Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4295

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
4/30/09  
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the right of certain municipalities to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Impact

The passage of HB 4295 would amend existing local government statutes, consolidating power at the municipal level to set employment terms without interference from state laws. This would positively impact larger cities' governance, allowing them to tailor labor agreements that suit their specific workforce dynamics. By fostering a more localized management approach, the bill intends to streamline negotiations between city management and employee associations, potentially leading to enhanced employee satisfaction and retention.

Summary

House Bill 4295 focuses on granting local municipalities the authority to maintain control over wages, hours, and other conditions of employment for their municipal employees. Specifically aimed at municipalities with a population exceeding one million, the bill allows for mutual agreements between public employers and employee associations recognized as exclusive bargaining agents for covered employees, while prohibiting contracts that advocate for employees' right to strike. This legislation seeks to empower local governments to negotiate directly on employment terms, thereby enhancing their operational flexibility and responsiveness to community needs.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has sparked significant debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that allowing municipalities to negotiate wages and working conditions fosters better labor relations and addresses local issues more effectively. Conversely, critics fear that this bill may lead to inconsistencies in employment standards across municipalities and could undermine broader protections typically provided under state law. Concerns have also been raised regarding the implications for police and firefighter associations, as the bill does not extend these labor rights to their representatives.

Companion Bills

TX SB1450

Very Similar Relating to the right of certain municipalities to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX SB2446

Similar To Relating to the right of certain municipalities to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Previously Filed As

TX HB413

Relating to a progressive disciplinary matrix for police officer misconduct in certain municipalities.

TX HB1579

Relating to the investigation of municipal fire fighters in certain municipalities.

TX SB1436

Relating to the investigation of municipal fire fighters in certain municipalities.

TX HB4854

Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.

TX HB2519

Relating to law enforcement misconduct and law enforcement interactions with certain detained or arrested individuals and other members of the public, to public entity liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.

TX HB3421

Relating to the provision of law enforcement services in certain municipalities by the Department of Public Safety.

TX HB4000

Relating to the public retirement systems for employees of certain municipalities.

TX SB1444

Relating to the public retirement systems for employees of certain municipalities.

TX SB1418

Relating to the route designation for the issuance of a permit for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles in certain counties.

TX SB571

Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, witnesses to the commission of those offenses, and other members of the public, to peace officer liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.

Similar Bills

TX HB1173

Relating to the right of certain municipalities to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX SB764

Relating to the right of certain municipalities to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX SB2069

Relating to the right of certain municipalities to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX SB2447

Relating to the right of certain counties to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX HB3058

Relating to the right of certain counties to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX SB1295

Relating to separate negotiations regarding employment matters for police officers and firefighters in certain municipalities.

TX HB3008

Relating to the right of certain counties to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX HB3011

Relating to the right of certain counties to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.