TX
Texas Senate Bill SB376

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB376

Filed
12/16/08  
Out of Senate Committee
3/2/09  
Voted on by Senate
3/19/09  
Out of House Committee
5/15/09  
Voted on by House
5/25/09  
Governor Action
6/19/09  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Enrolled
5/26/09  

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Department of Transportation related to county traffic officers.

Impact

The implementation of SB376 is expected to have significant implications for local governance and traffic regulation in Texas. By allowing district engineers to lodge written complaints against officers who fail in their duties, the bill establishes a formal mechanism for addressing deficiencies in law enforcement. This change aims to streamline the process through which officers can be held accountable, potentially leading to more effective traffic management across counties. Such improvements could contribute to better road safety and enhanced community trust in traffic enforcement.

Summary

Senate Bill 376 seeks to amend provisions related to the authority and responsibilities of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) regarding county traffic officers. The bill modifies the existing framework for overseeing and managing the performances of these officers, particularly in relation to their law enforcement duties. It aims to clarify the process by which complaints against county traffic officers can be filed and addressed, thereby enhancing accountability and operational efficiency within local law enforcement frameworks.

Contention

While proponents may argue that SB376 enhances oversight and operational efficiency, there may be concerns regarding the potential for misuse of the complaint process, which could impact officer morale and community relations. Local law enforcement representatives might express apprehensions that these amendments could inadvertently undermine the autonomy of county jurisdictions by imposing a more centralized oversight model. This bill raises essential questions about the balance of power between state authorities and local governance in regulating traffic officers and related enforcement actions.

Companion Bills

TX HB4522

Identical Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Department of Transportation related to county traffic officers.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1868

Relating to the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB418

Relating to the duties and powers of peace officers.

TX SB1311

Relating to the creation of the Texas Transportation Electrification Council and the duties of that council.

TX HB1285

Relating to the training and duties of a taxpayer liaison officer for an appraisal district.

TX HB3772

Relating to combating human trafficking by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

TX HB2190

Relating to the terminology used to describe transportation-related accidents.

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB1308

Relating to the establishment of a constable's department civil service system in certain counties; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1645

Relating to the hearings officer of the Texas Department of Banking.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.