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TXDMV seeks $529.7 million for FY 2026–27; House and Senate introduced bills match baseline request
Summary
Budget staff told the board the department's legislative appropriations request (LAR) seeks $529.7 million over FY 2026–27 and 902 FTEs; House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1 introduced versions funded the baseline request while exceptional items (RTS modernization and additional FTE requests) will be considered through the committee process.
Budget staff briefed the board on the agency's Legislative Appropriations Request for fiscal 2026–27, including the status of introduced budget bills and next steps in the legislative process.
Why it matters: The introduced budget bills (HB 1 and SB 1) funded TXDMV's baseline request, and both maintain funding for the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority. Exceptional items requested by the department — RTS modernization and additional FTEs — were not included in the introduced bills and will proceed through committee consideration.
John Ralston, budget and forecasting director, told the board the department's baseline LAR request totals $529.7 million over the biennium and includes 902 FTEs. Both introduced budget bills included the baseline increases to support postage, license plate production, technology projects, data center services and ongoing projects such as automation and PC replacement. Ralston said HB 1 contains language in Article 9 that could allow cross‑article IT program funding in a supplemental appropriation; SB 1 does not include that language and the difference will be reconciled during session.
Ralston said the agency has completed initial briefings with the Senate Finance Committee and expects a House Appropriations hearing; he characterized the early process as a positive start but cautioned that the outcome could change during session committee work.
Board members thanked staff for their preparation and asked procedural questions about next steps.
This item was a briefing only; no board action was requested.
