The bill, S.B. No. 73, establishes the unfunded mandates interagency work group within the Texas Government Code. It defines the work group, which includes the state auditor, the director of the Legislative Budget Board, the comptroller, a senator appointed by the lieutenant governor, and a member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker. The bill outlines the group's responsibilities, including the publication of an advisory list of unfunded mandates following each legislative session, and specifies that members will not receive additional compensation for their service.

Additionally, the bill amends the definition of a "mandate" to include requirements enacted by the legislature on or after January 1, 2025, that necessitate expenditures by political subdivisions. It also clarifies the conditions under which mandates are considered reimbursed and outlines exceptions for certain mandates, such as those imposed to comply with constitutional or federal requirements. The work group is not required to publish its first report until after September 1, 2025, or 90 days after the bill's effective date, whichever is later.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 320.001 (Government Code 320)