Fulshear officials shared its first-ever citywide priorities for the ongoing 89th Texas Legislature.

The big picture

At a Jan. 28 meeting, Fulshear City Council approved priorities for the legislative session, highlighting specific and general priorities for the city.

According to agenda documents, the specific priorities include:
  • Seeking an amendment to Senate Bill 2038, which allows homeowners in an extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, to petition to be released, to provide exemptions for fast-growing cities
  • Amendments to House Bill 3613, which requires all members of City Council to be re-elected when changing council district boundaries, to require only council members of affected districts to be redistricted
  • Seeking to preserve ETJs, which are designated buffer zones outside of cities’ limits
  • Seeking protection against expanding existing homeowner associations
Additionally, City Council approved general priorities that include supporting:
  • Legislation that supports the city’s comprehensive plan, resident quality of life and cost-effective governance
  • Increased municipal land use authority
  • Funding for law enforcement training
  • Protection for first responders
  • Funding for workforce development at the local level and preservation of economic development tools
  • Funding for historical preservation and infrastructure
Meanwhile, the city opposes unfunded mandates, limitations on engaging lobbyists for the legislature and limitations on financing tools, according to agenda documents.

What else?


City Council also approved a $36,000 six-month contract with Cornerstone, a consulting service, to lobby for the city during the 2025 legislative session.

According to agenda documents, Cornerstone will:
  • Collaborate with city officials to develop a government relations strategy
  • Build relationships with lawmakers and regulatory bodies on the city’s behalf
  • Track and monitor relevant legislative issues impacting the city’s operations and objectives
  • Offer updates on emerging legislative issues
Cornerstone Principal Tyler Nelson is also a Fulshear resident, Mayor Don McCoy said.

“I think having a lobbyist that actually lives in our town would bring a lot of special attention considering our legislative priority,” McCoy said.

Going forward


The legislative session began Jan. 14, with a bill filing deadline of March 15, according to the Texas Legislative Council’s website. The session is slated to adjourn June 2, barring extensions through special sessions.