Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5470

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the authority of sheriffs and constables to enter into contracts to provide law enforcement services in certain counties and county financial authority in relation to sheriffs and constables in certain counties.

Impact

The provisions within HB 5470 significantly impact state law by altering the financial governance of sheriffs and constables. Notably, the bill prevents county commissioners from transferring funds allocated to these law enforcement offices to the general revenue fund or restricting their use for lawful purposes. This measure is designed to bolster the fiscal autonomy of law enforcement agencies by ensuring they maintain control over funds received through contracts or appropriations, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency.

Summary

House Bill 5470 pertains to the authority of sheriffs and constables in counties with populations of over 3.3 million to enter into contracts for providing law enforcement services. This bill modifies existing local government laws by explicitly granting sheriffs and constables the power to establish contracts with various entities, such as businesses and local governments, to offer law enforcement services in specific areas. The legislation aims to streamline law enforcement service provisions and ensure local governance can cater to specific community needs effectively.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, HB 5470 has drawn some contention regarding its implications for local governance. Critics express concerns that these changes might lead to an erosion of oversight by county commissioners over law enforcement activities, raising questions about accountability and transparency. Proponents argue that by allowing sheriffs and constables to operate independently in contract negotiations, the legislation enables a more responsive law enforcement framework that can adapt to the unique needs of densely populated areas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Local Government Code

  • Chapter 85. Sheriff
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 86. Constable
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 130. Miscellaneous Financial Provisions Affecting Counties
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX SB2951

Identical Relating to the authority of sheriffs and constables to enter into contracts to provide law enforcement services in certain counties and county financial authority in relation to sheriffs and constables in certain counties.

Previously Filed As

TX SB22

Relating to the establishment of grant programs to provide financial assistance to qualified sheriff's offices, constable's offices, and prosecutor's offices in rural counties.

TX HB1308

Relating to the establishment of a constable's department civil service system in certain counties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB626

Relating to the salaries of sheriffs and to state assistance payments to offset the cost of sheriff's salaries in certain counties.

TX SB148

Relating to the salaries of sheriffs and to state assistance payments to offset the cost of sheriff's salaries in certain counties.

TX HB152

Relating to the authority of certain counties to adopt and enforce a wildland-urban interface code.

TX HB993

Relating to sheriff's department civil service systems in certain counties.

TX HB3398

Relating to county zoning authority for counties adjacent to populous counties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB169

Relating to the establishment of a grant program to provide financial assistance to qualified sheriff's departments in certain rural counties; making an appropriation.

TX HB994

Relating to sheriff's department civil service systems in certain counties.

TX HB18

Relating to the establishment of a grant program to provide financial assistance to qualified sheriff's departments in certain rural counties; making an appropriation.

Similar Bills

TX HB336

Relating to the authority of sheriffs and constables to enter into contracts to provide law enforcement services in certain counties and county financial authority in relation to sheriffs and constables in certain counties.

TX SB2951

Relating to the authority of sheriffs and constables to enter into contracts to provide law enforcement services in certain counties and county financial authority in relation to sheriffs and constables in certain counties.

TX HB59

Relating to the authority of sheriffs and constables to enter into contracts to provide law enforcement services in certain counties and county financial authority in relation to sheriffs and constables in certain counties.

TX HB1246

Relating to the authority of sheriffs and constables to enter into contracts to provide law enforcement services and county financial authority in relation to sheriffs and constables.

TX SB690

Relating to the authority of sheriffs and constables to enter into contracts to provide law enforcement services in certain counties and county financial authority in relation to sheriffs and constables in certain counties.

CA AB462

Asset management: emerging managers.

TX HB1862

Relating to the funding of, contracting with, and employment for law enforcement agencies in certain counties.

TX SB2679

Relating to the funding of, contracting with, and employment for law enforcement agencies in certain counties.