Texas House Bill HB2953

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a grant program to provide salary increases to full-time peace officers employed by certain local governments with limited tax bases.

Impact

The implementation of this bill could significantly enhance public safety in communities affected by low property values and limited tax revenues. By ensuring that peace officers receive a minimum starting salary, the bill aims to attract and retain qualified personnel within these local governments. This move can potentially improve law enforcement services in areas where budget constraints have previously hindered salaries and hiring, thereby addressing public safety concerns.

Summary

House Bill 2953 introduces a new grant program aimed at providing salary increases to full-time peace officers who are employed by local governments that operate under limited tax bases. The bill establishes criteria for qualifying local governments based on their taxable property value and the average starting salary of their peace officers. Specifically, to qualify for the grants, the local government's average starting salary for peace officers must be below $32,500 per year, which reflects a need for financial support in areas struggling economically.

Contention

While the bill seeks to support peace officers in economically disadvantaged regions, it may face scrutiny regarding the funding mechanism and the adequacy of the financial resources allocated. The Comptroller of Public Accounts is tasked with studying the total funding necessary for the two-year grant program. Critics may argue about the sustainability of such funding, particularly if discretionary funds are minimal during economic downturns. Furthermore, there may be concerns about how these salary increases could further affect local government budgets in the long term without additional state support.