Texas Senate Bill SB330

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/13/24
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/16/25
• Voted on by Senate: 4/24/25
• Out of House Committee: 5/14/25

Caption

Relating to an election to approve a reduction or reallocation of funding or resources for certain county prosecutors' offices.

Impact

The bill amends Chapter 120 of the Local Government Code, establishing a clear definition of what constitutes a prosecutor's office and stipulating the conditions under which voter approval is necessary. Counties that attempt to implement funding reductions or reallocations without following this process would face restrictions on adopting new property tax rates until compliance is achieved. This potentially creates a safeguard for maintaining adequate funding for essential law enforcement activities and maintaining community trust in local government decisions.

Summary

SB330 proposes a legislative requirement for counties in Texas to hold elections when planning to reduce or reallocate funding for certain primary law enforcement agencies and prosecutors' offices. Under this bill, if a county's budget allocation to these agencies decreases or is shifted to another agency, an election must be conducted to obtain voter approval. This is intended to enhance transparency and accountability in how counties manage funding of critical law enforcement functions, ensuring that citizens have a say in such fiscal decisions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB330 appears to be generally supportive, particularly from constituencies prioritizing transparency and public involvement in governmental funding decisions. Legislators advocating for the bill argue that by involving voters, it empowers communities and protects against arbitrary budget cuts that could weaken law enforcement capacities. Conversely, there may be apprehensions about potential delays in handling fiscal matters owing to the need for public votes, leading to a prolonged decision-making process.

Contention

Notably, some challenges against the bill focus on the implications it has for local governance and administrative efficiency. Critics may argue that requiring a public election for every funding change could hinder counties' ability to respond swiftly to changing law enforcement needs and budget realities. Additionally, there are concerns that the bill may complicate the budget approval process, which could deter counties from making necessary adjustments during fiscal crises.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Local Government Code

• Chapter 120. Election For Reduction Of Funding Or Resources For Certain Primary Law Enforcement Agencies
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