Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB764

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
3/19/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/2/09  
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 implications of S.B. 764 are significant for municipal governance in Texas. It allows for established procedures whereby municipality representatives can negotiate terms with employee associations recognized as bargaining agents. This could lead to a more engaged local labor market and potentially enhance workers' rights and job satisfaction. The bill is designed to enable municipalities to adapt their approach to human resource management, thus acknowledging the unique demographics and labor needs of larger cities while balancing statewide uniformity in labor policies.

Summary

S.B. No. 764, introduced by Sen. Watson and Sen. Hinojosa, pertains to the authority of certain municipalities in Texas to maintain local control over issues related to wages, hours, and other employment terms and conditions. This bill specifically aims to enhance the capabilities of municipalities with populations of 1.5 million or more by allowing them to enter into agreements concerning the employment rights of their workers. The legislative intent strives to ensure that local governments can effectively respond to the needs of their communities in labor management without infringement by state statutes.

Contention

As with many labor-related bills, S.B. 764 likely faces contention primarily from those who oppose expanding municipal control over labor matters, arguing it could create inconsistencies in employment law across the state. Critics may express concern that such local control could lead to uneven labor practices and complexities for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions. Proponents, however, emphasize the necessity of giving local governments the flexibility to tailor employment rules that meet the specific needs of their workforce and community. The bill also explicitly disallows agreements that advocate for illegal strikes, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Companion Bills

TX HB1173

Identical 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 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 HB413

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

TX SB799

Relating to benefits for certain first responders and other employees related to illness and injury.

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 SB1418

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

TX HB471

Relating to the entitlement to and claims for benefits for certain first responders and other employees related to illness and injury.

TX HB5

Relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing penalties.

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.

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 SB1268

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

TX HB3276

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

TX SB2408

Relating to the authority of certain school districts to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX HB4649

Relating to the authority of certain school districts to maintain local control over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

TX HB1659

Relating to conditions of employment for an employee of certain sheriff's departments.

TX HB4308

Relating to conditions of employment for an employee of certain sheriff's or constable's departments.

TX HB2673

Relating to conditions of employment for an employee of certain sheriff's departments.