State-Mandated 2026 AI and Cybersecurity Training Now Available!
Texas Government Code Sections 2054.5191 and 2063.103 mandate artificial intelligence and cybersecurity training for local government employees, elected officials, and appointed officials who have access to a local government computer system or database. The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) has certified that the TML Risk Pool’s training options satisfy the state’s requirements — anyone who is required to take the training can either:
Training must be completed by August 31, 2026. For more details — including state reporting requirements — visit https://info.tmlirp.org/cyber-security-training and contact Ryan Burns, Director of Cyber Services, at rburns@tmlirp.org or 512-491-3427 with any cyber-related questions.
Don’t Miss Stronger, Together Podcast Episode 46: “Monumental Reduction in Law Enforcement Fatalities”
The number of law enforcement professionals nationwide who died on duty in 2025 decreased 25 percent compared to the same time period in 2024, according to preliminary data provided by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). The NLEOMF data shows that 111 federal, state, county, municipal, and U.S. Territories officers died in the line of duty in 2025, compared to the 148 officers who died in 2024. The 111 line-of-duty deaths in 2025 represents a near-historic low. The last time annual officer fatalities were at a comparable level was in 1943, when 94 officers were killed in the line of duty.
In this episode, Scott visits with Risk Pool Law Enforcement Consultants Chase Stapp and Joseph Florance, about the reduction. You’ll hear about efforts like the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Vincible training program, along with the risk management outreach by Chase and Joseph. Members are encouraged to reach out to Chase and Joe at lawenforcementoutreach@tmlirp.org or 512-491-2440 for a no-cost consultation designed to promote excellence in law enforcement.
And … Episode 47: “The Texas Municipal League and the TML Risk Pool — Scott Houston’s Reflections After 25 Years of Service”
After more than two decades serving Texas cities — and five impactful years with the TML Risk Pool — Scott Houston signs off with a thoughtful and candid conversation about a career dedicated to public service.
STP episodes are short and informative, with short being the key — no episode is longer than 15 minutes. Check one out today on the Pool’s website or your favorite podcast app!
TWDB Releases Flash Flood Warning Siren Guide
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) recently released the Flash Flood Warning Siren Guide. The guide is intended for communities responsible for planning, installing, operating and maintaining sirens in flash-flood prone areas and those involved in providing emergency warnings and public information regarding flash flood events. The guide is a byproduct of S.B. 3, passed by the 89th Legislature which directed the TWDB to assess and identify flash flood-prone areas with a history of consistent or severe flooding where outdoor warning sirens are warranted.
The guide provides requirements and recommendations for implementing sirens in flash-flood-prone areas based on best management practices and subject matter expertise. It focuses on the areas impacted by the July 2025 flood events; however, the recommendations are broadly applicable to sirens across Texas to promote safe responses to life-threatening flash floods. Interested local officials can learn more about S.B. 3’s implementation here.
Hurricane Forecast: Hurricane Season is Upon Us: Are You Prepared?
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1. Colorado State University has issued its hurricane forecast for the 2026 season.
Researchers are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season this year, with a total of 11 tropical storms, of which 5 will become hurricanes, with two potentially major hurricanes. (A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when its sustained winds reach 74 mph.) A typical year averages about 14 tropical storms, with seven spinning into hurricanes, based on weather records that date from 1991 to 2020.
No matter what happens, are you prepared? Check out our hurricane resources page on our website: Hurricane Preparedness Resources and schedule a visit with your Risk Management Advisor (RMA) to ensure your property schedule is up-to-date. Don’t know who your RMA is? Click here to find your RMA.
Board of Trustees Election
In 1973, the Texas Legislature passed legislation mandating that Texas cities provide workers’ compensation coverage to their employees. At that time, most traditional insurance companies refused to write the coverage or quoted exorbitant rates. The Texas Municipal League and several cities responded by pooling their resources and forming the “Texas Municipal League Workers’ Compensation Joint Insurance Fund.” The Fund began operating on July 1, 1974, with close to 100 members. In the over 50 years since, the Pool added Liability, Property, and Cyber Coverages, and now consists of more than 2,700 local government Members, including 95 percent of Texas Cities, and is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board is comprised of fifteen voting members, twelve of whom are elected by the Pool’s membership to serve staggered, six-year terms. It’s time for nominations to fill four positions on the TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool Board of Trustees. Nominations must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2026. Click here for more details.
Board of Trustees Adopts Rates for the 2026/27 Fund Year
While portions of the commercial insurance market continue to experience volatility (particularly in auto liability and property exposures) the Pool’s approach remains focused on rate stability, equitable cost allocation, and protecting the long-term strength of the Membership. Click here for information on rates and coverage changes.
Service in Focus: How the Pool’s Loss Prevention Team Helps You Save Lives, Prevent Injuries, and Protect Property
Loss prevention is a key component of your local government’s overall risk management strategy. Essentially, it helps you identify sources of risk and take action to reduce them. Most in the industry refer to loss control. The Pool’s department is called Loss Prevention because our goal isn’t just to “control” losses, it’s to prevent them from happening. In fact, the Pool’s mission statement speaks directly to our loss prevention focus. Click on this Loss Prevention Services and Resources Flyer for a quick overview, check out the resources available on the Publications/T.I.P.S. Sheets page, and reach out to your safety and loss control consultant today to get started! Don’t know who yours is? Check out this map or reach out to lossprevention@tmlirp.org or 512-491-2300 to find out!
July 14 Rockport Resilience Strategies for First Responders
July 15 Seabrook Performance Management and Disciplinary Action for Supervisors New! Embracing Self-Care for Effective Public Service
July 16 Leander First Amendment Auditors July 16 Pearland Performance Management and Disciplinary Action for Supervisors July 21 Brenham Trenching & Excavation Awareness Confined Space Safety Awareness
July 21–22
Jacksonville Performance Management & Disciplinary Action for Supervisors Recruitment and Onboarding for Supervisors Harassment Prevention for Supervisors
