BILL ANALYSIS H.J.R. 80 By: Black (Sims) Intergovernmental Relations 5-18-95 Senate 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, H.J.R. 80 has been filed to abolish the office of county constable as required by the Texas Constitution. In the interest of cost savings, the Mills County Commissioners Court unanimously passed a resolution in support of the office of the county constable being abolished. PURPOSE As proposed, H.J.R. 80 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional amendment to abolish the office of county constable in Mills County. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 18, Article V, Texas Constitution, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e), as follows: (a) Makes a conforming change. (e) Provides that the office of constable in Mills County is abolished and that the powers, duties, and records of the office are transferred to the county sheriff. SECTION 2. TEMPORARY PROVISION. Provides that the abolition of the office of constable in Mills County under the constitutional amendment proposed by the 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995, takes effect January 1, 1996. Provides that this provision expires January 2, 1996. SECTION 3. Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 1995. Sets forth the required language for the ballot.