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This week, staff from the Texas Legislative Budget Board and various state agencies will convene for the second round of crucial joint budget hearings scheduled for September 9th through September 13th. These hearings are an integral part of the state’s budget process, serving as a foundation for the detailed discussions, deliberations, and decisions that will ultimately shape Texas’s fiscal policy and priorities for the upcoming biennium.
Following the initial rounds held in late August, this week’s sessions will focus on additional key state agencies and their budget requests, highlighting the ongoing fiscal challenges and opportunities for Texas in the upcoming legislative session.
Recap: What Are Joint State Budget Hearings?
As detailed previously, joint state budget hearings are a collaborative effort by each chamber of the Texas Legislature in conjunction with the Legislative Budget Board to review budget requests from state agencies and to discuss funding priorities for the upcoming biennium. These hearings are crucial for lawmakersa to assess the financial needs of various agencies, evaluate current spending, and consider potential adjustments in light of economic forecasts and revenue projections.
Key Dates and Agencies for September 9th to 13th
Below is the published schedule for the second round of joint budget hearings taking place the week of September 9th through September 13th. For reference, we have also included the amount budgeted for each agency in the 2022-23 biennium, the amount appropriated in the most recent biennium (2024-25), and the percentage change between the two:
Monday, September 9, 2024
| Agency/Program | Start & End Times | 2022-23 Estimated/Budgeted | 2024-25 Appropriations | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15th Court of Appeals | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | – | $2.3 million | – |
| Court of Criminal Appeals | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | $39.9 million | $47.4 million | +18.8% |
| Judiciary Section, Comptroller’s Department | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | $370.9 million | $401.7 million | +8.3% |
| Office of Capital & Forensic Writs | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | $4.5 million | $6.5 million | +44.0% |
| Office of Court Administration | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | $251.3 million | $296.9 million | +18.2% |
| Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | $0.9 million | $1.0 million | +9.4% |
| State Commission on Judicial Conduct | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | $2.4 million | $3.0 million | +22.4% |
| State Law Library | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | $2.2 million | $2.7 million | +20.7 % |
| Supreme Court of Texas | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | $103.7 million | $102.7 million | -0.9% |
| Texas Commission on Fire Protection | 1:00 – 1:30 PM | $4.5 million | $5.3 million | +18.9% |
Thursday, September 12, 2024
| Agency/Program | Start & End Times | 2022-23 Estimated/Budgeted | 2024-25 Appropriations | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Health Commission | 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | $34.3 million | $37.2 million | +8.6% |
| Low-level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission | 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM | $0.9 million | $1.0 million | +12.4% |
Friday, September 13, 2024
| Agency/Program | Start & End Times | 2022-23 Estimated/Budgeted | 2024-25 Appropriations | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Commission on Jail Standards | 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM | $3.1 million | $4.0 million | +28.1% |
| Commission on Law Enforcement | 2:00 – 2:30 PM | $18.1 million | $25.8 million | +42.8% |
Several other joint budget hearings have been scheduled throughout September and October as well. You can find that schedule here.
Impact on Texas Fiscal Policy
The outcomes of these hearings will be vital for shaping Texas’s fiscal policy and budgetary framework for the next two years. Lawmakers will use the testimony and data provided by these agencies to craft a budget that addresses the needs of a rapidly growing state while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Conclusion
The joint state budget hearings this week offer another opportunity for Texans to witness the appropriations process in action. These discussions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Texas’s fiscal policy and ensuring that the state’s budget reflects its priorities and values. Stay tuned for more updates as the hearings progress, and be sure to engage with Texas Policy Research for detailed analysis and insights.
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