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State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts
SAFE-D is the only organization dedicated to helping the men and women of Texas Emergency Services Districts
provide fire protection and emergency medical services to more than 10 million Texans.
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Texas Special District Leadership Forum July 22-23, 2025
National Special District Association and key Special District Partners host the Leadership Forum on pressing topics facing special districts, in Austin, Texas at the ALoft Austin Hotel, Southwest July 22-23, 2025.
Open to special district managers, directors, chiefs, and administrators, this exclusive regional forum will address critical governance, leadership, and management issues. With speakers from the Texas Special Districts Coalition, PTMA, Applied Leadership, Paragon Government Relations, and Streamline, this forum provides an opportunity to learn from others in the special district world, connect with peers, hear from experts in organizational leadership, learn about collaboration in Texas among special districts, and stay ahead of industry trends. iamGIS and Govdeals will also be onsite to share their latest services for special districts.
REGISTER HERE. (Note: This event is NOT accredited for ESD Commissioner training hours.)
Federal Legislation Update - H.R.2766 introduced in the U.S. House
Federal law currently lacks a clear definition of “special district,” creating unnecessary barriers to federal resources, emergency funding, and essential grants. Since 2020, the National Special Districts Association (NSDA) has led efforts to establish a federal definition. This work has resulted in proposed legislation to amend U.S. Code Title 13, ensuring that special districts are formally recognized and equitably included in federal programs.
Special thanks to Texas' own Congressman Pat Fallon for introducing H.R. 2766 - the Special District fairness and Accessibility Act
This legislation aims to:
- Establish a first-ever, formal definition of “special district” in federal law
- Direct OMB to issue guidance to federal agencies requiring special districts to be recognized as local governments for the purpose of federal financial assistance determinations. Federal agencies would have one year to implement OMB’s guidance.
A formal definition of “special district” would foster consistency and enhance special districts’ access to a number of federal programs. Moreover, having a formal definition of special district codified in law would help facilitate the inclusion of special districts in future legislative proposals on Capitol Hill.
More information on the bill can be can be found HERE and HERE.
Special Legislative Panel Calls for More Money for VFDs
FAQs About ESDs
Learn more about ESDs - grassroots governments that provide fire protection or emergency medical services at a fraction of the costs of municipal fire departments.
File Your 2025 State-Required ESD Report
State law (Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 775.083) requires Emergency Services Districts to file a report with the Texas Division of Emergency Management by January 1 of each year.
Through an agreement with TDEM, you can file your ESD's January 1, 2025 report through SAFE-D.
USE THIS LINK TO FILE YOUR ESD's 2025 REPORT
For a link to the currently filed 2025 reports, go here: www.safe-d.org/esdreports25.
ESD Tax Rate Setting Hub
SAFE-D has created a page with resources for ESDs looking for guidance in setting their Ad Valorem Tax Rate. Go HERE to find a recording of the recent ESD Tax Rate Process webcast, links to Comptroller forms, rate setting timelines, and more.
As always, be sure to check with your own counsel should you have the need for legal advice
ESD Websites
Senate Bill 2, passed in 2019, requires Texas ESDs to maintain websites and specifies information that must be available to the public. Here's a link to statutory requirements for local government websites, including ESDs.
Here is a link to Texas ESD websites.
To have your ESD's website added to this list, email admin@safe-d.org.
SAFE-D Video: How to Create an ESD
SAFE-D 2026 Annual Conference
SAFE-D's 24th Annual Conference will be held at the Henry B. Gonzáles Convention Center in San Antonio, January 29-31, 2026.
HOTEL ROOM BLOCKS AND CONFERENCE REGISTRATION WILL OPEN IN NOVEMBER 2025. There are emails going around trying to advertise hotel room bookings through outside organizations. THOSE EMAILS ARE NOT LEGITIMATE AND ARE NOT CONNECTED TO SAFE-D. Anything about the Conference will come directly from us.
We hope to see you there!
Video Library
Access recordings of SAFE-D webcasts by clicking to https://www.safe-d.org/video-library/.
Coming Soon: This content will only be available to members through the soon-to-be-released Member Center.