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.