BUDA — Buda City Council discussed the upcoming legislative session at its Jan. 7 meeting.

According to city manager Micah Grau, the next legislative session begins on Jan. 14 and, although some bills have already begun to be filed, the final day is March 14, with the last day of the session occurring June 2.

“This has been a historic session, without it even starting, as the total number of bills profiled — and my data is even a few days old — but there has been almost 2,400 bills filed already. Texas Municipal League (TML) is tracking about 640 of those as being impactful and related to cities,” said Grau.

The city manager continued, stating that city staff have been working with legislative officials over the past few weeks, along with tracking and monitoring any files that could be beneficial or detrimental to the city.

A report will come in front of council monthly until the session is over beginning in February, he explained. It is at these presentations that council members will be able to do resolutions of support or opposition of bills.

“One of the benefits we have is that I’m currently Region 10 president for TML and so, we will be collecting all of the priorities for all of the cities in Region 10 and then, providing a concerted effort of making representation and providing feedback to each city on what the basic priorities are that we have in common as a region. So, we’ll have a regional presence there,” said council member LaVonia Horne-Williams.

According to agenda documents, there are 13 items that the city has listed as priorities in the upcoming session:
• Local control
• Mobility
• Revenue
• Public safety
• Health and wellness
• Expand broadband
• Tourism, parks and natural areas
• Economic development
• Development
• Housing
• Right of way
• Flood Prevention
• Other issues

With local control, council members have expressed the want to support TML’s efforts and oppose legislation that erodes and preempts local control, more specifically legislation that limits a city’s ability to self-govern.

“Recent national events have highlighted the need for new policing strategies and training methods for law enforcement,” read the agenda document. “Additional funding, training and resources are needed to provide officers with the tools and skills to safely protect themselves and the community members they serve.”

Council aims to support legislation that promotes: community policing practices and social justice; de-escalation training for all officers; positive interactions between officers and the public; funding for officers; training and equipment; while opposing legislation that penalizes a city for making choices on policing strategies best suited for the city.

“My only comment is brace yourself,” concluded council member Evan Ture.

Buda City Council will meet next on Jan. 21.