BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 26
89S20814 MP-F	By: Oliverson et al. (Bettencourt)
	Finance
	8/27/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 26 amends current law relating to contracting with law enforcement agencies in certain counties.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.� Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 85, Local Government Code, by adding Section 85.025, as follows:

Sec. 86.025.� AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. �(a) Defines "local government" �and "property owners' association."���������

(b) Provides that this section applies only to a county with a population of more than 3.3 million.��

(c) Authorizes a sheriff to enter into a contract with a local government, a property owners' association, or an owner of land to provide law enforcement services in the sheriff's county in and near the area managed or regulated by the local government or the association or the area owned by the owner and to the persons residing in or visiting such an area.�����

(d) Prohibits the commissioners court of a sheriff's county from prohibiting or otherwise restricting the sheriff from entering into a contract under this section. Authorizes the sheriff to enter into the contract and determine the terms of the contract, regardless of whether the commissioners court approves of the contract or the terms.�

SECTION 2.� Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 86, Local Government Code, by adding Section 86.026, as follows:

Sec. 86.026.� AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.� (a) Defines "local government" and "property owners' association."���������

(b) Provides that this section applies only to a county with a population of more than 3.3 million.��

(c) Authorizes a constable to enter into a contract with a local government, a property owners' association, or an owner of land to provide law enforcement services in the constable's precinct in and near the area managed or regulated by the local government or the association or the area owned by the owner and to the persons residing in or visiting such an area.�����

(d) Prohibits the commissioners court of a constable's county from prohibiting or otherwise restricting the constable from entering into a contract under this section. Authorizes the constable to enter into the contract and determine the terms of the contract, regardless of whether the commissioners court approves of the contract or the terms.

SECTION 3.� Effective date: the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.