Texas House Bill HB1329

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the administration of oaths and issuance of subpoenas in an arbitration proceeding involving firefighters or police officers in certain political subdivisions; creating an offense.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1329 is intended to streamline the arbitration process for disputes involving public employers and unionized public safety personnel. By formalizing the authority of arbitration boards to issue subpoenas, the bill is set to facilitate a more robust discovery process, which can lead to more comprehensive and fair arbitration hearings. This change aligns with the goal of improving accountability and ensuring that testimony and evidence can be secured effectively during arbitration.

Summary

House Bill 1329 focuses on the administration of oaths and the issuance of subpoenas during arbitration proceedings involving firefighters and police officers in certain political subdivisions in Texas. This bill specifically applies to political subdivisions that are located along the border with Mexico and that have a population exceeding 800,000. The bill aims to enhance the arbitration process by allowing arbitration boards to administer oaths and issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and for the production of relevant documents necessary for the proceedings.

Contention

A notable aspect of HB 1329 is the potential for conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements negotiated under Texas law. The bill specifies that its provisions supersede any conflicting provisions in such agreements, but it also maintains that any negotiated terms that do not conflict with the bill's requirements will remain in effect. This aspect may lead to debates regarding the balance of power between the state and local governments, as well as discussions on the rights of collective bargaining against state mandates.