Texas House Bill HB138

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08

Caption

Relating to a salary career ladder for correctional officers.

Impact

Upon implementation, the act is expected to have a significant effect on the compensation framework for correctional officers. Currently, there are gaps in salary equity within the department, and the established ladder would provide a clear guideline for salaries based on classification. This change could lead to improved job satisfaction and potentially decrease turnover rates among correctional personnel, addressing critical staffing needs in the state’s correctional facilities.

Summary

House Bill 138 aims to establish a salary career ladder for correctional officers in Texas. The bill mandates the executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to implement a salary structure that reflects an officer's position and years of service within the department. This structured salary progression is intended to promote fair compensation and acknowledge the experience of correctional officers over time, thereby enhancing workforce morale and retention.

Contention

While there has been broad support for the bill, issues may arise concerning the allocation of state funds to implement the salary increases across various classifications of correctional officers. Additionally, if the salary increases are significant, this might lead to discussions about fiscal implications and budget constraints within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Implementation logistics, including how quickly the new salary schedules can be enacted, could also become a point of debate among stakeholders.