Texas House Bill HB1960

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/15/09
• Voted on by House: 4/22/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/18/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the payment for an appearance as a witness for certain peace officers and firefighters.

Impact

The impact of HB1960 is significant as it amends the Local Government Code to enforce municipalities to pay first responders for their time spent in court, thereby promoting fair treatment of those who serve in such public safety roles. This move could strengthen the legal protections and financial arrangements available to emergency personnel as they participate in necessary legal processes, reflecting a commitment to support those in these demanding positions.

Summary

House Bill 1960 seeks to establish clear payment guidelines for peace officers and firefighters when they are required to appear as witnesses in legal proceedings involving their municipalities. The bill outlines that municipalities must compensate these witnesses for required appearances in both civil and criminal suits, including administrative proceedings. This compensation is valid under certain conditions: the appearance must be required, it must occur during time off, and the individual must be acting in their official capacity as a peace officer or firefighter.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB1960 may arise from concerns over fiscal responsibilities of municipalities and the potential strain on local budgets due to mandatory payments. Opponents might argue it could lead to increased costs for local governments, especially in smaller municipalities with limited financial resources. Additionally, considerations may emerge around how this bill intersects with existing employment contracts and agreements between local governments and their employees, possibly necessitating further discussions on labor relations.