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.