Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1450

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
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.

Summary

SB1450 is a proposed legislation aimed at affirming the right of municipalities with a population of over one million to maintain local control over employment matters such as wages, hours, and other conditions of employment. This bill proposes to amend the Local Government Code by adding provisions that protect the ability of large cities to negotiate agreements regarding employment conditions without state interference, thereby reinforcing local governance in employment matters. It emphasizes the importance of local decision-making regarding municipal employment issues amidst a landscape of varying local needs and economic conditions. The legislation especially addresses municipalities that have not adopted specific chapters that govern police and firefighter employment, allowing a broader swath of municipal employees to be covered under its provisions. It sets forth the establishment and recognition of employee associations, allowing these entities to negotiate on behalf of their members. Such recognition could provide a more stable environment for labor relations within large municipalities and facilitate better negotiation regarding employment conditions. A significant aspect of SB1450 is its restriction against strikes by covered employees, preserving the integrity of local governance in the face of labor disputes. While this prohibition may be seen as protective, it might also be viewed as limiting employees' traditional rights to collective action, raising concerns among labor rights advocates. The bill also specifies an electoral process for municipalities to authorize their employee associations to negotiate agreements, thereby involving the electorate in the labor governance process. Overall, SB1450 is expected to enhance local control over employment relationships within large municipalities, which proponents argue is essential for addressing specific local conditions and for fostering economic stability. However, it is also likely to face scrutiny and opposition from labor advocates who worry about the implications of limiting the ability of workers to engage in collective bargaining and striking, highlighting the ongoing tension between municipal governance and employee rights.

Companion Bills

TX HB4295

Very Similar 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.