Texas House Bill HB1187

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/24/09
• Voted on by House: 5/5/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/23/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the membership of the board of managers for certain emergency communication districts.

Impact

The change introduced by HB 1187 is significant for local governance as it establishes a clearer framework for how emergency communication boards may be structured in smaller counties. By requiring the appointment of a peace officer to the board, the bill emphasizes the role of law enforcement in emergency management. This could lead to more integrated approaches between communication services and local law enforcement agencies, potentially improving emergency response times and coordination.

Summary

House Bill 1187 focuses on the membership structure of the board of managers for emergency communication districts in Texas, specifically targeting districts located in counties with populations under 30,000. The bill mandates that the board will include representatives listed in existing statutes as well as a peace officer appointed by the county sheriff. This inclusion aims to enhance the operational effectiveness and oversight of emergency communication services in less populated areas, where resources may be limited.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward in its intentions, it may raise questions about the balance of power between county sheriffs and other appointed members of the board. Ensuring that these boards can operate effectively while maintaining diversified representation may be a point of discussion. Moreover, this change could lead to debates over funding and resource allocation for emergency communication in smaller counties, which are already facing budget constraints.