Texas House Bill HB3168

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/5/11
• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Refer: 3/23/11
• Report Pass: 4/27/11

Caption

Relating to state personnel and other human resources matters and the disposition of certain state property.

Impact

The bill significantly affects the governance of state personnel practices by formalizing the ability of state agencies, including institutions of higher education, to enact furlough programs as a cost-saving measure. Furthermore, it establishes a structured approach for involuntary furloughs, ensuring that employees continue to accrue service credit towards benefits like longevity pay and sick leave while on furlough. Additionally, the bill modifies the human resources staffing criteria, aiming to streamline operations within state agencies based on employee counts.

Summary

House Bill 3168 addresses various state personnel and human resources matters, as well as the disposition of certain state property. It introduces provisions that allow institutions of higher education to establish mandatory employee furlough programs based on their operational needs. This bill aims to increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and respond to the financial conditions faced by higher education institutions. It outlines the eligibility criteria and operational mechanisms for these furlough programs, enabling state agencies to implement necessary staffing adjustments without violating existing contracts or agreements.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention arise from the expanded authority granted to state institutions regarding employee furloughs and salary reductions. Critics argue that these provisions could lead to inconsistent application across different state agencies and may disproportionately impact lower-income employees who rely heavily on their salaries. Supporters, however, contend that the flexibility provided by this bill is necessary for agencies to respond effectively to fluctuating budgets and operational demands. The overall discourse surrounding this bill reflects a tension between cost management in state operations and the protection of employee rights.