“What’s New” for Legislature

09/27/24	Reminder – Take Our Customer Service Survey Reminder – Take Our Customer Service Survey We care about what you think! Please take a moment to fill out Fiscal Management’s online customer service survey. We depend on your feedback to improve our operations and better meet your needs. The survey has three main questions that should take less than a minute to answer, plus an opportunity to provide additional feedback. You can access the survey until Friday, Oct. 4. Please share this email and survey link with any staff that may interact with Fiscal Management and our statewide systems. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughts. Email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov with any questions.
06/21/24	Current Forms Always Available on FMX Current Forms Always Available on FMX Check the Forms page on FMX to ensure you use the current version. Previously downloaded forms might be outdated. The top of every FMX page has a link to the Forms page. Topic pages such as Appropriations and Payment Services link to their specific forms on the Forms page. Note: Payment Services forms on FMX are secured and require login to prevent unauthorized users from accessing them and submitting them to state agencies. If it is necessary for your agency to maintain any of these forms on your website, ensure the forms require login and that you are using the most current version.
04/19/24	GAA Book Available GAA Book Available Agencies can purchase bound copies of the 2024-25 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for $15 each, including postage. All orders must be made online and prepaid with an interagency transaction voucher (ITV) or by check. Printed copies will be mailed in May 2024.
02/23/24	Encrypt Confidential Emails to Fiscal Management Encrypt Confidential Emails to Fiscal Management State agencies and institutions of higher education sometimes send documents with confidential information to Fiscal Management. An unencrypted email is not a secure transmission. Agencies must send confidential information in an encrypted email or as an encrypted email attachment as prescribed by your agency’s information security policy. See Confidential Information Must Be Encrypted Before Emailing to Fiscal Management (FPP D.004) for details.
01/12/24	Comptroller Manual of Accounts Updated Comptroller Manual of Accounts Updated Effective Jan. 1, substantive changes have been made to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009), reflecting legislation passed by the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, and resulting from the Nov. 7, 2023, election for Texas constitutional amendments. The Manual of Accounts provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds, and accounts and object codes for recording accounting transactions.
01/05/24	Economic Stabilization Fund Fiscal Brief Now Available Economic Stabilization Fund Fiscal Brief Now Available The Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) fiscal brief has been updated for the 2024-25 biennium. The ESF fiscal brief provides background information, key facts, how the ESF is funded, and calculation of the fund cap. Additionally, the ESF history table provides comprehensive data including historical revenues, expenditures, and maximum and ending balances since the fund’s inception in 1990 to the current biennium.
12/14/23	Security Alert: Avoid Email Confirmation Security Alert: Avoid Email Confirmation Fiscal Management urges all agencies to review and further strengthen internal processes and procedures for requesting system or security changes. To avoid security threats, it is best to validate requests by a method other than email. In the past, hackers harvested credentials such as user IDs, passwords, email addresses, etc., then used the credentials to access systems and gather data or other sensitive information. Now, hackers target the credential with the most transparency — email addresses. They hijack an email account, change the password, then use the email address to request the agency to provide sensitive information or make detrimental changes to the user’s profile, such as changing direct deposit instructions. This is what makes these hacks so dangerous. Everything about the email appears legitimate, because it is. Since the email account is compromised, the traditional strategy of training users to identify illegitimate email will not work. Only a second level of validation will ensure the instructions received were from the intended user. See Fraud Prevention Recommendations for more tips, or contact your agency’s information security office for more information and/or to discuss and implement security improvements for your agency.
11/17/23	GAA for 2024-25 GAA for 2024-25 Bound copies of the 2024-25 General Appropriations Act (GAA) are not on sale at this time. The Comptroller’s office will issue an announcement once the bound/printed copies are available for purchase. See Conference Committee Report, House Bill 1, General Appropriations Bill for an electronic copy.
10/06/23	SB8 Supplemental Appropriations Expiring SB8 Supplemental Appropriations Expiring Agencies with supplemental appropriations made by Senate Bill 8, 87th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, must encumber or accrue obligated funds by Nov. 7 in USAS with an effective date of Oct. 31 to allow expenditure over the next two fiscal years. Any balances not encumbered or accrued will lapse. See Processing Supplemental Appropriations and Reductions (FPP A.047) for more information or contact your appropriation control officer with questions.
09/28/23	Reminder – Complete Our Customer Service Survey by Sept. 29 Reminder – Complete Our Customer Service Survey by Sept. 29 If you already completed our Fiscal Management customer service survey, thank you! If you haven't had a chance to take our online survey, it will be available until the close of business Friday, Sept. 29. We appreciate your feedback. If you have any questions about the survey, email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov.
09/15/23	Fiscal Management Customer Service Survey Fiscal Management Customer Service Survey How well are we meeting your customer service expectations? Please let us know by completing the online survey by Friday, Sept. 29. We appreciate your feedback. Email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov with any questions.
09/08/23	Additional Accounting Policy Statements Updated Additional Accounting Policy Statements Updated The following Accounting Policy Statements (APSs) have been updated: APS 003 – Reimbursements for Unemployment Compensation Payments APS 010 – Travel Advance Account and Petty Cash Account APS 018 – Encumbrance Report and Lapsing of Appropriations APS 026 – Capital Budget Rider Appropriations APS 027 – Accounting for Uncollectible Accounts Review each APS to ensure compliance with the most current policies and procedures.
09/08/23	Comptroller Manual of Accounts Updated Comptroller Manual of Accounts Updated Effective Sept. 1, substantive changes have been made to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009) reflecting legislation passed by the 88th Legislature. The Manual of Accounts provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds, accounts and object codes to record accounting transactions.
08/18/23	Accounting Policy Statements Updated Accounting Policy Statements Updated The following Accounting Policy Statements (APSs) have been updated: APS 001 – Sources of Revenue Required to Pay Benefit Cost APS 005 – Reimbursing Retirement Contributions and Insurance Premiums APS 007 – Revenue Deposits Intended to Increase Appropriation Authority APS 008 – Deposit of Sales Taxes Collected by State Agencies APS 013 – Refunding Deposits APS 014 – Interagency Payments and Receipts for Goods and Services APS 019 – Salary Benefit Appropriation Allocations APS 021 – Correcting Bookkeeping and Cost Allocation Entries APS 025 – Cost Allocation From Temporary Administrative and Support Appropriations APS 028 – Reporting of State Debts and Hold Offset Procedures APS 029 – Electronic Processing of Revenues and Expenditures Review each APS to ensure compliance with the most current policies and procedures.
08/11/23	88th Legislature GAA Updates 88th Legislature GAA Updates The 88th Legislature updated Article IX of the General Appropriations Act (GAA); changes take effect Sept. 1. See Changes to Article IX of the GAA and Other Bills of Interest to State Agencies (FPP F.008) for a summary of GAA changes and other legislation that affects state agencies.
08/04/23	HB 9 Supplemental Appropriations Expiring HB 9 Supplemental Appropriations Expiring Agencies with supplemental appropriations made by House Bill 9, 87th Legislature, Second Called Session must encumber or accrue obligated funds by Sept. 16 in USAS with an effective date of Aug. 31 to allow expenditure over the next two fiscal years. Any balances not encumbered or accrued will lapse. See Processing Supplemental Appropriations and Reductions (FPP A.047) for more information or contact your appropriation control officer with questions.
08/04/23	Legislative Changes to Salary Administration Legislative Changes to Salary Administration The 88th Legislature, Regular Session, updated: Salary/HR administration Leave administration Retirement rates for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025 See Legislative Changes Affecting Salary Administration, 88th Legislature (FPP F.021) for more information.
07/14/23	Limits on New Accounts, Funds and Revenue Dedications Limits on New Accounts, Funds and Revenue Dedications House Bill 3461, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, continues the policy of limiting the number of new general revenue accounts, special funds and dedications of revenue. See Funds Consolidation: Limits on New General Revenue Accounts, Special Funds and Dedications of Revenue (FPP A.046) for a summary of HB 3461.
07/14/23	Updates to Comptroller Manual of Accounts Updates to Comptroller Manual of Accounts Substantive changes have been made to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009) reflecting legislation passed by the 88th Legislature, Regular Session effective before Sept. 1. The Manual of Accounts provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds, and accounts and object codes to use when properly recording accounting transactions.
06/26/23	SB 30 Supplemental Appropriation and Reduction Transactions Due SB 30 Supplemental Appropriation and Reduction Transactions Due Processing Supplemental Appropriations and Reductions (FPP A. 047) has been updated with instructions for USAS and CAPPS to reflect Senate Bill 30, 88th Legislature, Regular Session. Affected state agencies and institutions of higher education must complete these profiles and transactions by July 31.
06/23/23	Salary Increase Information Available Salary Increase Information Available The 88th Legislature, Regular Session, provided appropriations for two salary increases for certain state agency positions in fiscal 2024 and 2025 as well as appropriations in fiscal 2023 to accelerate the effective date of the first increase to July 1. See Appropriations for the Salary Increase Allocation for Certain State Positions(FPP A.009) and Guidelines for the Salary Increase for Certain State Positions (FPP F.017) for more information.
05/19/23	Current Forms Always Available on FMX Current Forms Always Available on FMX Check the Forms page on FMX to ensure you use the current version. Previously downloaded forms might be outdated. The top of every FMX page has a link to the Forms page. Topic pages (such as Appropriations and Payment Services link to their specific forms on the Forms page. Note: Payment Services forms on FMX are secured and require login to prevent unauthorized users from accessing them and submitting them to state agencies. If it is necessary to maintain any of these forms on your agency’s website, ensure the forms require login and are the most current version.
05/04/23	HB 2 Supplemental Appropriations Expiring HB 2 Supplemental Appropriations Expiring Agencies with supplemental appropriations made by House Bill 2, 87th Legislature, Regular Session must encumber or accrue obligated funds by June 17 in USAS with an effective date of May 31 to allow expenditure over the next two fiscal years. Any balances not encumbered or accrued will lapse. Contact your appropriation control officer with questions.
02/24/23	Encrypt Confidential Emails to Fiscal Management Encrypt Confidential Emails to Fiscal Management State agencies and institutions of higher education sometimes send documents with confidential information to Fiscal Management. An unencrypted email is not a secure transmission. Agencies must send confidential information in an encrypted email or as an encrypted email attachment as prescribed by your agency’s information security policy. See Confidential Information Must Be Encrypted Before Emailing to Fiscal Management (FPP D.004) for details.
01/13/23	Biennial Revenue Estimate Biennial Revenue Estimate The 2024-25 Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) is available on Comptroller.Texas.Gov, following its release to the Texas Legislature. Lawmakers use this constitutionally mandated estimate to create a balanced budget during the legislative session. See the Comptroller’s news release for more on the 2024-25 BRE.
01/05/23	Report to the 88th Legislature: CAPPS – ERP in Texas Report to the 88th Legislature: CAPPS – ERP in Texas The biennial Report to the 88th Legislature: CAPPS — ERP in Texas is available now for view or download. The report details the progress of statewide deployment of the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS). See the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) topic page for more information.
12/30/22	Current Forms Always Available on FMX Current Forms Always Available on FMX Check the Forms page on FMX before submitting a form to ensure you submit the current version. Previously downloaded forms or stored links might be outdated. The top of every FMX page has a link to the Forms page. Topic pages (such as Appropriations or Payment Services) link to their specific forms on the Forms page.
12/02/22	Reminder – Local Funds Reporting Requirements Due Reminder – Local Funds Reporting Requirements Due State agencies that receive, spend or administer funds or revenues held outside the state’s treasury (local funds) are required to submit financial data on those funds to the Comptroller’s office. Fiscal 2023 projected data must be submitted by Dec. 9 using the updated Excel reporting spreadsheet provided in Requirements for Local Operating Funds and Associated Local Funds (FPP S.009). See Additional reporting requirements per the GAA in the Agency Requirements section of FPP S.009.
11/28/22	Economic Stabilization Fund Fiscal Brief Economic Stabilization Fund Fiscal Brief The Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) fiscal brief has been updated for the 2022–23 biennium. The brief describes the ESF background, key facts, funding source and calculation of the fund cap. Additionally, the ESF history table provides historical revenues, expenditures, and maximum and ending balances since the fund’s 1990 inception.
11/18/22	Reminder – Local Funds Reporting Requirements Due Reminder – Local Funds Reporting Requirements Due State agencies that receive, spend or administer funds or revenues held outside the state’s treasury (local funds) are required to submit financial data on those funds to the Comptroller’s office. Fiscal 2023 projected data must be submitted by Dec. 9 using the updated Excel reporting spreadsheet provided in Requirements for Local Operating Funds and Associated Local Funds (FPP S.009). See Additional reporting requirements per the GAA in the Agency Requirements section of FPP S.009.
11/10/22	Local Funds Reporting Requirements Due Local Funds Reporting Requirements Due State agencies that receive, spend or administer revenue held outside the state’s treasury (local funds) are required to submit financial data on those funds to the Comptroller’s office. Fiscal 2023 projected data must be submitted by Dec. 9 using the updated Excel reporting spreadsheet provided in Requirements for Local Operating Funds and Associated Local Funds (FPP S.009). See Additional reporting requirements per the GAA in the Agency Requirements section of FPP S.009.
09/23/22	Reminder – Fiscal Management Customer Service Survey Reminder – Fiscal Management Customer Service Survey How well are we meeting your customer service expectations? Please let us know by completing the online survey by Friday, Sept. 30. We appreciate your feedback. Email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov with any questions.
09/16/22	2022 Fiscal Management Customer Service Survey 2022 Fiscal Management Customer Service Survey How well are we meeting your customer service expectations? Please let us know by completing the online survey by Friday, Sept. 30. We appreciate your feedback. Email us at fiscal.documentation@cpa.texas.gov with any questions about the survey.
03/18/22	Encrypt Confidential Emails to Fiscal Management Encrypt Confidential Emails to Fiscal Management State agencies and institutions of higher education sometimes send documents with confidential information to Fiscal Management. Email is not a secured transmission. Agencies must send confidential information as an encrypted email attachment as prescribed by your agency’s information security policy. See Confidential Information Must be Encrypted Before Emailing to Fiscal Management (FPP D.004) for details.
03/04/22	GAA Books Available GAA Books Available Agencies can purchase bound copies of the 2022-23 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for $15 each, including postage. All orders must be made online and prepaid with an interagency transaction voucher (ITV) or by check. Printed copies will be mailed in May 2022.
02/18/22	Comptroller Manual of Accounts Updated Comptroller Manual of Accounts Updated Effective Jan. 1, substantive changes have been made to the Texas Comptroller Manual of Accounts (FPP Q.009) reflecting legislation passed by the 86th and 87th Legislatures, Regular Session. The Manual of Accounts provides current information on state agencies, appropriated funds, and accounts and object codes for recording accounting transactions.
01/03/22	Current Forms Always Available on FMX Current Forms Always Available on FMX Check the Forms page or appropriate topic page on FMX before submitting a form to ensure you submit the current version. Previously downloaded forms or stored links might be outdated. You’ll find a link to the Forms page at the top of any FMX page. Also, FMX topic pages such as Appropriations or Payment Services feature links to related forms.
12/13/21	Supplemental Appropriation and Reduction Transactions Due Supplemental Appropriation and Reduction Transactions Due Processing Supplemental Appropriations and Reductions (FPP A. 047) has been updated with instructions for USAS and CAPPS to reflect recent changes from the 87th Legislature, Special Sessions. Affected state agencies and institutions of higher education must follow the instructions in FPP A.047 by Dec. 21.