TFCA Legislative Update January 17, 2025

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As the 89th Texas Legislative Session was called into session on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Texas Fire Chiefs Association (TCFA) was poised to address a number of topics that impact the Texas fire service in a complex political landscape. This session occurs against the backdrop of the pivotal November 2025 elections, which will shape the direction of state and local governance. With Rep. Dustin Burrows elected as Speaker of the House and the governor’s focus on school vouchers and immigration, TFCA will be up against several competing issues. The legislative process offers opportunities to advocate for necessary improvements but also introduces risks that can negatively impact fire service operations if not addressed proactively. Fire service leadership must remain vigilant, engage with stakeholders, and advocate for policies that enhance mission-critical business operations.

Texas grapples with several pressing issues that intersect with fire service needs. The ongoing population growth, particularly in urban centers, has increased pressure on first responders to meet rising service demands. Rural fire departments, on the other hand, need help in securing adequate funding and personnel, exacerbating disparities in emergency response capabilities across the state. Furthermore, as Texas frequently faces extreme weather events, including historic wildfires, hurricanes, and severe storms - the need for coordinated emergency preparedness efforts has become more urgent. Add the historic fires in the panhandle and the resulting concerns with interagency coordination, and there is no doubt the upcoming session will be busy. As we see in California, with the historic fires that have taxed every possible system, there is no doubt that many new items and examples will be brought forth during this session: some good - some concerning.

Navigating the legislative process coming out of a historic election year presents both challenges and opportunities. While election dynamics may create political gridlock on some fronts, they also provide a platform for fire service advocates to engage with candidates and push for policies that support public safety. The TFCA legislative committee monitors, proposes, and responds to legislation impacting first responders and fire service operations. Based on the interim TFCA membership survey, one-on-one discussions with fire chiefs, and discussions that arise from several TFCA-sponsored and hosted conferences and training programs, the TFCA’s Legislative Committee has narrowed its focus to what the membership has brought forth as concerns or issues needing attention during the next session. The following are the topics TFCA will be engaged in:

Health and Safety

PTSD
Cancer Protections
PFAS Exposure
Workers' Compensation Coverage during state deployments

Administration & Funding

Municipal Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
Annexation & De-Annexation Reform
Budgetary Limits & Sales Tax Usage for both municipalities and ESDs
2604 Funding
Chapter 143 and Chapter 174
Changes to Chapter 775
LODD Benefit Processing Issues