for or awarded a contract; or (ii) otherwise engage in a commercial transaction with the city or
county.
H.B. 541 (Patterson) – Disease Presumption: would: (1) provide that a public safety employee,
including a peace officer, firefighter, and emergency medical services employee, who suffers from
COVID-19 resulting in disability or death is presumed to have contracted the disease during the
course and scope of employment as a public safety employee; and (2) retroactively apply the
provisions of this bill to a person who on or after February 1, 2020, but before the effective date
of this bill filed a claim for benefits or compensation related to COVID-19 and whose claim was
subsequently denied may file another claim on or after the effective date of the bill, and the changes
made by this bill would apply to that claim.
H.B. 550 (Israel) – Whistleblowing: would: (1) for purposes of anti-retaliation provisions of the
Whistleblower Act, expand the persons to whom a public employee may report certain violations
of law to include: (a) the employee’s immediate supervisor, or an individual who holds a position
above the reporting employee’s immediate supervisor, at the employing entity; (b) an individual
or office designated by the employing entity as the individual or office for reporting such
grievances; or (c) or a member of the human resources staff of the employing entity; (2) require a
public employer, including a city, to: (a) develop and adopt an anti-retaliation policy that: (i)
informs its employees of their rights; and (ii) lists the individual to whom its employees may report
a violation of law; (b) provide a copy of the anti-retaliation policy to each employee of the first
day of the employee’s employment; and (c) notify its employees of any change made to its anti -
retaliation policy by e-mail, memorandum, or any other manner that ensures each employee will
be information of the change; (3) require the individuals described in (1), above, to provide a copy
of the entity’s anti-retaliation policy if an employee requests such policy; and (4) require the
attorney general to post in a prominent location on the attorney general’s internet website: (a) a
summary of the rights of public employees under the whistleblower statute; and (b) a notice
informing public employees of: (i) the ability to obtain a copy of the anti -relation policy adopted
by their employment governmental entity or the individuals described in (1), above, and (ii) the
requirement that an employing governmental entity provide a copy of the entity’s anti-retaliation
policy to each public employee on the first day of their employment. (Companion bill is S.B. 132
by Johnson.)
H.B. 582 (Cole) – Paramedics Tuition Exemption: would provide, among other things, that an
institution of higher education shall exempt, from the payment of tuition and laboratory fees, any
student who is enrolled in one or more courses offered as part of an emergency medical services
curriculum and is employed as a paramedic by the city.
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H.B. 615 (Goodwin) – Minimum Wage: would provide that: (1) an employer, including a city,
shall pay certain employees: (a) for the 2022 calendar year, not less than the greater of $11.25 an
hour or the federal minimum wage (currently at 7.25 an hour); and (b) for the 2023 calendar year,
not less than the greater of $15 an hour or the federal minimum wage; (2) beginning in the 2024
calendar year, an employer, including a city, shall pay to each employee the greater of the federal
minimum wage or an adjusted minimum wage, as determined in (3), below; (3) beginning on
December 1, 2023, and on every December 1 of each year thereafter, the comptroller shall calculate
the adjusted minimum wage for the next calendar year by increasing the minimum wage paid under
(2), above, by the percentage increase, if any, in the consumer price index for the 12 months
preceding that date; and (4) the wage of a tipped employee may not be less than 50 percent of the
amount required by (1) and (2), above.
H.B. 637 (Canales) - Disease Presumption: would, among other things: (1) provide that for
purposes of reimbursement of medical expenses for public safety employees, including peace
officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel who are exposed to a contagious
disease, a disease is not an “ordinary disease of life” if the disease is the basis for a disaster declared
by the governor for all or part of the state; (2) expand the applicability of the disease presumption
statute to include detention officers, including such officers who are employed by a city; and (3)
expand the disease presumption statute to provide that a detention officer, firefighter, peace officer,
or emergency medical technician who contracts a disease that is the basis of a state declared
disaster for all or part of the state and dies or is totally or partially disabled is presumed to have
contracted such disease in the course and scope of employment as a detention officer, firefighter,
peace officer, or emergency medical technician. (Companion bill is S.B. 107 by Powell.)
S.B. 32 (Zaffirini) – Student Loan Repayment: would direct the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board to establish a student loan repayment assistance program for certain eligible
frontline workers (including peace officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical technicians) for
exceptional service to the State of Texas during the pandemic.
S.B. 45 (Zaffirini) – Sexual Harassment: would provide that an employer, including a city or a
person who acts directly in the interests of an employer in relation to an employee, commits an
unlawful employment practice if sexual harassment of an employee occurs and the employer or
the employer’s agents or supervisors: (1) know or should have known that the conduct constituting
sexual harassment was occurring; and (2) fail to take immediate and appropriate corrective action.
(Companion bill is H.B. 48 by Zwiener.)
S.B. 107 (Powell) – Disease Presumption: would, among other things: (1) provide that for
purposes of reimbursement of medical expenses for public safet y employees, including peace
officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel, who are exposed to a contagious
disease, a disease is not an “ordinary disease of life” if the disease is the basis for a disaster declared
by the governor for all or part of the state; (2) expand the applicability of the disease presumption
statute to include detention officers, including such officers who are employed by a city; and (3)
expand the disease presumption statute to provide that a detention officer, firefighter, peace officer,
or emergency medical technician who contracts a disease that is the basis of a state declared
disaster for all or part of the state and dies or is totally or partially disabled is presumed to have
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contracted such disease in the course and scope of employment as a detention officer, firefighter,
peace officer, or emergency medical technician.
S.B. 132 (Johnson) – Whistleblower Act: would: (1) for purposes of anti-retaliation provisions
of the Whistleblower Act, expand the persons to whom a public employee may report certain
violations of law to include: (a) the employee’s immediate supervisor, or an individual who holds
a position above the reporting employee’s immediate supervisor, at the employing entity; (b) an
individual or office designated by the employing entity as the individual or office for reporting
such grievances; or (c) or a member of the human resources staff of the employing entity; (2)
require a public employer, including a city, to: (a) develop and adopt an anti-retaliation policy that:
(i) informs its employees of their rights; and (ii) lists the individual to whom its employees may
report a violation of law; (b) provide a copy of the anti-retaliation policy to each employee of the
first day of the employee’s employment; and (c) notify its employees of any change made to its
anti-retaliation policy by e-mail, memorandum, or any other manner that ensures each employee
will be information of the change; (3) require the individuals described in (1), above, to provide a
copy of the entity’s anti-retaliation policy if an employee requests such policy; and (4) require the
attorney general to post in a prominent location on the attorney general’s internet website: (a) a
summary of the rights of public employees under the whistleblower statute; and (b) a notice
informing public employees of: (i) the ability to obtain a copy of the anti -relation policy adopted
by their employment governmental entity or the individuals described in (1), above, and (ii) the
requirement that an employing governmental entity provide a copy of the entity’s anti-retaliation
policy to each public employee on the first day of their employment. (Companion bill is H.B. 550
by Israel.)
S.B. 209 (Eckhardt) – Nondisclosure Agreements: would: (1) provide that a nondisclosure or
confidentiality agreement or other agreement between an employer and employee is void and
unenforceable if such agreement prohibits or limits the employee from notifying a local or state
law enforcement agency or any state or federal regulatory agency of sexual assault or sexual
harassment committed by the employee or at the employee’s place of employment; (2) provide
that a mandatory arbitration agreement between an employer and employee is void and
unenforceable if the agreement requires mandatory arbitration of a dispute involving an allegation
of sexual assault or sexual harassment; and (3) prohibit an employer from discriminating against
an individual in connection with an employment relationship because the individual refuses to sign
an agreement described in (1) and (2).
Purchasing
H.B. 263 (Meza) – Rest Breaks: would provide that: (1) a governmental entity, including a city,
that enters into a contract with a contractor for general construction services shall require such
contractor and any subcontractor to provide at least a 10-minute paid rest break within every four-
hour period of work to each employee performing work under the contract; (2) each construction
contract shall include terms that: (a) authorize an employee of a contractor or subcontractor
required to work without a rest break to make a verbal or written complaint to the governmental
entity contracting with the contractor; (b) explain that, on confirmation of such violation, the
governmental entity shall provide to the contractor written notice of the violation by hand delivery
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or certified mail; (c) inform a contractor that the governmental entity may impose an administrative
penalty if the contractor fails to comply after the date on which the contractor receives notice of
the violation; and (d) explain that a penalty amount may be withheld from a payment otherwise
owed to a contractor; (3) a governmental entity may impose an administrative penalty in an amount
of not less than $100 and not more than $500 per day if any employee is required to work without
a rest break, and that a proceeding to impose an administrative penalty is a contested case under
the Administrative Procedure Act; (4) each governmental shall develop procedures for the
administration of the provisions of this bill; and (5) the bill does not preempt a local ordinance,
rule, or other measure by a city requiring rest breaks in accordance with a construction contract,
provided that such ordinance, rule, or measure is compatible with and equal to or more stringent
than the provisions of the bill.
H.B. 633 (Morrison) – Prevailing Wage Rates: would provide that, for purposes of awarding a
contract for the construction of a public work, a political subdivision, including a city, may
determine the prevailing wage rates in the locality in which the public work is to be performed by
using data compiled by the Texas Workforce Commission’s Labor Market and Career Information
Department, including occupational employment statistics wage data for: (1) the local workforce
development area or metropolitan statistical area relating to the locality in which the public work
is performed; or (2) the state, but only if there is no data available for the relevant local workforce
development area or the metropolitan statistical area for the specific occupation, as classified by
the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics in the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification
system, for which data is sought.
H.B. 676 (Hernandez) – Historically Underutilized Businesses: would, among other things,
provide that persons with a disability as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act are
included in the state’s list of historically underutilized businesses.
H.B. 692 (Shine) – Public Works Contracts Retainage: would provide that:
1. “warranty period” means the period of time specified in a contract during which certain
terms applicable to the warranting of work performed under the contract are in effect;
2. a governmental entity: (a) shall include in each public works contract a provision that
establishes the circumstances under which a public works project is considered
substantially complete; (b) may release the retainage for substantially completed portions
of the project, or fully completed and accepted portions of the project; (c) shall maintain
an accurate record of accounting for the retainage withheld on periodic contracts payments
and the retainage released to the prime contractor for a public works contract; and (d) shall,
for certain public works contracts with a value of $10 million or more, pay any remaining
retainage on periodic contract payments, and the interest earned on the retainage, to the
prime contractor on completion of the contract;
3. if the total value of a public works contract is $1 million or more, a governmental entity
may not withhold retainage in an amount that exceeds five percent of the contract price,
and the rate of retainage may not exceed five percent for any item in a bid schedule or
schedule of values for the project;
4. except certain contacts funded through the Texas Water Development Board from the
limitation described in (3), above;
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5. for a competitively awarded contract with a value of $10 million or more, and for a contract
awarded using a method other than competitive bidding, a governmental entity and prime
contractor may agree to deposit in an interest-bearing account the retainage withheld on
periodic contract payments;
6. a governmental entity may not withhold retainage: (a) after completion of the contract by
the prime contractor, including during the warranty period; or (b) for the purpose of
requiring the prime contractor, after completion of the contract, to perform work on
manufactured goods or systems that were specified by the designer of record and properly
installed by the contractor;
7. on application to a governmental entity for final payment and release of retainage, the
governmental entity may withhold retainage if there is a bona fide dispute between the
governmental entity and the prime contractor and the reason for the dispute is that labor,
services, or materials provided by the prime contractor or the prime contractor’s
subcontractors were not provided in compliance with the contract; and
8. if there is no bona fide dispute as described (7), above, and neither party is in default, a
prime contractor is entitled to: (a) cure any noncompliant labor, services, or materials; or
(b) offer the governmental entity a reasonable amount of money as compensation for any
noncompliant labor, services, or materials that cannot be promptly cured.
S.B. 58 (Zaffirini) – Cloud Computing Services: would add cloud computing services to the
definition of the term “personal property” for purposes of the Public Property Finance Act.
S.B. 59 (Zaffirini) – Comptroller Purchasing Program: would authorize the comptroller to
advertise its state purchasing program for local governments in any available media or otherwise
promote the purchasing program.
S.B. 219 (Hughes) – Professional Services: would: (1) prohibit a governmental entity from
requiring, in a contract for architectural or engineering services for the construction or repair to
real property, that architectural or engineering service must be performed at a level of professional
skill and care beyond that which would be provided by an ordinarily prudent architect or engineer;
and (2) provide that a contractor is not responsible for the consequences of defects in and may not
warranty plans, specifications, or other design or bid documents provided to the contractor by: (a)
the person with whom the contractor entered into the contract; or (b) another person on behalf of
the person with whom the contractor entered into the contract.
Transportation
H.B. 114 (Toth) – High-Speed Rail: would restrict certain state agency actions in relation to high-
speed rail projects.
H.B. 427 (K. King) – Electric/Hybrid Vehicles: would add an additional annual vehicle
registration fee for electric ($200) and hybrid ($100) vehicles.
H.B. 442 (Israel) – Speed Limits: would provide that the prima facie speed limit in an urban
district is: (1) 30 miles per hour on a street, or 25 miles per hour if the street is located in a
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residential district and is not officially designated or marked as part of the state highway system;
and (2) 15 miles per hour in an alley.
H.B. 443 (Israel) – Pedestrians: would require the operator of a vehicle to stop and yield the
right-of-way to a pedestrian in various instances.
H.B. 502 (Wu) – License Plates: would require the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to
include in its rules for the placement of license plates authorization for a motor vehicle to display
only a rear license plate, if the application for the vehicle’s registration pays an annual fee of $50.
H.B. 555 (Lopez) – Road Construction Vehicles: would: (1) require a driver to change lanes or
slow down on approaching certain highway or construction vehicles, utility service vehicles, and
solid waste vehicles; and (2) require a vehicle repairing a guardrail, doing sign maintenance, and
placing/removing temporary traffic-control devices to be equipped with lamps and comply with
lighting standards established by the Texas Department of Transportation.
S.B. 206 (Schwertner) – Golf Carts: would: (1) allow a neighborhood electric
vehicle and golf cart to be operated in a master planned community: (a) that is a residential
subdivision or has in place a uniform set of restrictive covenants; and (b) for which a county or
city has approved one or more plats; (2) provide that a person may operate a golf cart in a master
planned community described in (1) without a golf cart license plate; and (3) allow a city to
prohibit the operation of a golf cart on a highway in the following areas if the city council
determine the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety: (a) master planned community
described in (1); (b) on a public or private beach that is open to vehicular traffic; or (c) on a
highway for which the posted speed limit is not more than 35 miles per hour.
S.B. 221 (Zaffirini) – Speed Limit: would decrease the prima facie speed limit in cities with a
population greater than 950,000 to 25 miles per hour in an urban district on a street other than an
alley and 15 miles per hour in an alley.
Utilities and Environment
H.B. 37 (Zwiener) – Oil and Gas Pipeline Routing: would, among other things: (1) provide that,
with certain exceptions, a person may not begin construction of a pipeline before the person obtains
a permit from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) that authorizes the route of the pipeline; (2)
provide that the PUC may only approve an application and grant a permit if the PUC determines
that the route of the pipeline moderates negative effects on the affected community and landowners
after the consideration of: (a) community values; (b) recreational and park areas; (c) historical and
aesthetic values; (d) environmental integrity; (e) public safety; and (f) economic development; (3)
require the PUC to grant or deny a permit not later than the first anniversary of the date the
application for the permit is filed; (4) provide that the PUC and the attorney general may enforce
the routing permit requirements through judicial review and by imposing administrative penalties;
and (5) authorize a procedure for a person to complain to the PUC of a claimed violation of the
pipeline routing process.
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H.B. 50 (J. Johnson) – Concrete Plants: would limit the state law under which the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality may issue an air quality permit for a concrete plant located
in an area of a city not subject to zoning regulations, and require that such a plant comply with
certain notice and hearing requirements.
H.B. 56 (J. Johnson) – Concrete Plants: would extend the distance within which a concrete plant
or crushing facility must be from a single- or multi-family residence, school, or place of worship
from 440 yards to 880 yards.
H.B. 65 (J. Johnson) – Concrete Plants: would require that an applicant for a standard permit for
certain concrete plants mail notice of the application to each household within 880 yards of the
proposed plant.
H.B. 176 (Zweiner) – Plastic Bag Regulation: would delete the provision in the Texas Health
and Safety Code that the Texas Supreme Court held preempts city plastic bag regulations.
H.B. 289 (Collier) – Concrete Plant: would provide that a representative of a school, place of
worship, licensed day-care center, hospital, or medical facility or a person residing within 880
yards of a proposed concrete plant may request a public hearing from the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality regarding the construction of a concrete plant.
H.B. 291 (Murr) – Aggregate Production Operations: would: (1) require an aggregate
production operation first required to be registered on or after January 1, 2016, that occupies at
least 10 acres, and is located in the boundaries or extraterritorial jurisdiction of a city, to file a
reclamation plan and provide a related performance bond; and (2) provide that the reclamation
plan described in (1) may be amended with approval of the city.
H.B. 416 (Walle) – Concrete Batch Plants: would require a plot plan for an application for a
standard permit for a concrete batch plant issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality.
H.B. 448 (Bailes) – Eminent Domain for Pipeline Companies: would provide that if an entity
regulated by the Railroad Commission proposes to acquire property by eminent domain, a property
owner may file a written complaint with the commission regarding alleged misconduct by the
entity while exercising that authority.
H.B. 520 (Beckley) – Utility Right-of-Way Planting: would provide that the Texas Department
of Transportation – in consultation with the Department of Agriculture – by rule shall require a
utility (including a city utility) that disturbs the right-of-way of a state highway while constructing
or maintaining a utility facility in the right-of-way to install, at the utility’s expense, in the right-
of-way after the construction or maintenance is complete plants that: (1) are native, regionally
appropriate, and pollinator-friendly; and (2) generally grow roots less than four feet below the
surface.
H.B. 605 (Gervin-Hawkins) – School Drinking Water: would, among other things, require: (1)
a school district to adopt a healthy and safe school water plan that provides for periodic lead
100
58
testing; (2) a school district to restrict access to a water source within 48 hours of learning that a
test result shows lead levels that exceed 15 parts per billion; and (3) the Texas Education Agency,
in collaboration with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Department of State
Health Services, regional education service centers, and other stakeholders, to develop a model
healthy and safe school water plan that may be used by a school district to comply with the bill.
H.B. 631 (Darby) – Municipal Waste and Hazardous Waste: would, among other things: (1)
preempt political subdivisions from adopting a rule or ordinance that conflicts or is inconsistent
with: (a) the rules of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ); (b) a permit issued
by TCEQ; or (c) the legal requirements for a municipal solid waste facility; and (2) provid e that
an applicant for a solid waste permit is not required to obtain a permit for the siting, construction,
or operation of a municipal solid waste facility from a local government or other political
subdivision of the state as a prerequisite to a permit being issued by TCEQ.
S.B. 182 (Schwertner) – Municipally-Owned Utilities: would: (1) require certain municipally-
owned electric utilities (MOUs) to provide customer choice if the five-year average electric rate
paid by customers of a MOU is 10 percent greater than the five -year average electric rate paid by
customers in a similarly situated region open to customer choice; (2) require the Public Utility
Commission (PUC) to make an electric rate comparison of approximately one-fifth of MOUs
located in the ERCOT power region and not open to customer choice by comparing the average
electric rate paid in the previous five years by: (a) customers of the MOU; and (b) customers who
are located in a region that is open to customer choice and similarly situated to the region served
by the utility, as determined by the PUC; and (3) provide that the PUC may not make a rate
comparison of an MOU if the MOU was the subject of a rate comparison under (2) in the previous
four years.
S.B. 211 (Zaffirini) – TCEQ Judicial Review: would, among other things, create a uniform
deadline of 30 days to appeal an order, decision, or other act of the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for both water and solid waste orders.
101
Public Affairs Department
215 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201 (940) 349-8565
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service
ADA/EOE/ADEA www.cityofdenton.com TDD (800) 735-2989
December 7, 2020
Dear Resident or Property Owner,
We are contacting you to provide you with an update on the Bonnie Brae Phase 3 virtual
community meeting that was held on Thursday, Dec. 3. The Bonnie Brae Phase 3 project is
located at Bonnie Brae Street from Roselawn Drive to IH-35E.
The City was made aware of unexpected issues that resulted in the mailing delay of the virtual
community meeting notices to residents in the area. As a result, residents were unable to attend
the community meeting and we sincerely apologize for the frustration and inconvenie nce this has
caused. We are working with the vendor and City staff to resolve these issues from reoccurring
in the future.
To provide members of the community another opportunity to learn more and share their
feedback, a new virtual community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at 6 p.m.
The upcoming meeting will also be held in a virtual format and cover the same information as
the previous meeting. The meeting details are included in the attached notice with this letter.
The virtual meeting held on Thursday, Dec. 3 included a preliminary timeline and project status
of the design phase for the upcoming Bonnie Brae Phase 3 by the City project manager and
engineers. The meeting was recorded and is available online for viewing at
www.cityofdenton.com/virtualcommunitymeeting and www.cityofdenton.com/bonniebraestreet.
Please direct any questions or concerns related to the project to the Bonnie Brae Phase 3 Project
Manager, Seth Garcia at Seth.Garcia@cityofdenton.com or call (940) 349-8938. Questions
related to the virtual community meeting may be directed to Engagement Coordinator, Stephanie
Yates at Stephanie.Yates@cityofdento n.com or call (940) 349-8116.
102
Public Affairs Department
215 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201 (940) 349-8565
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service
ADA/EOE/ADEA www.cityofdenton.com TDD (800) 735-2989
December 7, 2020
NOTICE OF COMMUNITY MEETING
Dear Resident or Property Owner:
The City of Denton will hold a virtual Community Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 14, regarding
the Bonnie Brae Phase 3 project located at Bonnie Brae Street from Roselawn Drive to IH-35E.
The City will host the virtual community meeting to provide residents and property owners the
opportunity to:
Receive an update on the status of the Bonnie Brae Phase 3 project, and
Discuss input and concerns from community members.
Staff from the City of Denton will be available to discuss the project and answer questions from
those participating in the virtual meeting. The meeting will be hosted online using a remote
format through the video-conferencing interface Zoom. Instructions on how to attend and
participate in the virtual meeting is listed below. For more details on virtual community
meetings, visit www.cityofdenton.com/virtualcommunitymeeting.
Informational Public Meeting Information:
Date/Time:
6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021
How to attend:
Residents that are interested in attending the virtual
meeting must submit an email request with their
name, contact number and email address
Stephanie.Yates@cityofdenton.com to receive a
meeting link. Residents are encouraged to sign up to
attend the virtual meeting at least 24 hours in
advance to receive the meeting link.
Special accommodations: The City will provide select accommodations, such
as sign language interpreters for the hearing
impaired, if requested at least 48 hours in advance of
the scheduled meeting. Please email
Stephanie.Yates@cityofdenton.com so
accommodation requests can be reviewed and
processed.
Additional input opport unities: Contact Seth Garcia using the contact information
below, if you are unable to attend the virtual
community meeting and would like to submit a
question or share your feedback with the City.
103
Public Affairs Department
215 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201 (940) 349-8565
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity Fiscal Responsibility Transparency Outstanding Customer Service
ADA/EOE/ADEA www.cityofdenton.com TDD (800) 735-2989
City of Denton Contact Information:
Residents are welcome to contact City staff with any questions or concerns regarding the Bonnie
Brae Phase 3 project, or the scheduled virtual community meeting.
For questions relating to the Bonnie
Brae Phase 3 project:
Engineering Department
Seth Garcia, Construction Project Manager
Seth.Garcia@cityofdenton.com
940-349-8938
To receive a meeting link to attend the
virtual meeting, and request special
accommodations:
Public Affairs and Customer Service
Stephanie Yates, Marketing & Outreach
Coordinator
Stephanie.Yates@Cityofdenton.com
940-349-8116
104
As COVID-19 infection numbers continue to rise,
both in our community and across the country, City
staff and elected officials are coordinating on a daily
basis with our partners at the state and county levels
to help guide us as we make decisions regarding our
various City programs and services.
With the safety of our citizens and employees as our
top priority, we’ve adapted our reopening schedule,
programs, and services. Here are our latest updates:
ANIMAL SERVICES - To adopt an animal from the
Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center, you
can use the new QLess system to join the virtual line.
You may also use QLess to schedule an appointment
to reclaim your animal or to surrender a stray or animal
you own. See page 7 for information about QLess.
CUSTOMER SERVICE - Utilities customers can speak
with a Customer Service representative or pay their bill
in-person at City Hall East (601 E. Hickory St.) during
regular business hours. Customers may now use the
new QLess system to see estimated wait times and sign
up for a place in line before you leave the house. See
page 7 for information about QLess.
Customers continue to have the ability to pay their
utility bill by phone at (940) 349-8700, by mail, online
at www.cityofdenton.com/paymybill, and by drop box.
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETINGS - Community input
meetings will have a virtual format until further notice.
For information and a list of upcoming meetings, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/virtualcommunitymeeting.
CITY CONTINUES TO ADAPT PROGRAMS AND
SERVICES AS COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS INCREASE
www.cityofdenton.com
RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
20/21
DECEMBER/JANUARY
DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY - Walk-in access to
all three branches of the Denton Public Library has
been suspended until further notice, but they all
offer drive-up window pickups (North Branch) and
contactless curbside pickup
(Emily Fowler and South Branch)
for items on hold with new
temporary hours: Monday
through Saturday from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Branch and South
Branch will offer appointments
for computer/internet use, and
all three branches will provide virtual book-a-
librarian assistance, phone and email reference,
reader’s advisory services, and account assistance.
To learn more about available Library services,
visit library.cityofdenton.com.
PARKS AND RECREATION - The openings of
Denia Rec Center, Denton Senior Center, and
Denton Civic Center have been pushed back to
spring 2021, while MLK Jr. Rec Center and North
Lakes Recreation Center will remain open with
modified hours and services. Virtual programming
will continue and in-person programs and leagues
will be modified. For the latest Parks reopening
schedule and programs, visit www.dentonparks.com.
For more information about the City’s response to
COVID-19, including the latest facility reopening
schedule, visit www.cityofdenton.com/coronavirus.
105
RUNOFF CITY COUNCIL
ELECTION SET FOR DEC. 8City Continues To Adapt Programs and Services .....1
Runoff City Council Election Set for Dec. 8 ..............2
Virtual Public Meetings...................................................2
Get Involved in Your Local Government ....................3
Tethering Animals Now Prohibited in Denton ..........3
What To Do If You Experience an Outage .................4
911 Callers Now Receiving Text Updates ...................4
City Offers Rebates to Denton Residents ..................5
Maintain Your Drain This Holiday Season ..................5
Mayor Approval Required for Outdoor Events ..........6
Protect Yourself Against Scams.................................... 6
App Allows You to Wait in Line on Your Phone ........7
IN THIS ISSUEIN THIS ISSUE
2
To protect the health and safety of the
Denton community; City Council, board, and
commission members; and City staff, all public
meetings have moved to a remote format
until further notice. All meetings will use the
new Rules of Procedure that were adopted
during the March 31 Council meeting.
Scheduled public meetings are streamed
online at www.cityofdenton.com/dtv, made
available on-demand, and can be viewed live on
the City’s DTV cable channel (Frontier FiOS on
channel 38, Charter Spectrum on channel 194,
and Grande on channel 12). Due to the remote
format of the meetings, no in-person attendance
at Denton City Hall will be permitted.
Certain meetings will accommodate and receive
public input on eligible agenda items. Citizens
are able to participate using our virtual public
comment options, including an online Virtual
White Card and by phone.
For additional information and a current
list of upcoming public meetings, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/publicmeetings.
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETINGS
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
City of Denton offices will be closed
on Thursday, Dec. 24; Friday, Dec. 25;
Friday, Jan. 1; and Monday, Jan. 18.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Denton made the
decision to postpone the General and Special City Council
elections, originally scheduled for Saturday, May 2, and
reschedule them for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The City Council canvassed the results of the Nov. 3 election
with Birdia Johnson elected to represent District 1, and
Deb Armintor reelected to her seat at Place 5. Since no individual
candidate received greater than 50 percent of the votes cast
in the races for Place 6, Place 7 (Mayor), and District 2, a runoff
election will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
WHO WILL BE ON THE BALLOT ON DEC. 8?*
Place 6 (At Large):
• Jim Mann
• Paul Meltzer
Place 7 (Mayor):
• Keely Briggs
• Gerard Hudspeth
District 2 (Single Member):
• Ronnie Anderson
• Connie Baker
*Note: Candidate names are listed in the order they will appear
on the ballot.
WHICH CITY DISTRICT AM I IN?
To find your voting district, visit www.cityofdenton.com/vote,
click “Which City District Am I In,” and enter your physical
address. If you have issues locating your information, contact
the Denton County Elections Administration at (940) 349-3200.
WHERE AND WHEN CAN I VOTE EARLY FOR THE ELECTION?
Early voting began on Monday, Nov. 23 and will continue through
Friday, Dec. 4. For a complete list of early voting dates, times,
and locations, visit www.cityofdenton.com/vote.
WHERE AND WHEN DO I VOTE ON ELECTION DAY?
Election Day polling locations are assigned based on
City Council District and County Precinct. You can find
your voting precinct information and polling locations at
www.cityofdenton.com/vote.
¿DONDE PUEDO ENCONTRAR INFORMACION DE
ELECCION EN ESPAÑOL?
Para obtener información sobre las elecciones en español,
visite a www.votedenton.com y haga clic en “Español” en la
pancarta que se encuentra arriba de la página o llame a la
Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad al (940) 349-8309.
For additional information about the Runoff Election on Dec. 8,
visit www.cityofdenton.com/vote.
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3
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The City of Denton is now accepting applications for candidates to fill vacant seats on
the City’s various Boards and Commissions. Board and Commission members can
help shape Denton’s future by offering unique viewpoints for the City Council to
consider on a variety of issues and services. All eligible residents interested in
participating in local government are encouraged to apply by Dec. 18.
Boards and Commissions are an established feature of Denton’s municipal
government. They offer citizens an opportunity to participate in the City’s
governmental process. Their influence and value are significant because they
lend a more diverse viewpoint for the City Council to consider. To apply for a
Board or Commission, applicants must be residents of the City of Denton.
Information about the various Boards and Commissions can be found on the City’s
website at www.cityofdenton.com/boards. For detailed information, click on the “Boards” tab in the lower
section of the webpage; there you will find Board and Commission descriptions, special qualifications, existing
vacancies, membership size, term length/limit, enacting legislation,
and staff liaison contact information.
If you are interested in a rewarding experience that will make a
positive impact on your community, complete an application at
www.cityofdenton.com/boards. If you have any questions, the City
Secretary’s Office can be reached at (940) 349-8309 or by email at
City.Secretary@cityofdenton.com.
TETHERING ANIMALS NOW PROHIBITED IN DENTON
As of November, the City now prohibits tethering. This
change means that it’s no longer legal to allow an animal to
be chained or confined on a tether, such as a rope, chain,
long leash, etc. Tethering is permitted only if the owner is
visibly accompanying and monitoring the animal. Additionally,
this new ordinance prohibits animals tethered in the back of a
vehicle, such as a pickup truck or an open bed truck.
The mission of the Animal Services department is to promote
the health, safety, and welfare of animals in Denton. The new
tethering ordinance protects unattended animals and makes
Denton a safer place for all. If you see an animal tethered,
please call (940) 349-7594. Animal Control will dispatch an
officer to speak with the owner.
For more information about the tethering ordinance,
visit www.cityofdenton.com/tetheringalternatives.
Do you currently tether your animal?
Animal Services wants to help you
find a way to create a safe space for
your pet without tethering. If you
need assistance on tethering
alternatives or resources, contact
Animal Servicesat (940) 349-7594.
107
As an organization, the City of Denton plans for every possibility, but sometimes life
can take us by surprise. In the event that you experience power or water outages,
we want to provide you with the tools to contact us and get life back on track.
To report a utilities-related incident or outage that requires immediate attention,
such as downed electrical poles or wires, a water main break, a clogged or
overflowing sewer main, or a leaking water meter or hydrant, call our Emergency
Utility Dispatch line at (940) 349-7000. You can also notify the City of non-immediate
issues through Engage Denton. Download the mobile app on your smartphone or submit a
request online at www.engagedenton.com.
If you experience a power outage, Denton
Municipal Electric provides live updates on
Twitter (@dmepower). An outage map is also
available at www.dmepower.com. In 2020,
DME’s average outage response time was
reduced to just 26 minutes—from the time an
outage was reported to the time crews arrived
on site to repair the outage. On average, all
other U.S. electric companies took 143 minutes
to respond to an outage in 2019. If you’d like to
sign up for outage text alerts for your home or
business, call (940) 349-7650.
The City also provides up-to-date information
on water outages, street closures, and timelines
of when service will return on our Twitter page
(@cityofdentontx). To keep track of any planned
outages, be sure to follow the City on Twitter
and Nextdoor (bit.ly/CoDNextdoor).
4
WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCE AN OUTAGE
FOR THE LATEST OUTAGE UPDATES,
FOLLOW THE CITY OF DENTON AT:
Twitter
@cityofdentontx
Nextdoor
bit.ly/CoDNextdoor
Twitter
@dmepower
To improve communication and service, the Denton Police Department recently launched a new tool that
automatically sends timely notifications to 911 callers. The SPIDR Tech platform, which applies private sector
customer service principles to law enforcement, is already helping enhance the quality of Denton Police,
Animal Services, and Public Safety Communications services.
Callers can expect to receive a text message in English and Spanish when reporting
certain incidents, such as a barking dog or a theft. An additional notification may be
sent if there is a delay in dispatching an officer. In the interest of public safety,
notifications are never sent for 911 hang-ups, domestic disturbances, and other
sensitive calls.
Based on the type of call, crime victims will receive a follow-up notification to ensure
they have important case reference information. The platform will also distribute short,
mobile-friendly surveys to help departments understand strengths, weaknesses, and
opportunities for service improvements. More features may be added over time.
“I am excited about the implementation of SPIDR Tech and how it will enhance our ability to better connect
and receive feedback from our community,” Chief of Police Frank Dixon said. “The Denton Police Department
remains committed to reviewing and improving how we connect with the community and how we can better
work together to keep our community safe.”
911 CALLERS NOW RECEIVING TEXT UPDATES
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5
Did you know that the City offers many different rebates for Denton
residents? It’s an easy way to make improvements around your house
and save some money in the process.
Energy Efficiency Rebates
Denton Municipal Electric offers various rebates to customers in good
standing who make qualifying energy efficiency improvements to their
home or small business. Projects must meet certain “high-efficiency”
standards and be submitted within 90 days of completion to qualify.
These rebates include:
• HVAC systems (up to $400);
• Smart thermostats (up to $50);
• Attic insulation (up to $400);
• Air duct repairs (up to $200);
• Radiant barrier (up to $300);
• Solar screens (up to $200);
• Windows (up to $500); and
• DIY Weatherization Materials (up to $50).
Send us an email at rebates@cityofdenton.com to request an
application form, manual, or for more information about the program.
Tree Rebates
Increase the value of your property and improve the livability of our city
by planting trees! Denton utility customers can apply for a $50 rebate
for each qualifying native or adapted tree purchased, up to five trees
per property. Visit www.cityofdenton.com/treerebates for step-by-step
instructions, a list of qualifying trees, and to apply. The deadline to
submit Tree Rebate applications is May 1, 2021.
The Tree Rebate Program is one of six programs under the Denton
Tree Initiative, a campaign from Keep Denton Beautiful and the
City of Denton designed to increase Denton’s tree canopy by offering
free trees, forestry education, and tree planting incentives to Denton
residents, businesses, neighborhoods, and schools.
Visit www.cityofdenton.com/treerebates to learn more.
CITY OFFERS REBATES TO DENTON RESIDENTS
Haywood Morgan, the City’s
Urban Forester, works in
the Parks and Recreation
Department and manages all
of the trees in City-owned
parks and properties. This
includes planting new trees,
pruning existing trees, and
inspecting trees for insect,
disease and hazardous
conditions. He works closely
with Keep Denton Beautiful
where he assists with tree
giveaways and answers any
questions that may arise from
residents about their trees.
If you have a question for
Haywood, he can be reached
by email at Haywood.Morgan
@cityofdenton.com. He
brings more than 20 years
of Urban Forestry knowledge
to his job, and Denton is
fortunate to have such an
outstanding employee!
MEET HAYWOOD
CITY OF DENTON URBAN FORESTER
This holiday season, keep everything
in good working order and maintain
your drains. When fats, oils, and grease
are discarded down kitchen drains in
homes, it can build up in the sewer,
causing a blockage, which can cause
backups into your home. Hot grease
easily melts pvc pipes and causes fast
damage. The clogs can lead to sewage
overflows in the street and stormwater
system, and higher sewer bills.
Visit www.maintainyourdrain.com for
helpful tips, FAQs, and to learn more.
MAINTAIN YOUR DRAIN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
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6
In accordance with Governor Abbott’s order, GA-29, everyone should take caution when in public by practicing
social distancing and staying at least six feet apart from those outside your household. On Sept. 17, Governor
Abbott issued order GA-30 prohibiting outdoor gatherings in excess of 10 people, other than those with varying
exemptions, unless you receive approval from the mayor of the city where the gathering will be held.
To request the Mayor’s approval for an outdoor gathering in Denton, visit www.cityofdenton.com/eventrequest.
City staff suggests that applicants include as many details about the event as possible in the initial application, and
further details may be requested by staff after a submission has been made. All applicants should allow at least
one week for review, and more time may be required if the Mayor wants to refer the application to City Council
for input.
All approvals will be contingent upon ensuring
the following guidelines will be in place:
• All individuals must wear a face covering in accordance with GA-29*;
• The event must be in compliance with all requirements of GA-32*;
• Sufficient staff or volunteers are available to implement the event’s
COVID-19 safety precautions; and
• All individuals should maintain 6 feet of separation from others outside
the individual’s group. A group is defined as no more than 10 people,
including the members of the household and those persons who
traveled together to the event.
City staff will notify the applicants upon receiving the Mayor’s approval or denial. For questions or information,
contact Jennifer Eusse at Jennifer.Eusse@cityofdenton.com or visit www.cityofdenton.com/eventrequest.
MAYOR APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR OUTDOOR EVENTS
Whether they knock on your front door or call you on the phone, there are
plenty of scammers looking to defraud the public, especially around the holidays.
The City has recently been made aware that a number of Denton residents have
received calls from scammers claiming to be solar companies and partners of
Denton Municipal Electric (DME). You should be cautious if you receive such a
call as DME and the City do not partner with solar companies and these callers
are NOT contacting you on our behalf.
Here are a few guidelines you can follow to help protect yourself against these and other scams:
• Use caution when responding to solicitations claiming to be partners of DME and/or the City of Denton,
especially those that offer free trips, money, or other valuables.
• Be alert when it comes to emails, calls, texts, or door-to-door salespeople requesting you to provide personal
information, money, or to sign documents. Do not provide personal information if you don’t trust the source.
• Carefully research the companies you do business with. For example, after major storms, disreputable
roofing companies have been known to steal down payments or install substandard materials. Protect
yourself by getting recommendations from friends and neighbors or by calling the Better Business Bureau.
• Hang up, look up the official phone number of the company, and call back. If someone calls you claiming
to be a partner or representative of DME or the City of Denton, you can call the official phone number for
Denton’s Utility Customer Service at (940) 349-8700 and be confident that you are speaking with an
appropriate representative.
If you suspect that you have been the target of a scam, call the Denton Police Department non-emergency line
at (940) 349-8181.
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST SCAMS
*Or the Governor’s most-recent orders related to face coverings or events.
110
2021 Season
Pass Sale
The perfect gift for
friends and family!
OFFER EXPIRES JAN. 31
Friends & FamilySEASON PASS SALE
Purchase 1-4
for $50 per pass;
Purchase up to four passes for $50 per pass; each additional
pass is $40. Passes must be purchased together; offer expires
Jan. 31, 2021. Nonresidents add $5 per pass. Purchase online, in
person, or by calling the NAT at (940) 349-8800.
each additional pass is $40.
PAYMENT PLAN OPTION
www.dentonwaterworks.com
Hate waiting in lines? We do too!
That’s why the City of Denton
has partnered with QLess, a
virtual app that does the waiting
for you. Simply download the app
on your mobile device and tell the
app your location. From there, you
can schedule a visit to City Hall for
customer service assistance or the
Animal Shelter to adopt your new
family member. The app will stay
in line for you and then notify you
when it’s your turn.
The QLess process helps us
maintain social distancing and
frees up your precious time.
It’s a win-win!
If you prefer to access the web
version of QLess rather than
the smartphone app, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/qless.
NEW APP ALLOWS YOU TO WAIT IN LINE ON YOUR PHONE
DOWNLOAD THE QLESS APP IN
THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY
7
111
STAY UPDATED
www.cityofdenton.com/stayupdated
/cityofdenton
/cityofdenton
@cityofdentontx
A publication of the City of Denton • 11/20 • ADA/EOE/ADEA • TDD (800) 735-2989 • www.cityofdenton.com
/cityofdenton
RESIDENT UPDATECITY OF DENTON
RECYCLABLE
IN THE
CITY OF DENTON
Email Notifications www.cityofdentonnews.com
112
COVID-19 Relief & Recovery -CARES Act Eviction
Prevention & Nonprofit Grants Update
December 8, 2020113
LIVE UNITED
COVID-19 Eviction Prevention in Denton County
Funding for COVID-19
Eviction Prevention in
Denton County came from
public & private support.
As of 12/8/2020, 96% of
the funds are from the U.S.
Department of the
Treasury CARES Act
funding that expire on
12/30/2020 at 5pm.
COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Relief Funding To Date –12/8/2020
Denton
Funding
Lewisville
Funding
Denton
County
Funding
& CARES Act
Funding
PACCAR
Foundation
Funding
Total
Funds Raised $130,000.00 $74,000.00 $6,506,555.90 $75,000.00 $6,785,555.90
Expenses $130,000.00 $73,400.00 $6,292,031.91 $75,000.00 $6,570,431.91
Current Balance $0.00 $600.00 $214,523.99 $0.00 $215,123.99
114
LIVE UNITED
COVID-19 Eviction Prevention in Denton County
Need for eviction prevention (rent, mortgage or
utilities payments assistance) spans the
County.
86% of the need for months of assistance in:
Denton –34.2%
Lewisville –21.8%
Carrollton –11.2%
Dallas (DC) –7.4%
The Colony –6.4%
Aubrey –5.3%
ASSISTANCE BY CITY IN DENTON COUNTY
Municipality
Households
Assisted
Months of
Assistance Months Assistance
% of County Total
Argyle 19 40 0.6%
Aubrey 212 383 5.3%
Bartonville 1 1 0.0%
Carrollton 297 475 11.2%
Coppell 7 7 0.1%
Corinth 54 71 1.0%
Cross Roads 18 36 0.5%
Dallas 316 528 7.4%
Denton 1,384 2,457 34.2%
Flower Mound 54 81 1.1%
Frisco 123 209 2.9%
Haslet 5 8 0.1%
Hickory Creek 2 3 0.0%
Highland Village 2 2 0.0%
Justin 31 55 0.8%
Krum 19 38 0.5%
Lake Dallas 55 96 1.3%
Lewisville 977 1,566 21.8%
Little Elm 193 337 4.7%
Northlake 8 14 0.2%
Oak Point 8 12 0.2%
Pilot Point 21 35 0.5%
Plano 3 10 0.1%
Ponder 18 36 0.5%
Prosper 22 48 0.7%
Providence Village 21 41 0.6%
Roanoke 35 58 0.8%
Sanger 36 62 0.9%
Savannah 8 16 0.2%
Shady Shores 1 1 0.0%
The Colony 290 457 6.4%
Trophy Club 2 2 0.0%
TOTAL 4,242 7,180 100%
115
LIVE UNITED
COVID-19 Eviction Prevention in Denton County
A virtual paperless household application
process was developed by United Way of
Denton County in partnership with a
collaboration of nonprofits across Denton
County. Criteria for approval determined by the
Denton County Commissioners Court.
The program was low-barrier, compliant with
U.S. Department of the Treasury CARES Act
criteria and rules.
Payments made directly by United Way of
Denton County to landlords, utilities, mortgage
companies with accompanying legal
disclaimer regarding CARES Act funding
requirements.
All client applications, supporting
documentation, check registers, posted
checks, bank statements uploaded to Denton
County’s ShareVault documents system.
TYPE OF ASSISTANCE
Rent/Mortgage/Utilities 4,199
Extended Hotel Stay 22
Temporary Hotel 21
Requests Not Approved 204
Unique Households 2,411
3 mo. Relief Exhausted 1,066
APPROVED REQUESTS BY NONPROFIT
AGENCY
Agency Number of Requests
Christian Community Action 563
Denton County Friends of the Family 195
Giving HOPE, Inc. 308
Grace Like Rain 653
Interfaith Ministries 137
Metrocrest Services 301
Next Steps The Colony 201
Our Daily Bread 43
Salvation Army Denton 344
Salvation Army Lewisville 66
United Way of Denton County 1,428
116
LIVE UNITED
COVID-19 Eviction Prevention in Denton County
Need has spiked in the 4th quarter of 2020 as
households financially impacted by COVID-19
exhaust their reserves.
Households capped at 3 months of assistance,
still the weekly volume grows as 2020
progresses. 1,066 households have
exhausted their 3 months of assistance.
The program closed for applications for
assistance on 12/2/2020. 443 December
payments are in the pipeline to process by
12/30/2020 at 5pm.
United Way of Denton County alone has
received 230 inquiries for assistance in the 4
days the program has been closed.
WEEKLY EXPENDITURES
Week Amount Months
Households
(Duplicated)
3/23 -3/27 $5,345.00 4 4
3/30 -4/3 $42,854.30 43 43
4/6 -4/10 $46,085.95 57 57
4/13 -4/17 $32,092.23 38 38
4/20 -4/24 $36,787.09 41 41
4/27 -5/1 $43,606.58 36 35
5/4 -5/8 $55,072.99 51.5 44
5/11 -5/15 $47,984.69 51.5 44
5/18 -5/22 $61,817.38 61 52
5/25 -5/29 $48,039.52 38.5 26
6/1 -6/5 $96,321.75 90.5 68
6/8 -6/12 $88,825.90 89.5 63
6/15 -6/19 $54,046.36 54 40
6/22 -6/26 $85,037.08 75 53
6/29 -7/3 $87,213.59 75 57
7/6 -7/10 $96,909.43 84 63
7/13 -7/17 $134,450.92 124 90
7/20 -7/24 $156,977.56 140 91
7/27 -7/31 $211,039.09 173 101
8/3 -8/7 $190,345.00 194 117
8/10 -8/14 $190,854.15 203 116
8/17 -8/21 $215,147.17 262 125
8/24 -8/28 $256,055.75 333 144
8/31 -9/4 $253,159.91 337 158
9/8* -9/11 $238,556.51 273 144
9/14 -9/18 $256,410.70 315 136
9/21 -9/25 $217,336.05 267 126
9/28 -10/2 $218,333.30 265 143
10/5 -10/9 $156,890.55 175 119
10/12 -10/16 $223,412.89 267 162
10/19 -10/23 $291,264.90 345 200
10/26 -10/30 $344,848.98 392 231
11/2 -11/6 $370,288.69 373 208
11/9 -11/13 $454,458.67 503 281
11/16 -11/20 $415,892.73 436 267
11/23* -11/24 $211,251.84 227 140
11/30* -12/4 $624,015.08 686 404
Weekly Average $177,271.09 194 114
Program Total $6,559,030.28
117
LIVE UNITED
COVID-19 Eviction Prevention in Denton County
Three distinct phases in 2020 –Payments Assistance Growth:
1.ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) households and
Poverty households hit first
2.Federal assistance relief exhausted
3.Middle Class households exhaust their reserves and need help
118
LIVE UNITED
COVID-19 Eviction Prevention in Denton County
Three distinct phases in 2020 – Households Needing Help Growth:
1.ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) households and
Poverty households hit first
2.Federal assistance relief exhausted
3.Middle Class households exhaust their reserves and need help119
LIVE UNITED
COVID-19 Relief & Recovery in Denton County
In 2020, Denton County nonprofits have received $4.2 million from
United Way of Denton County for COVID-19 Relief & Recovery in 2020
through public & private sources, including U.S. Department of the
Treasury CARES Act funds.
-$1,879,188 for staffing, personal protective equipment and operations through
12/30/2020 at 5pm.
-$2,405,016 for food insecurity (food and capacity expansion at food insecurity
nonprofits in Denton County)
Post December 30, 2020 at 5pm -Denton County nonprofits are not
funded to continue COVID-19 Relief & Recovery in 2021 –both staff
and resources.
120
Date: December 11, 2020 Report No. 2020-102
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Provide an overview of planned and current construction projects in the greater-downtown area.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, December 9, Council Member Davis requested a comprehensive overview of the
status and schedule of current and planned construction projects in the greater-downtown area.
The Capital Projects and Utilities Departments currently have over $40 million in capital
infrastructure investments that are currently planned, underway, or are nearing completion in the
greater-downtown area. This staff report provides a high-level overview of those capital projects
along with information on planned maintenance and improvement projects by various City
operations.
Capital and Utility Infrastructure Projects
Downtown Storm Sewer Phase I
Description: Upgrade of the drainage system and pavement repair along the Union
Pacific Railroad (UPRR) right-of-way from McKinney to Hickory and on Oak from
Oakland to UPRR.
Estimated Construction Cost: $1.76 M
Project Status: Notice to Proceed for Construction issued December 10, 2020.
Construction to begin by January 2021.
Estimated Completion: Fall 2021
Downtown Quiet Zones
Description: Median and sidewalk improvements at four downtown Union Pacific Rail
Road (UPRR) crossings, including McKinney, Prairie, Sycamore, and Hickory. The
planned improvements, coupled with necessary federal approvals, will result in quiet
zones that exempt train conductors from having to sound their horns when approaching
the designated rail crossings.
Estimated Cost: $1.3 M
Project Status: Design to be completed December of 2020. Should be in construction by
Spring of 2021
Estimated Completion: Fall 2021 for the City’s portion. UPRR has signalization
upgrades to be made at Hickory that are independent of the City’s work.
Estimated Construction Cost: $1.3 M
Project Status: Design to be completed December of 2020. Should be in construction by
Spring of 2021
Estimated Completion: Fall 2021 for the City’s portion. UPRR has signalization
upgrades to be made at Hickory that are independent of the City’s work.
121
Date: December 11, 2020 Report No. 2020-102
Downtown Sidewalks and Lighting
Description: Pedestrian lighting improvements on Locust, Elm, Oak, and Hickory
Streets along with sidewalk improvements on Elm and Hickory Streets.
Estimated Construction Cost: $1 M
Project Status: Traffic signal design nearing completion, final construction to begin after
traffic signal components are delivered.
Estimated Completion: Summer 2021
West Hickory Street
Description: Drainage improvements, lighting improvements, and street & sidewalk
reconstruction along W. Hickory Street between Welch and Carroll
Estimated Construction Cost: $3 M
Project Status: Under construction. The first four phases are nearing completion.
Estimated Completion: Summer 2021
PEC-4 Phases 1 & 2
Description: Pecan Creek Tributary Drainage Improvement Project (PEC-4) Phases 1
and 2 will install approximately 1,500 linear feet of box culvert along the Pecan Creek
Upper Tributary between Wainwright St. and Prairie St. This project also includes 6,000
linear feet of water improvements and 7,800 linear feet of wastewater improvements
along Elm St. and Locust St. between Eagle Dr. and Hickory St. The water and
wastewater utility work has been completed. The contractor is currently finishing the
storm drain on Elm. Once completed, paving on Prairie between Locust and Pierce will
begin. The contractor is also working on concrete repair on Elm and Locust.
Estimated Cost: $15.1 M
Project Status: Under Construction
Estimated Completion: Summer 2021
Elm & Locust Phase 2
Description: Drainage upgrades and replacement of water and wastewater lines on
Locust and Elm from US 380 to Hickory Street. In addition to water and wastewater
improvements, project also includes traffic control, paving, sidewalks, and pavement
markings.
Estimated Construction Cost: $20.2 M
Project Status: Under Design
Estimated Completion: Determined Following Design
Bell Avenue
Description: Replace aging infrastructure (water distribution mains, water meters,
wastewater collection mains) along Bell Avenue from University Drive to McKinney
Street.
Estimated Construction Cost: $1.5 M
122
Date: December 11, 2020 Report No. 2020-102
Project Status: Construction is currently underway (started in November). The
wastewater main replacement has been completed and the water main replacement
project will begin later this month.
Estimated Completion: Fall 2021
Denton Municipal Electric Operations and Maintenance Projects
Highway 77 & Bentwood
Planned Improvement: Installation of two decorative light emitting diode (LED) lights
and poles
Estimated Completion: Completion in first quarter of calendar year 2021
Elm & Cedar
Planned Improvement: Replacement of one streetlight that currently has damaged
conduit.
Estimated Completion: Completion in first quarter of calendar year 2021
Elm Street Streetlight Replacement
Planned Improvement: Replacement of existing streetlights with LED lights on Elm
Street going north and south from the Denton Courthouse Square. Project is currently 80%
complete.
Estimated Completion: Completion in first quarter of calendar year 2021
Verizon 5G Node Network Project
Planned Improvement: Design and installation of 17 5G network nodes for wireless
communication.
Estimated Completion: Estimated completion in first quarter of calendar year 2021
Solid Waste Improvements
To ensure businesses in the greater-downtown area can continue to receive service from the Solid
Waste and Recycling Department during active construction, Solid Waste is coordinating with
business owners to set out temporary dumpsters. Currently, there are three businesses that have
been impacted by construction on Elm Street, temporary dumpsters were in place for impacted
business on Thursday, December 10. Service in the Downtown valet solid waste and recycling
service area will remain unaffected during the planned construction.
ATTACHMENTS:
Downtown Construction Project Map
STAFF CONTACTS:
Chris Lutrick
Denton Municipal Electric
Executive Manager of Operations
(940) 349-7152
Chris.Lutrick@cityofdenton.com
123
Date: December 11, 2020 Report No. 2020-102
Brian Boerner
Director of Solid Waste
(940) 349-8001
Brian.Boerner@cityofdenton.com
Rachel Wood
Deputy Director of Capital Projects
(940) 349-7718
Rachel.Wood@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR: Council Member Davis
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Capital Projects
Utilities
Denton Municipal Electric
Solid Waste
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT:
3 hours
124
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CENTRALADMINISTRATION
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Project Extents
Streets
Railroad
0 1,000 2,000500
Feet
Downtown Projects
Elm & Locust Phase 2
Pec 4 Phase 1 and 2
Downtown Quiet Zones
Downtown Storm
Sewer Phase I
West Hickory Street
Downtown Sidewalks and Lighting
Bell Ave
125
Date: December 11, 2020 Report No. 2020-103
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Update on the City’s Solar Rebate Program funds.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Denton implemented the Solar Rebate Program in 2009 to help offset initial equipment
costs related to solar installations. Over the last several years, solar prices have decreased, leading
to an increase in solar installations, system sizes, and rebate amounts.
On October 1, 2020 the City of Denton's Solar Rebate Program started with a budget of $500,000
for solar installations. To date the City has received 91 solar applications qualifying for $422,193
in rebates. The remaining fund balance for the solar rebates is $77,807 and is expected to be
depleted by December 11, 2020—when 19 solar applications, currently under review, are
approved.
DISCUSSION:
The rapid disbursement of solar rebate funds is driven by the decrease in solar installatio n costs
which has led to an increase in installations and system sizes. To put into perspective, for FY2018 -
2019, the $500,000 designated to the Solar Rebate Program lasted until June of 2019 (8 months).
For the FY2019-2020, $500,000 in rebate funds lasted until February of 2020 (3 months). For
FY2020-2021, solar rebate funds lasted until early December of 2020
(2 months).
It is also worth noting that customers are choosing to install solar systems without receiving a
rebate. If we compare FY2018-2019 and FY2019-2020 we see that while the total number of solar
installations increased by 56 from 132 to 188, installations that received a rebate actually decreased
from 116 to 108 but solar installations that did not receive a rebate increased 400% from 16 to 80.
Another factor contributing to the quick allocation of solar rebates is the size of the systems. Low
solar installat ion costs have allowed customers to purchase more solar equipment, which has led
to higher rebate amounts since rebates are based on the system's size. For example, the average
system size for FY2018-2019, FY2019-2020, and FY2021-2021 are 7.27AC kW, 7.60AC kW,
and 8.45AC kW, respectively.
This fiscal year it only took two months to commit the solar rebate funds entirely and we are on
track to exceed previous last year’s record installation numbers for systems that did not receive a
rebate.
126
Date: December 11, 2020 Report No. 2020-103
Below are a table and graphs showing the total number of solar installations per fiscal year since
2015.
Table A
Solar Installation and Rebate Award per Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021
Rebates
Given 14 32 55 116 108 91
Installs
w/o
Rebates
2 13 27 16 80 N/A
Systems
Installed 16 45 82 132 188 14
Installs w/
Rebates
Pending
Revision
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 19
Graph A
STAFF CONTACT:
Chris Lutrick
(940) 349-7152
Chris.Lutrick@cityofdenton.com
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE: Juan Pagoada-Reyes – 1.0 Hours
127
Date: December 11, 2020 Report No. 2020-104
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
City Council Committee assignments
BACKGROUND:
Resolutions establishing City Council Committees provide the following:
1) Members serve at the pleasure of the City Council until successors are appointed by the
Mayor and approved by the City Council;
2) The presiding officer of the Committee be chosen annually by the Committee; and
3) Members of the Committee must be current elected City Council members of the City of
Denton.
Historically, however, the Mayor has allowed each Council Member to select those committees
they wish to serve on. That practice continues with the upcoming 2020-2021 Council Committee
assignments.
Designated standing, external, and ad-hoc committees assist with the development of policy. The
committee assignments are reviewed annually by the City Council to allow the opportunity to
adjust if/as necessary. Attachment 1 provides a brief description of each type of committee; and
Attachment 2 provides the listing of current member assignments.
Please review the current assignments and let me know by Tuesday, December 22, which
committees are of interest to you. The proposed appointment list will be presented for discussion
at the January 4th Luncheon. The goal is to finalize the appointment listing at that time and
schedule formal appointments at the January 12th Meeting. Following a prompt/strict appointment
schedule will ensure Council Committees can begin meeting immediately following formal
appointments.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Council Committee Narrative
Attachment 2 – Current Council Committee Assignments
STAFF CONTACT:
Rosa Rios, City Secretary
(940) 349-8309
rosa.rios@cityofdenton.com
128
COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS 2019-2020 As of December 10, 2020
COMMITTEE CURRENT MEMBERS
Agenda Committee Watts ______ [Previously Hudspeth]
Audit/Finance Committee Ryan (Chair) Meltzer Watts
Committee on Community Engagement
[Name change from Committee on Citizen Engagement on 10/20/2020 (Res. No. 20-1873)]
Briggs (Chair) Armintor Meltzer
Committee on the Environment Briggs (Chair) Davis Meltzer
Council Airport Committee Ryan (Chair) Davis Meltzer
Council Appointee Performance Review Committee [Inactive; members still appointed]
Davis Ryan ([No Chair] Watts
1Community Partnership Committee
[Name change from Hotel Occupancy Tax and Sponsorship Committee on 9/1/2020 (Res. No. 20-1471)]
1Watts (Chair)
1Armintor
1Davis
Mobility Committee Meltzer (Chair) Briggs Ryan
LEGEND:
1At least two members who serve on the Hotel Occupancy Tax and Sponsorship Committee must also serve on the Convention & Visitor Bureau Advisory Board
2All members of the Economic Development Partnership Board must also serve on the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2 Board
129
Council Committee Assignments - Page 2 of 2
EXTERNAL CURRENT MEMBERS
Community Justice Council
[Inactive as of 06/03/2019; member still designated] Pending research on whether member must be an elected official
Briggs
1Convention and Visitor Bureau Advisory Board
Must be 3 elected officials
1Armintor
1Davis
1Watts
Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition
Must be the Mayor or another elected official Briggs
Denton County Behavioral Health Leadership Team
May be an elected official, senior staff, executive, or community member ______ [Previously Ryan]
Denton County Homelessness Leadership Team
May be elected official(s), senior staff, executive, or community member Watts Briggs
Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA)
May be elected officials
Watts Ryan (Alternate)
Denton County Workforce Success Leadership Team
May be an elected official, senior staff, executive, or community member Ryan
Lake Ray Roberts P&Z Commission
Must be the Mayor or his/her designee Briggs
North Texas Commission
Pending research on whether member must be an elected/appointed official
Watts (City Manager)
Regional Transportation Council
May be elected official Ryan Briggs (Alternate)
Texas Municipal Power Agency
One member must be elected official; historically second member from Public Utilities Board
Watts Bill Cheek, Jr. (PUB member)
AD HOC CURRENT MEMBERS
Development Code Review Committee
Per City ordinance, must be elected officials
Briggs Ryan Watts
BOARD CURRENT MEMBERS
2Economic Development Partnership Board
Per City ordinance, must be elected officials
2Briggs
2______ [Previously Hudspeth]
Downtown Denton TIF Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board
Per City ordinance, must be elected officials Meltzer ______ [Previously Hudspeth]
130
Council Committee Assignments - Page 2 of 2
2Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2 Board
Per City ordinance, must be elected officials
2Briggs
2______ [Previously Hudspeth]
LEGEND:
1At least two members who serve on the Hotel Occupancy Tax and Sponsorship Committee must also serve on the Convention & Visitor Bureau Advisory Board
2All members of the Economic Development Partnership Board must also serve on the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2 Board
131
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES
AGENDA COMMITTEE
The Agenda Committee is composed of the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem, and the City Manager.
The Agenda Committee reviews the City Manager’s proposed City Council agendas as to form and
agenda content.
AUDIT/FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Audit/Finance Committee is composed of three Council Members. The City Manager, or his
designee, is an ex-officio member. The duties and purpose of the Committee shall be to assist the
Council in fulfilling its organizational oversight responsibilities relating to the audit function, the
investment function and any other financial related activities as delegated by the City Council.
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Committee on Citizen Engagement is composed of three Council Members. The City
Manager, or his designee, will provide guidance and assistance to the Committee. The duties and
purpose of the Committee shall be to provide advice to the Council and/or staff regarding the timely
distribution of accurate and complete information to Denton citizens and devise methods of
engaging Denton citizens in the various processes of city government.
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
The Committee on the Environment is composed of three Council Members. The duties of the
Committee shall be to review, discuss, deliberate, and consider environmental issues and resources
and make recommendations to the Council. The Committee will also deliberate and make
recommendations regarding any other matter delegated to the Committee by the Council.
COUNCIL AIRPORT COMMITTEE
The Council Airport Committee is composed of three City Council members. The City Manager, or
his designee, will provide guidance and assistance as needed. The duties and purpose of the
Committee shall be to review, consider and make recommendations to the City Council on: the
Airport Business Plan and Airport Master Plan; any airport infrastructure improvement or other
major project impacting the airport; the acquisition, review, and consideration of grant funding for
the airport; contracts and leases of airport property, including recommending appropriate terms to
the City Council; long term financial planning and budgetary issues affecting the airport, and issues
raised as a result of interface between citizens, airport tenants, or other interested parties.
COUNCIL APPOINTEE PERFORMANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Council Appointee Performance Review Committee is composed of three Council Members,
with the Director of Human Resources as an ex-officio member. The duties and purpose of the
Committee shall be to assist the City Council in performance review of the City Council appointees
and to ensure that the appointee’s job descriptions are accurate and properly reflect current job
duties in order to make recommendations to the Council to assist the Council in evaluating the job
performance of the council appointees. Additionally, the Committee will make recommendations
regarding employment agreements, including renewals, of council appointee positions.
132
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE
The Hotel Occupancy Tax and Sponsorship Committee is composed of three Council Members.
The duties and purpose of the Committee shall be to monitor allocation and use of both the hotel
occupancy tax and sponsorship funds, ensuring HOT funds are being used to directly enhance
and promote tourism and the hotel/ convention industry, ensuring the sponsorship funds are
being used to further a charitable cause, economic or community growth and serve a public
purpose in the best interest of the general welfare of the City of Denton, and recommend
organizations to receive funding to the City Council.
MOBILITY COMMITTEE
The Mobility Committee is composed of three Council Members. The duties and purpose of the
Committee shall be to review, consider and make recommendations to the City Council regarding
any changes to the Mobility Plan, local transportation policy, and any items concerning regional
transportation policies and activities.
133
EXTERNAL COUNCIL COMMITTEES
COMMUNITY JUSTICE COUNCIL [Inactive as of 06/03/2019]
The Community Justice Council is established according to Chapter 76 of the Texas Government
Code. That Chapter indicates that a Justice Council has to be established as a prerequisite to
establishing a community corrections facility. The Community Justice Council provides continuing
policy guidance and direction for the development of criminal justice plans and community
correction facilities and programs and conditions of community supervision. Among the members
of the Justice Council is a council member of the most populous municipality in the County that the
facility will serve.
Membership: Because Inactive, unable to determine if this must be an elected official; but
historically has been an elected official.
CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU ADVISORY BOARD
The Denton Convention & Visitor Bureau was initiated in 1976 by the Denton Chamber of
Commerce to promote events and attractions, provide hospitality education, and ensure a positive
experience to Denton visitors. It operates via an agreement between the City of Denton and the
Denton Chamber of Commerce. The Advisory Board makes recommendations to the Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors.
Membership: Must be three (3) elected officials, at least two of whom must also serve on the Hotel
Occupancy Tax and Sponsorship Committee.
DALLAS REGIONAL MOBILITY COALITION
The Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition is a transportation advocacy group made up of cities,
counties and transportation agencies in a five-county region (Dallas, Denton, Collin, Rockwall
and Ellis) with a primary mission to advance critical mobility projects through advocacy efforts
with state and federal elected officials and regional transportation agencies.
The DRMC is governed by a 27-member board of directors representing cities, counties and
transportation agencies in the greater Dallas area. It consists of seven members, one each from the
cities of Carrollton, Garland, Grand Prairie, Irving, Mesquite, Plano and Richardson being either the
Mayor or another elected official designated by the City Council; four members, designated by the
Mayor of Dallas, being either two or three elected officials from the City of Dallas and one or two
community leaders who are non-elected officials; four members, one each from Collin, Dallas,
Denton, and Ellis County, being either the County Judge or another elected official designated by
the County Judge; elected officials from those cities not represented in either of the first two
categories; one community leader (non-elected official) appointed by the Dallas County Judge; four
ex-officio members being the Texas Department of Transportation District 18 District Engineer, the
Executive Director of the Texas Turnpike Authority, the Executive Director of the Dallas Area
Rapid Transit Authority, the Staff Director of the Regional Transportation Council; and one
business leader (non-elected official) appointed annually by the Legislative Coalition of the Dallas
Area Chambers of Commerce.
Membership: Must be the Mayor or another elected official.
134
DENTON COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Denton County Behavioral Health Leadership Team (DCBHLT) is composed of fifteen to
thirty-three members, including one to two appointees from Denton City Council. Per the
DCBHLT bylaws, “Cities/Towns should identify a council member, senior staff, executive, or
community member” to serve on the team. Appointees shall serve at least one two-year term and
attend six meetings in the calendar year. The purpose of the Denton County Behavioral
Leadership Team (DCBHLT) is to convene as a policy making team tasked with improving the
planning, coordination, oversight, and implementation required to create systems change, for
behavioral health services in Denton County.
Membership: May be an elected official, senior staff, executive, or community member.
DENTON COUNTY HOMELESSNESS LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Denton County Homelessness Leadership Team (DCHLT) is composed of seventeen to
thirty-eight members, including one to two appointees from the City of Denton. Per the DCHLT
bylaws, “Cities/Towns should identify a council member, senior staff, executive, or community
member” to serve on the team. The DCHLT shall have one to two appointees from Law
Enforcement. A member of city staff serves as an ex-officio member. Appointees shall serve at
least one two-year term and attend six meetings in the calendar year. The purpose of the Denton
County Homelessness Leadership Team (DCHLT) is to convene as a policy making team tasked
with improving the planning, coordination, oversight, and implementation required to create
systems change, for housing/homelessness initiatives in Denton County.
Membership: May be elected official(s), senior staff, executive, or community member.
DENTON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY] BOARD (DCTA)
The Denton County Transportation Authority is governed by a five (5) voting-member Board
which includes a representative from Denton, Lewisville, Highland Village, and two members
from Denton County serving two-year terms. Each member city is permitted to have a primary
and alternate representative. Denton County is permitted to have two primary and two alternate
representatives. The Board adopts the annual operating budget and is responsible for setting
policy.
Membership: Elected officials may serve as board members. Board members must have
professional experience in the field of transportation, business, government, engineering or law.
DENTON COUNTY WORKFORCE SUCCESS LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Denton County Workforce Success Leadership Team (DCWSLT) is composed of twenty-
seven to forty-two members, including one appointee from the City of Denton. Per the DCWSLT
bylaws, “Cities/Towns should identify a council member, senior staff, executive, or community
member” to serve on the team. The DCWSLT shall have one to two appointees from Economic
Development Departments. Appointees shall serve at least one two-year term and attend twelve
meetings in the calendar year. The purpose of the Denton County Workforce Success Leadership
Team (DCWSLT) is to convene as a policy making team tasked with improving the planning,
coordination, oversight, and implementation required to create systems change for
workforce/employment initiatives in Denton County.
Membership: May be an elected official, senior staff, executive, or community member
135
LAKE RAY ROBERTS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
The Lake Ray Roberts Planning & Zoning Commission hears requests for zoning changes,
special use permits, recreational park permits, sign permits, planned development applications
and variances. The Mayor or his/her designee of each city for the territory extraterritorial
jurisdiction of which includes any part of the Lake Ray Roberts lake area in the County.
Membership: Must be the Mayor or his/her designee.
NORTH TEXAS COMMISSION
The North Texas Commission is a public-private partnership of businesses, cities, counties,
chambers of commerce, economic development entities and higher education institutions dedicated
to advancing the vibrancy of the North Texas region. The North Texas Commission provides the
resources to carry out programs that benefit the entire region and to address regional problems and
opportunities.
Membership: Two members – currently the City Manager and Mayor.
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL
The North Central Texas Council of Governments has served as the Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. The Regional Transportation
Council is the independent transportation policy body of the Metropolitan Planning
Organization. The RTC consists of 44 members which include local elected or appointed
officials from the metropolitan area and representatives from each of the area's transportation
providers. The RTC oversees the metropolitan transportation planning process.
Membership: Must be elected officials.
TEXAS MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY
The Board of Directors assists in establishing policies, setting regulations, and overseeing the
administration and management of the agency as well as approving and auditing the budget. The
City of Denton has two representatives serve on the Board of Directors.
Membership: One member must be an elected official and historically, the City Council has always
appointed a member of the Public Utilities Board.
136
OTHER COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND BOARDS
DEVELOPMENT CODE REVIEW COMMITTEE (AD HOC)
The Development Code Review Committee is composed of three City Council members plus three
Planning and Zoning Commissioners who participate as non-voting ex-officio members. The duties
and purpose of the Committee shall be to review all proposed revisions to the Denton Development
Code and make recommendation to the City Council regarding the proposed revisions.
Membership: Per City ordinance, the Committee shall be comprised of three City Council
Members.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP BOARD
The Economic Development Partnership Board consists of twelve members: (1) two members
from City Council at the time of their appointment, (2) two members from the Denton Chamber
of Commerce Board of Directors at the time of their appointment who reside or work in the City,
(3) two members who will be, or must be currently employed by a top 20 City of Denton ad
valorem or sales tax payer and who reside or work in the City, (4) the President of UNT or
his/her designee who does not have a city residency requirement; (5) the Chancellor and
President of TWU or his/her designee who does not have a city residency requirement; (6) a
member with knowledge or experience in general aviation-related matters with no financial
interest at the Denton Enterprise Airport and who resides or works in the City, (7) a citizen of
Denton with specific knowledge, skills and abilities to assist in the functions of the Economic
Development Partnership Board; (8) a member nominated by the Denton Black Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors who resides or works in the City; (9) a member nominated by the
Denton Hispanic Chamber of commerce who resides or works in the City. The City Manager, or
his designee, the President of the Chamber, and the Superintendent of the Denton Independent
School District, will serve as ex-officio members of the Board.
The Board provides economic development policy guidance and makes recommendations to the
City Council and Chamber of Commerce; reviews, considers and makes recommendations to the
City Council regarding marketing and branding for the Denton Enterprise Airport; reviews,
considers and makes recommendations to the City Council regarding Denton Enterprise Airport
incentive policies as assigned by the City Council or requested by the City Manager; and acts as
a recommending body to the City Council for specific airport economic development incentives
as assigned by the City Council or requested by the City Manager and permitted by City and
State law.
Membership: Per City ordinance, two members of the Board shall be City Council Members.
DOWNTOWN DENTON TAX INCREMENT FINANCING REINVESTMENT ZONE
BOARD
The Downtown Denton Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Board is composed of
seven members: two City Council members, two are either property owners of property located
within the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone or residents whose primary residence is located
within the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, two are either business owners of businesses
located within the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone or members of the Denton Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors, and one a qualified voter of the City of Denton.
137
The Board makes recommendations to the City Council concerning the administration of the
Zone; prepares and adopts a project plan and Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone
financing plan for the Zone and submits the plans to the City Council for approval; prepares,
implements and monitors such project and financing plans for the Tax Increment Financing
Reinvestment Zone as the City Council considers advisable including the submission of an
annual report on the status of the Zone.
Membership: Per City ordinance, two members shall be City Council Members.
TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER TWO BOARD
The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number Two Board consists of fourteen members:
twelve members of the Economic Development Partnership Board, one member appointed by the
governing body of Denton County, and one member appointed by the “developer”, Rayzor
Investments, LLP.
The Board makes recommendations to the City Council concerning the administration of the
Zone; prepare and adopt a project plan and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone financing plan for
the Zone and submit the plans to the City Council for approval; prepare, implement and monitor
such project plan and financing plan for the Zone as the Council considers advisable, including
the submission of an annual report on the status of the Zone.
Membership: Per City ordinance, board membership consists of members of the EDP Board, of
which two members shall be City Council Members.
138
139
Council Requests for InformationCouncil Member Requestor DateSummary of RequestStaff AssignedDepartmentComments1Council Member Briggs10/16/20It feels like the number of shootings, gun incidents has significantly increased this year. Have theyand by what percent? Is there anything we can do about it?Frank DixonPoliceRequest will be presented during a future Pending CouncilRequests Work Session2Council Member Briggs10/24/20Work session discussing if council wants to add maternity and paternity leave to our budget. Toallow for less stress and family and baby bonding.Tiffany ThomsonHuman ResourcesRequest will be presented during a future Pending CouncilRequests Work Session3Council Member Davis11/10/20I'm looking for a little more specificity in the DCTA budget. Can we please find out 1) how muchDCTA budgeted for FY21 for the collections of fares (machines, machine maintenance, printingtickets/passes, enforcement, etc.) and 2) whether any of DCTA's grants require a particular fare tobe charged (or any fare at all), or for farebox revenues to meet a certain percentage or threshold?Thank you!Sara HensleyCity Manager's OfficeInformation will be provided in a future Friday Report4Council Member Armintor11/16/20I would like a work session on recording all of our closed meetings, but would first I would like to seethe confidential minutes from the last two closed meetings where minutes were taken.City Manager's OfficeRequest will be presented during a future Pending CouncilRequests Work Session5Council Member Armintor11/19/20What's the latest estimate on when the construction on Hinkle is expected to be complete? . I havealso heard that the roundabout there is rather precarious, especially at night. Would the addition oflighting or additional signage help with the roundabout, at least in the short term?Becky DivineyPublic WorksInformation will be provided in the December 11 Friday Report6Council Member Briggs11/30/20Received this message. It has been 6 months, any follow up? Any update on getting internet to theone area in the city of Denton with no internet?? Preserve at pecan creek over here hasn’t heardanything for a while, and we’re hoping that one of you has some answers for us. If not, who shouldwe contact at this point?Stuart BirdseyeCity Manager's OfficeInformation will be provided in a future Friday Report7Council Member Armintor12/01/20Can the electronic "blue card" agenda item comment form be altered to ask for people's emailaddresses?Ryan AdamsPublic AffairsRequest will be presented during a future Pending CouncilRequests Work Session8Council Member Briggs12/02/20One min pitch for staff to review pockets of land within the city under 5 ac we can preserve ashabitatRequest will be presented during a future Pending CouncilRequests Work Session9Council Member Briggs12/04/20Can staff look into applying for the grant re bike infrastructure found here:https://peopleforbikes.org/grant-guidelines/Laura BehrensGrantsInformation will be provided in a future Friday Report10Council Member Davis12/04/20Is there federal funding available to provide hazard pay to our first responders and essential workerswho are required to come in contact with COVID-19 carriers? I believe I've heard of other localgovernments who are doing this.Tiffany ThomsonHuman ResourcesInformation will be provided in a future Friday Report11Council Member Armintor12/04/20Can the intersection of Kings Row and Sherman get a light and that whole road get a diet --sidewalks with protected bike lanes? Nobody else should have to die. This collision waspreventable.Brian JahnPublic Works-TrafficInformation will be provided in the December 11 Friday Report12Council Member Armintor12/04/20Can staff look into intersection on Hickory right off Bonnie Brae? People race down that street wayover the 30mph speed limit, coming off the highway and off Bonnie Brae. They seem to slow downonce they hit the university, but before then they go too fast. That street has 2 lanes one-way, with abike lane on one side, and no sidewalks on one side of the street. If it were reduced to 1 lane withsidewalks on both sides, and with barrier-protected bike lanes on the side with the parking (not toeliminate the parking, but to physically separate the parking from the bike lane) people would goslower, and it would be safer for pedestrians and more accessible to people with disabilities on thatside of the street. At the very least, can we put up speed limit signs and one of those digital signsthat tells you how fast you're going? Maybe a speed bump or two too close to the Bonnie Brae side?There are families with young kids, disabled folks, seniors, and cyclists who live around there. Idon't want any cyclists or pedestrians to die there either.Brian JahnPublic Works-TrafficInformation will be provided in the December 11 Friday Report13Council Member Meltzer12/04/20The intersection of Kings Row and Sherman was the site of a crash that was fatal to a cyclist. At theearliest appropriate time, I would like to know staff’s assessment on what changes if any they wouldrecommend at this intersection, including for instance signalization, lighting, etc.Brian JahnPublic Works-TrafficInformation will be provided in the December 11 Friday Report14Council Member Briggs12/04/20The intersection at Kings Row and Sherman has has many wrecks and lives have been lost. Whatcan we do at this intersection? please review the safety issues and see if a light can be installedBrian JahnPublic Works-TrafficInformation will be provided in the December 11 Friday Report15Council Member Meltzer12/06/20Can staff provide information on the view that wells should be replugged every 20-30 years andwhether legally we can (because it’s a below ground activity) or should make that a requirement?Scott McDonaldDevelopment ServicesInformation will be provided in the December 11 Friday Report16Council Member Davis12/07/20Can staff provide an update on the bike/ped situation at the new DHW and down to Rayzor Ranch?I had previous discussions with the department on the matter.Brian JahnPublic Works-TrafficInformation will be provided in the December 11 Friday Report17Council Member Davis12/09/20Can staff provide an update on the Elm St construction?Becky DivineyPublic Works -CIPInformation will be provided in the December 11 Friday Report18Council Member Davis12/09/20Could we get an update on bike/pedestrian safety and our "Vision Zero" participation?Rachel WoodPublic Works -CIPInformation will be provided in the December 11 Friday Report19Council Member Johnson12/11/20Can staff check on the status of a permit for a roof replacement on the square?Charles RosendahlDevelopment ServicesInformation will be provided in a future Friday Report140
December 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 4:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 2 DCRC 1pm Cancelled-2:30pm Agenda Committee 4:00pm P&Z Work Session 6:30pm P&Z Regular Session 3 Cancelled-8:30 DEDC 12:00 Public Art Committee 456 7 Cancelled-Traffic Safety Commission 11:30 am COE 1:30 cancelled 2:00 pm SC City Council 8 Cancelled -2:00 pm CC Work Session 9 11:00 EDPB Cancelled-DCRC 1pm No-2:30pm Agenda Committee Cancelled- 5:30 Airport Advisory Board 10 1:00 pm Airport Advisory Board 11 Human Services Advisory 12pm 1213 14 PUB 9:00am 12:30pm Parks, Rec, Beau ZBA 3:00pm 15 Cancelled -2:00 pm CC Work Session 16 Mobility Committee 9:00 am No-2:30pm Agenda Committee 5:00pm P&Z Work Session 6:30pm P&Z Regular Session 17 Cancelled-3:00pm Committee on Persons with Disabilities 6:00 pm Special Called Council 181920 21 22 10am Council Airport Committee No Council Meeting 2324 Christmas Eve Holiday 25 Christmas Day Holiday 2627 28 29 No Council Meeting 3031 Cancelled - 3:00PM Board of Ethics 141
January 2021 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 New Year’s Day Holiday 2 3 4 9:00 am COE 11:30 am Council Luncheon 5 2:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 10:00 am Community Engagement 6 7 8:30 a.m. DEDC 8 9 10 11 9:00 am PUB 12:00 pm Traffic Safety Commission 12 2:00 pm 2nd Tuesday Session 13 11:00 a.m. EDPB 5:30 pm - AAB 14 3:30 p.m. Library Board 15 16 17 18 MLK Day Holiday 19 No Council Meeting 20 9:00 am Mobility Committee Meeting 21 3:00 pm CoPwD 22 23 24 25 9:00 am PUB 26 10:00 am - CAC 2:00 pm 4th Tuesday Session 27 12:00 p.m. TIRZ No.1 28 29 30 31 142
February 2021 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9:00 am COE 11:30 am Council Luncheon 2 2:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 3 11:30 am Traffic Safety Commission 4 8:30 a.m. DEDC 12:00 pm Bond Committee 5 6 7 8 9:00 am PUB 9 2:00 pm 2nd Tuesday Session 10 11:00 a.m. EDPB 5:30 pm - AAB 11 3:30 p.m. Library Board 12 13 14 15 16 2:00 pm CC Work Session 6:30 pm CC Regular Session 17 9:00 am Mobility Committee Meeting 18 19 20 21 22 9:00 am PUB 23 10:00 am - CAC 2:00 pm 4th Tuesday Session 24 25 26 27 143
Meeting Date p
15-Dec CANCELLED
17 - Dec
Special Called
2021
4 - Jan 2021
Luncheon
Start @ 11:30 a.m.
City Council 2020 Committees
20-2148
B&C 2020 Appointment Process
20-2147
Council Request
20-2096
5 - Jan 2021
Start @ 2:00 p.m.
Legislative Agenda
20-2252
Economic Development Incentive
20-2529
Internal Audit - Utility Meter Reading
20-1978
Council Requests
20-2093
12 - Jan 2021
COVID-19 Update
20-2117
DME
20-2505
Parkland Dedication & Development
Ordinance
TBD
TIRZ Study
20-2182
Council Requests
20-2094
19 - Jan 2021 No Meeting
26 - Jan 2021
Stormwater Master
20-1661
ETJ Update
20-1668
2021 May General & June Runoff
elections - locations, dates, and times
20-2399
EDPB Appointment Process
20-2550
Council Requests
20-2095
1 - Feb 2021
Luncheon
Police Department Overview
20-2354
Council Requests
20-2271 Feb 1
2 - Feb 2021
COVID-19 Update Feb. 2
20-2118
Affordable Housing
Assessment Report
20-1844
Naming for Parks
20-2320
Council Requests
20-2272 Feb 2
9 - Feb 2021
20-21 Utilities Budget and Rates
20-2261
Fund Balance Policy (General Fund,
Internal Service Fund, Utilities
20-2394
Council Requests
20-2273 Feb 9
16 - Feb 2021
EDA CARES Act
20-2183
Council Requests
20-2274 Feb 16
23 - Feb 2021
Capital Project CIP Update
20-2531
Council Requests
20-2275 Feb 23
Accessory Dwelling Units, and
Screening
DCA19-0011 Construction Code Review (TBD)Delegated Authority
COVID-19 Update Mar. 2
20-1886
Council Requests
20-2385 Mar 1
Public Art Right-of-Way Ordinance Follow-up DME Solar Programs
Council Requests
20-2386 Mar 2
Redistricting Update
June/July 2021
Hartlee Field PID
20-1789 Group Home Code Amendment
Council Requests
20-2387 Mar 16
Council Requests
20-2388 Mar 23
Canvass Runoff Election Results &
Other Action Items
FUTURE WORK SESSION ITEMS MATRIX
As of December 11, 2020
Currently Slated Work Session Items
Work Sessions Planned - Date TBD144
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Bell Ave at Mckinney St 07/08/21 09/04/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bell Ave at Mingo Rd 06/22/21 07/07/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bell Ave Withers St Mingo Rd 05/10/21 06/21/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bell Ave Texas St Withers St 04/15/21 05/07/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bell Ave Administratio
n Dr Texas St 03/18/21 04/14/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bell Ave Chapel Dr Administratio
n Dr 01/14/21 03/17/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Fannin St Welch St Bernard St 12/21/20 01/28/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water N/A (940) 349-7278
March Rail Cat Tail Heron Pond 01/04/21 02/12/21
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Precision Dr Airport Rd 1500' north 01/15/21 02/11/21
Wastewater Collections will be
installing a new wastewater
main and services.
Wastewater
Purdue Drexel Syracuse 01/04/21 02/12/21
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Street Closure Report
Upcoming Closures
Week of December 14, 2020 - December 20, 2020
Upcoming Closures
145
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Ryan Rd Roxbury St FM 2181 01/04/21 02/05/21
Contractor will be demoing the
existing drainage and roadway
and then installing drainage
improvements across Ryan RD
at the Hunter's Creek area.
They will also be installing a
new water line to the property
and then repaving this section
of road.
Message boards to be put out
on December 14th 2020.
Public Works
Inspections,
Private
Development
NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 268-9842
Total 10
Upcoming Closures
146
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Amherst Dr Georgetown
Dr Hinkle Dr 09/28/20 01/14/21
Wastewater Collections will be
installing a new wastewater
main line and services.
Wastewater N/A (940) 349-8909
Avenue C Chestnut
Street
Highland
Street 12/14/20 12/18/20
Unite Private Networks, and sub-
contractor Verticom, temporarily
closing street to install fiber
optic service.
Public Works
Inspections,
Unite Private
Networks
Direct business contact (940) 205-3779
Barrel Strap Road
North of
Hickory
Creek Road
Ocean Drive 09/07/20 01/04/21
This project is to add drainage
upgrades and widen Hickory
Creek Road. It is also adding an
acceleration lane to Barrel Strap
Road.
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Bell St University Dr Chapel Dr 12/14/20 01/13/21
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main line
and services.
Water Email Notification, Direct
business contact, N/A (940) 349-7278
Bonnie Brae IH 35E Scripture 06/15/20 03/01/21 North South Water Main Phase
3
Engineering,
Water
Temporary Flagging in
all lanes for pipe
delivery.
Direct business contact (940) 349-8938
Clydesdale Weeler
Ridge
Spainsh
Lane 12/07/20 01/29/21
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Elm Hickory Prairie 05/11/20 02/26/21 PEC 4 Utility Project Engineering Direct business contact (940) 349-8938
Ft. Worth Dr. (US 377)IH 35E FM1830 10/17/19 02/01/21
Infrastructure Safety Upgrades
& New Sewer Main Install
(temporary closures)
TxDOT (940) 349-8938
Hickory CreeK Road Teasely FM 2499 10/06/20 02/16/21
Widening of Hickory Creek road
from Teasley to FM 2499 with
an acceleration lane being
constructed on FM 2499.
Project also included drainage
upgrades.
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Hidden Meadows Trail
Intersection
with Vintage
Blvd
back of
Vintage blvd
right of way
03/16/20 01/01/21
Intermittent closures of this
intersection for construction
activities
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-8938
Street Closure Report
Week of December 14, 2020 - December 20, 2020
Current Closures
Current Closures
147
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Highland Park Jasmine st Bonnie Brae 12/03/20 12/17/20 boring a new water and sewer
line under the KCS Railroad.
Public Works
Inspections
NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 268-8946
Johnson Street Daugherty
Street Smith Street 10/26/20 12/22/20
Install new curb and gutter. Mill
off old pavement and install
new asphalt to match the grade
of the new inlets.
Streets
Scheduling conflict with
concrete contractor so
we move the start date
to 10-26-20.
Door hangers (940) 349-7146
Locust St.Prairie Highland 03/09/20 01/01/21
Storm drain improvements as
part of Pec-4 Ph 1&2
Project. East Side ln Closure
Engineering Direct business contact (940) 349-8938
Mistywood Lane Woodhaven Jamestown 10/01/20 02/12/21
Street Reconstruction
Remove and replace curb and
gutter as needed.
Remove old asphalt and
stabilize subgrade.
Install asphalt pavement
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Mockernut Rd.
Intersection
with Vintage
Blvd.
back of
Vintage
Blvd. right of
way
03/16/20 01/01/21
Intermittent closures of this
intersection for construction
activities.
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-8938
Paddock Lipizzan English
Saddle 12/14/20 01/15/21
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Prairie Elm Pierce 06/01/20 03/26/21 PEC 4 Utilities Engineering NextDoor, Direct
business contact (940) 349-8938
Prairie St.Locust St.Elm St.03/23/20 03/26/21
Storm drain improvements, as
part of Pec-4 Ph 1&2
Project. Street closed to thru
traffic.
Engineering Direct business contact (940) 349-8938
Precision Airport Rd 1500ft north 10/12/20 12/18/20
Water Distribution will be
installing a new water main and
services
Water N/A (940) 349-7278
Spencer Road Bridges St.Mayhill Road 12/07/20 01/21/21
Greystar will be placing their
sanitary line along Spencer Rd
for the Elan Denton project.
Waste Water,
Public Works
Inspections,
Private
Development
Email Notification (940) 391-6299
Current Closures
148
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Spring Creek Creek Bend Beechwood 10/05/20 12/18/20
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Underwood McCormick Ave. B 11/09/20 12/18/20
Road will be closed for paving
and sidewalk construction for
the new Fire Station #3
Public Works
Inspections N/A (210) 563-1599
West Hickory Street Welch Carroll 08/31/20 05/29/21
Construction is set to begin on
West Hickory Street between N.
Welch Street and Carroll Blvd in
September of 2020 and
continue through May of 2021.
Detailed lane closure
information is forthcoming
pending approval of the
contractor's phasing and traffic
control plans.
Atmos, Streets,
Drainage, Water,
Waste Water
8-20-20: Atmos Energy
is currently relocating
gas line on the South
side of W. Hickory
between Welch and
Bernard. Once Atmos
finishes, the contractor
will mobilize into that
same area to begin
construction.
Email Notification, Direct
business contact (940) 349-8425
Windsor Hanover Branch
Crossing 08/24/20 08/16/21 Install utilities and road
reconstruction Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Windsor Stuart Longfellow 08/24/20 08/23/21 Installation of utilities and street
reconstruction Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Windsor Stuart E. Sherman 09/07/20 12/14/20 This closure is to reconstruct
Windsor Drive Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Total 26
Current Closures
149
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Bell Ave Texas St Withers St 11/19/20 12/08/20
Wastewater Collections will be
installing a new wastewater
main and services.
Wastewater Email Notification (940) 349-8909
Club House at Sombrero 11/30/20 12/23/20
Concrete Sidewalk and ADA
Ramps Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete Sidewalk,
remove, and install new
concrete
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Collins Dallas Dr.Johnson St 07/20/20 11/30/20 Haven at Daugherty: Pavement
Public Works
Inspections,
Private
Development
N/A (940) 205-9230
Como Lake Windriver Loon Lake 10/05/20 11/13/20
Concrete Street Panel . The
process starts with Barricading
the failed sections of concrete
pavement, remove the
pavement, and install new
concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Diamond Poinsettia Cyrus Way 11/16/20 12/04/20
Concrete Street Panel and
Sidewalk Repair. The process
starts with Barricading the failed
sections of concrete pavement,
remove the pavement, and
install new concrete.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Doris McKamy Tripp Tr 10/26/20 11/20/20 Concrete Panel and Sidewalk
repair Streets
FM 2181
City of
Denton/Cori
nth City
limits
Lillian Miller 11/18/19 11/30/20 Street Widening TxDOT (940) 349-8425
Foxcroft Cir Emerson Ln Emerson Ln 03/09/20 12/11/20
Water Distribution will be
replacing the water main and
water services.
Water Intermittent closures N/A (940) 349-7278
Hercules N. Locust Stuart 08/01/20 11/01/20
The road will be closed as a
part of the 2019 Street
construction bundle Project.
Hercules is set to have
reconstruction of the curbs,
gutters and the street.
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification, Mail outs (940) 349-7426
Street Closure Report
Week of December 14, 2020 - December 20, 2020
Completed Closures
Completed Closures150
Street/Intersection From To Closure
Start Date
Closure
End Date Description Department Upcoming
Info/Notes
Public
Meeting
Other
Communication
Department
Contact
Kings Row Marrianne 288 10/22/20 11/20/20 Perform full depth base repairs
on Kings Rows.Streets
Completed about 90%
of the work. Equipment
issues so I'm extending
the project to the end of
the week.
N/A (940) 349-7146
Merlot Riesing Pinot 10/26/20 11/06/20
Concrete Sidewalk Repair. The
process starts with Barricading
the failed sections of concrete
Sidewalk, remove, and install
new concrete
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Mills Road N. Mayhill
Road S. Trinity 11/30/20 12/11/20 Perform Asphalt Base Repairs
at various locations.Streets Equipment issues so
and weather delays .Message Boards (940) 349-7146
Northcrest Rd Foxcroft Cir Emerson Ln 03/06/20 12/11/20
Water Distribution will be
replacing the water main and
water services.
Water N/A (940) 349-7278
Roberts N. Bell Brown 10/19/20 11/20/20
Curb and Gutter Repair . The
process starts with Barricading
the failed sections of, Curb and
Gutter remove and install
Curbs.
Streets N/A (940) 349-7146
Roselawn Bonnie Brae Bernard 05/12/20 11/20/20 Bonnie Brae Phase 1 Engineering North Side lane closure NextDoor (940) 349-8938
Shagbark Dr
intersection
with Vintage
Blvd
back of
Vintage Blvd
right of way
03/16/20 12/03/20
Intermittent closure of the
intersection for construction
activities.
Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-8938
Stuart Road North of
Windsor
South of
windsor 09/07/20 11/16/20 Street repairs Engineering NextDoor, Email
Notification (940) 349-7426
Vintage Blvd US377 Hidden
Meadows Trl 10/23/20 11/20/20 Bonnie Brae Phase 2 Engineering 10/14/20 NextDoor, Public
Meeting(s)(940) 349-8938
Total 17
Completed Closures151