As proposed, HB 1 appropriates $156.4 billion from all fund sources for state government operations for the 2012-13 biennium, which represents a $31.1 billion (16.6%) decrease from the 2010-11 biennium. General Revenue funds total $79.3 billion, a decrease of $9.2 billion (10.4%) less than 2010-11 spending levels. It would reduce the number of state employees by 9,287 and would decrease the state contribution rate for retirement benefits from 6.95% to 6%. The bill would not tap into the Rainy Day Fund and the balance in that fund is projected to be $9.4 billion by the end of the biennium. (Note: additional information on the proposal is included in the budget and other major issue categories below.)

Changes made include:

Committees – Adding the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs with five members, the Committee on Economic Development with seven members, and the Committee on Higher Education with seven members;

Introduction of Local Bills – Clarifying the rule on introduction of bills to allow local bills to be filed any time during the session; and

Conference Committee Reports on Appropriations Bills – Requiring the “out of bounds” resolution (the resolution suspending the limitations on the conferees) for the general appropriations bill to be provided to Senate members at least 48 hours prior to Senate action on the resolution during a regular session and 24 hours in a special session.

After the Senate adjourned on Wednesday, Lt. Governor Dewhurst said the Senate will lay out its proposed budget by the middle of next week. He said it would preserve more funding for programs such as TEXAS Grants and merit pay incentives for teachers. He added that the Senate’s budget will include enough money to take care of less-fortunate Texans.

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011

(1st Day)

The 82nd Legislature convenes at Noon.

Friday, Feb. 11, 2011

(30th Day)

The 30th day marks the end of constitutional limitations on business that may occur in the first 30 days of session. During the first 30 days of regular sessions, bills may be referred to committee, but committees may not hold hearings on bills.

Friday, March 11, 2011

(60th Day)

Deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations and bills that have been declared an emergency by the governor.

Monday, May 30, 2011

(140th Day)

This is the last day of 82nd Regular Session, when only corrections are addressed in the House and Senate. The Legislature adjourns sine die.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

(20th Day Following Final Adjournment)

This is the last day that the governor can sign or veto bills passed in the last 10 days of the Regular Session. The governor has 10 days to take final action on bills passed on or before the 130th day of Regular Session.

Monday, Aug. 29, 2011

(91st Day Following Final Adjournment)

This is the date that bills without specific effective dates, also called 90-day bills, become law. Note: The 91st day falls in the current biennium. Consider the ramifications on agency operations and budgets for bills effective on this date.