Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1123

Caption

Relating to sheriff's department civil service systems in certain counties; creating criminal offenses.

Impact

The bill's provisions have the potential to alter how law enforcement agencies handle disciplinary actions and grievances against employees. It establishes clear procedures and protocols for investigating complaints against members of the department, including the authority to administer oaths and issue subpoenas. These procedural changes could enhance accountability within sheriff's departments, ensuring that employees’ rights are safeguarded while also maintaining a structured approach to manage grievances, suspensions, and disciplinary actions effectively.

Summary

House Bill 1123 addresses the civil service systems of sheriff's departments in certain counties in Texas. The bill introduces significant amendments to the Local Government Code, specifically regarding the appointment and removal procedures for commission members of sheriff's departments. It mandates that commission members must meet specific eligibility requirements, including age, residency, citizenship, and background checks regarding moral character and previous public office. Additionally, it allows for the removal of members through a process coordinated by the commissioners' court, particularly in cases of misconduct or criminal charges.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1123 arise from concerns about the degree of oversight and authority centralized in the commissioners' court. Some advocates argue that these changes will streamline the handling of misconduct and improve the overall integrity of sheriff’s departments. In contrast, opponents may view the increased authority given to local government structures as a potential infringement on the professional autonomy of law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the procedural stipulations for grievances and potential criminal offenses introduce complexities that could evoke discussions on legislative overreach and the balance of power between local governance and law enforcement operations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1308

Relating to the establishment of a constable's department civil service system in certain counties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB994

Relating to sheriff's department civil service systems in certain counties.

TX HB993

Relating to sheriff's department civil service systems in certain counties.

TX HB3398

Relating to county zoning authority for counties adjacent to populous counties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2454

Relating to the unlawful acquisition of certain weapons; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB182

Relating to the required report of criminal offenses committed against individuals receiving certain state agency services; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1398

Relating to extreme risk protective orders; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB3400

Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3996

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB1274

Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

TX HB3894

Relating to sheriff's department civil service systems in certain counties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB487

Relating to sheriff's department civil service systems in certain counties; providing penalties.

TX SB2482

Relating to sheriff's department civil service systems in certain counties.

DC PR25-0212

Compensation and Working Conditions Agreement between the District of Columbia Public Schools and Teamsters Local 639 Approval Resolution of 2023

TX HB2508

Relating to the sheriff's department civil service commission appointments in certain counties.

TX HB7

Relating to parental rights in public education, to the creation of the office of inspector general at the Texas Education Agency, and to the reporting of certain misconduct and child abuse and neglect; creating a criminal offense.

DC PR25-0306

Compensation and Working Conditions Agreement between the Office of the State Superintendent of Education and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, District Council 20, Local 1959, AFL-CIO Approval Resolution of 2023

TX SB1565

Relating to a school district's grievance procedure and to certain public school requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction and diversity, equity, and inclusion duties and the loss of funding for public schools that fail to comply with those provisions.