JH S.B. 928 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS URBAN AFFAIRS S.B. 928 By: Gallegos (Bosse) 5-7-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Currently, Texas law provides general provisions on benefits and working conditions of municipal employees, as well as rules to be administered by the Civil Service Commission and rules for employment as firefighters and police officers in certain municipalities. S.B. 928 would make changes in terminology regarding hours worked. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 928 authorizes the head of a fire department to require all firefighters in one or more classifications to obtain and maintain emergency medical services personnel certification; and also replaces references to "calendar year" with the appropriate 72-day work cycle designated by the department head. 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 Sections 142.0017(b) and (d), Local Government Code, to prohibit a fire fighter or fire fighter emergency medical personnel from being required or permitted to work more than an average of 46.7 hours a week during the appropriate 72-day work cycle, rather than during a calendar year, and permits an agreement allowing fire alarm dispatchers to work not more than an average of 46.7 hours a week during a 72-day work cycle designated by the department head. SECTION 2. Emergency clause.