Relating to compensatory time accrued by a correctional officer employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would have a significant impact on employment policies within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. By allowing correctional officers to receive payment for unused compensatory time, it not only recognizes their service but also promotes a work environment where performance is rewarded. This legislative change could potentially lead to improved morale among correctional staff as it acknowledges their efforts in a financially meaningful way and could encourage better performance evaluations throughout the year.
Summary
House Bill 137 aims to amend the Government Code to provide specific provisions regarding compensatory time accrued by correctional officers employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill stipulates that correctional officers who have unused compensatory time on the anniversary of their employment are entitled to payment for their accrued time, given they meet certain conditions. These conditions include not having been subject to disciplinary action for the past year and receiving at least a satisfactory performance evaluation. This bill seeks to provide financial incentives to correctional officers for their service and performance.
Contention
While the bill is largely focused on providing more benefits to correctional officers, there may be some contention regarding its financial implications for the state budget. Opponents might argue that offering additional payment for unused compensatory time could increase expenditures for the Department of Criminal Justice, potentially diverting funds from other essential services or programs. There may also be discussions about the effectiveness of performance evaluations and whether the criteria for receiving compensatory time payments sufficiently ensure that only deserving individuals benefit from this provision.