Texas Senate Bill SB43

Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Caption

Relating to the provision of state aid to certain counties for increased costs incurred when officers employed by the Department of Public Safety are reassigned to another area of the state to secure the border.

Impact

The bill amends the Local Government Code by adding a new section that allows eligible counties to receive assistance payments based on their increased operational costs. The amount of financial aid is determined by comparing the additional costs incurred due to officer reassignment with the standard wage rates for patrol officers. This legislative change addresses the concern that small counties may struggle financially when key officers are diverted to serve on border security, potentially compromising local law enforcement efficacy.

Summary

SB43 aims to provide financial assistance to counties with populations of 100,000 or less that incur additional costs when law enforcement officers from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) are reassigned to border security duties. The bill specifies the parameters under which counties can apply for state aid, seeking to lessen the financial burden caused by these necessary reallocations of law enforcement resources. It is focused on ensuring that smaller counties, often with limited budgets, can maintain their local law enforcement capabilities despite such reassignment of officers.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB43 likely focus on the implications for state versus local governance regarding law enforcement. Proponents argue that it is essential for state entities to support local jurisdictions facing unexpected financial pressures due to state-directed duties. Critics may contend that this reliance on state aid could hinder counties from developing sustainable law enforcement funding models. Moreover, the discussions will likely explore the broader context of border security and its ramifications on local governance and public safety.

Implementation

If passed, SB43 would require counties to submit applications to the state comptroller for the assistance payments, with a review system in place to evaluate the legitimacy of these claims. This structured approach aims to ensure accountability in the distribution of state funds while addressing the urgent need for these counties to maintain service levels in law enforcement amidst the challenges posed by officer reassignments.