BWH S.B. 1455 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


COUNTY AFFAIRS
S.B. 1455
By: Lucio (Lewis, Ron)
5-5-97
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Currently, sheriff's department officers in counties with populations of
30,000 or more have the opportunity of approaching the commissioners court
when requesting a pay raise.  The commissioners court in turn can either
agree to the request for a raise, make a counter offer, or reject the
request. Upon rejection, the people can petition the court for a pay
referendum. This bill amends the population requirement for a petition in
order to grant equal coverage for smaller counties under this Act. 

PURPOSE

This legislation authorizes certain counties to petition a commissioners
court to increase the salary of member of the county sheriff's department. 

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 152.072(a) and (d)-(f), Local Government Code,
to set forth certain provisions relating to an election regarding the
salaries of members of the sheriff's department.  Sets forth the required
language of the ballot.  Requires the proposed salary for certain stated
classifications included in the petition and the total annual cost of the
increase to be inserted in the blank spaces.  Requires the minimum salary
to take effect on a certain date under certain conditions. 

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