Texas House Bill HB1476

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/19/23

Caption

Relating to a limitation on the salary paid to officers and employees of this state and political subdivisions of this state.

Impact

The impact of HB 1476 is significant as it enforces salary limitations that could affect hiring practices and existing salary agreements across governmental bodies. By setting the governor's salary as a benchmark, the bill aims to exert control over the state's budget and promote fiscal responsibility. This legislation applies to all salary agreements and employment contracts entered into on or after September 1, 2023, which means it will affect future hires but will not retroactively affect existing contracts.

Summary

House Bill 1476 aims to impose a limitation on the salaries paid to officers and employees of the state of Texas and its political subdivisions. The bill stipulates that no state officer or employee can earn more than the salary designated for the governor in the biennial appropriations act. This effectively standardizes salary ceilings across state and local governmental entities, which include counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions. The changes introduced by this bill are intended to maintain consistency in compensation and potentially curb excessive salaries compared to the state’s highest officer.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1476 is mixed. Supporters argue that the bill promotes equity and prevents the escalation of public sector salaries, thereby furthering the public trust and accountability of government spending. Critics, however, may perceive this as an overreach into local governance and flexibility, raising concerns that it could deter qualified candidates due to capped salaries limiting the ability to attract talent, particularly in competitive job markets.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between maintaining government accountability and ensuring that governmental entities are able to attract and retain qualified professionals. Critics could argue that imposing a salary ceiling based on the governor's earnings may inadequately reflect the specific financial and operational requirements of various agencies, especially in fields where expertise is scarce. Opponents also stress the need for local governments to have the autonomy to set compensation levels that reflect the economic realities of their respective jurisdictions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 659. Compensation
  • Section: New Section

Local Government Code

• Chapter 180. Miscellaneous Provisions Affecting Officers And Employees Of More Than One Type Of Local Government
  • Section: 010