BILL ANALYSIS



C.S.H.B. 1685
By: Hirschi
May 2, 1995
Committee Report (Substituted)


BACKGROUND

According to the Local Government Code, if a position in the Police
or Fire Department is abolished, the police officer or fire fighter
holding that position receives a demotion.  This demotion may force
the officer or fire fighter to accept a loss in pay and seniority
and places him on a reinstatement list for a period of one year. 
If a position opens or is recreated within one year of the
demotion, then the demoted officer or fire fighter will be
reinstated to that position.  This reinstatement will not occur if
a position opens after this one year period and the officer or fire
fighter will remain in the position to which he was demoted.


PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.H.B. 1685 extends the reinstatement period from
one year to three years.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency or institution.


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 143.085(a), Local Government Code, by
extending reinstatement period to three years.  

Section 2. Effective Date

Section 3. Emergency Clause.


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

The substitute replaces the indefinite reinstatement period
contained in the original with a reinstatement period of three
years.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 1685 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on May
1, 1995.  The committee considered a complete substitute for the
bill.  The substitute was adopted without objection.  The following
people testified in favor of the bill: Rep. Hirschi; and Ken
Bailey, representing the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters. 
The bill was reported favorably as substituted, with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of
7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 2 absent.