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Rockwall commissioners urge local engagement as Texas legislature considers MUD and growth bills
Summary
Commissioners warned of bills in the 89th Texas Legislature that could alter municipal utility district formation, extraterritorial jurisdiction, and local lobbying rules; they encouraged residents to contact state lawmakers and said they had secured an amendment to exempt smaller counties from one proposed restriction.
Rockwall County commissioners used part of Tuesday’s meeting to brief residents on bills pending in the 89th Texas Legislature and to urge public engagement as lawmakers consider measures that could change local land-use and governance.
Commissioner Bobby Galana said multiple bills had been filed that would make it easier to form municipal utility districts (MUDs), curb extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) powers, or restrict local government lobbying on behalf of taxpayers. "There are no less than seven bills filed to make it easier for MUDs to form," Galana said. He added that “about six bills” would sharply limit ETJs and that some proposed measures were framed as banning taxpayer-funded lobbying.
Galana told the court the rules in Austin are shifting and encouraged residents to contact their state lawmakers — specifically naming Senator Brian Birdwell, Representative Katrina Pearson and other members being followed by the court — to express local concerns.
Commissioner Stacy and others described the issue as a struggle over local control. Stacy said the proposed changes would "drastically change the way your local government can operate" if adopted and recommended coordinated outreach to legislators.
Wins and open questions - SB 15: Commissioners said they helped secure an amendment to Senate Bill 15 to exempt counties with populations under 300,000 from a provision the court found potentially harmful; the amendment would leave larger counties covered while protecting Rockwall. - Filing volume and timelines: County officials reported nearly 6,000 bills already filed with an expectation of roughly 10,000 by the House filing deadline; the rapid pace will make it hard to track every proposal. - Transportation: Commissioners said changes in House Transportation Committee practice — including requests for local projects on a large revenue bill — could reshape how road funds are allocated. Commissioner Stacy said he planned a trip to Austin to meet with committee chairs about a possible revenue bill and how Rockwall’s projects would be considered.
How residents can act Commissioners asked residents to contact named legislators and emphasized the value of engagement. Galana credited earlier phone calls from county residents with generating a favorable amendment from one senator. "There is power in that," he said.
What the court did not do The court’s legislative remarks were informational; no formal position papers or intergovernmental resolutions were adopted at the meeting. Commissioners said they and city officials are coordinating outreach to the Capitol.
Ending: County leaders said legislative changes could have significant local consequences and urged unified, timely public input to state lawmakers as the session advances.
