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."