SRC-JRN C.S.S.B. 272 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 272
By: Gallegos
Intergovernmental Relations
2-13-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Currently, complaints may be filed against Texas law enforcement officers,
including officers of the Department of Public Safety, the Texas Alcoholic
Beverage Commission, along with fire fighters and police officers not
covered by a civil service statute.  However, concern exists in certain
instances because officers covered under Chapter 143, Local Government
Code, are not allowed to see complaints filed against them.  S.B. 272
deletes the provision governing the restriction of viewing a complaint
against some fire fighters and police officers.  This bill allows
complaints against these persons to be viewed by the police officers or
fire fighters. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 272 deletes the provision governing the restriction
of viewing a complaint against some fire fighters and police officers.
This bill allows complaints against these persons to be viewed by the
police officers or firefighters. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 614.021, Government Code, to provide that this
subchapter applies only to a complaint against a fire fighter or a police
officer, rather than a fire fighter or police officer who is not covered
by a civil service statute.  Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amends SECTION 1, Section 614.021, Government Code, to delete the
definition "police officer."