The Bexar County Commissioners Court approved a proposal the 89th legislature agenda during it November 12 meet.

Overview

Presented by Bexar County Government Affairs Director Melissa Shannon, the agenda was divided into two categories. The first category is initiatives that aim to change a status or obtain adequate funding. The second is policy positions, which will direct how the county government affairs office responds to bills introduced in the 89th legislative session.

Shannon listed three proposed initiatives the county will bring to the legislature.

The proposed initiatives include:

• Expanding a building permit and inspection initiative to include cities with a population of two million so that county fire inspectors can inspect local buildings.
• A loan repayment program for forensic pathologists, which applies for state funding to encourage people to enter the field of forensic pathology and to help repay loans to forensic pathologists.
• Requesting a bylaw to allow the county to request a vote on increasing the vehicle registration fee to $20, which funds the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority.

According to county officials, the proposed agenda listed approximately 27 policy items.

During the presentation, Shannon said policies are more high-level concepts and the discussion gives the government affairs office a better understanding of where county officials stand on issues that may arise during the legislative process.

Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai said further discussion is needed to refine policies to prioritize items that directly affect the county.

“I want (county officials) to look at specific initiatives and have a vetting process, instead of an omnibus policy,” Sakai said.

The proposed agenda passed 3-0, with Commissioner Grant Moody abstaining.

What’s next?

At Sakai’s recommendation, county officials will meet later this year to discuss the proposed agenda in more detail.

“I will support today’s motion, understanding that this is a work in progress,” Sakai said.