BILL ANALYSIS



H.J.R. 80
By: Black
5-3-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Since the office of county constable is and has been unfilled and
not needed for the fiscal, social, and governmental welfare of
Mills County, House Joint Resolution 80 has been filed to abolish
the office of county constable as required by the Texas
Constitution.  In interest of cost savings, the Mills County
Commissioner's Court unanimously passed a resolution in support of
the county constable office being abolished.

PURPOSE

House Joint Resolution 80 allows for the abolition of the office of
County Constable in Mills County, if approved by the voters.

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 Article V, Section 18, of the Texas Constitution
by adding subsection (e) which provides that the office of county
constable is abolished in Mills County and transfers the powers,
duties, and records of the office to the office of County Sheriff.
Subsection (a) is amended to make conforming changes.

SECTION 2  Adds temporary provisions to the Texas Constitution that
should the constitutional amendment be approved by the voters
abolishing the Mills County Office of Constable, that it take
effect on January 1, 1996.

SECTION 3  Sets forth ballot provisions.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HJR 80 was considered by the County Affairs Committee in a public
hearing on 4/12/95. HJR 80 was referred directly to a subcommittee
consisting of Representatives Chisum, chr., R. Lewis and Longoria.
HJR 80 was considered in the County Affairs Committee in a public
hearing on 4/19/95. HJR 80 was recalled from subcommittee and left
pending. HJR 80 was considered by the County Affairs Committee in
a formal meeting on 5/3/95. HJR 80 was reported favorably with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by the record vote
of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 pnv, 3 absent.