Texas House Bill HB385

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to bond requirements for county officers and employees, district attorneys, and criminal district attorneys.

Impact

The legislation could significantly affect how counties manage the financial responsibilities of their officers. By providing the option to self-insure, counties may potentially save costs associated with obtaining bonds, which can be quite substantial. The bill mandates that commissioners' courts uphold this option, but it also places a requirement that the approval of the county judge is necessary in cases where the bond was previously subject to their approval. This shift could encourage more counties to consider self-insurance, leading to a reform in the standard practices for securing public funds.

Summary

House Bill 385 addresses the bond requirements for county officers, including district attorneys and criminal district attorneys, in Texas. The bill introduces amendments to the Government Code and Local Government Code, allowing counties to adopt self-insurance policies as an alternative to executing traditional performance bonds. This change aims to reduce the financial burden on counties while maintaining accountability among elected officials and employees concerned with handling public funds.

Contention

While the bill aims to simplify and modernize the financial requirements for county officials, it may raise concerns regarding the effectiveness of self-insurance compared to traditional bonding. Opponents could argue that self-insurance might mitigate the level of financial security that bonds provide, potentially increasing risk for public fund mismanagement. Conversely, proponents of the bill assert that it provides a practical alternative that could enhance flexibility for local governance, allowing counties to tailor their financial strategies according to their needs and circumstances.