SRC-MAX C.S.S.B. 1455 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1455
By: Lucio
Intergovernmental Relations
4-25-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

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

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 1455 authorizes certain counties to petition a
commissioners court to increase the salary of member of the county
sheriff's department. 

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 152.072(a), and (d)-(f), Local Government Code,
to authorize the qualified voters of a county with a population of more
than 25,000, rather than 30,000, to petition the commissioners court of
the county to increase the minimum salary of each member of the sheriff's
department.  Provides that  if the commissioners court chooses to call an
election, the only issue that may be submitted regarding the salaries of
members of the sheriff's department is whether the proposed minimum salary
should be adopted.  Requires the election to be held on the first
authorized uniform election date under Chapter 41, Election Code, on which
an election is scheduled to be held throughout the country for other
purposes.  Sets forth the required language of the ballot. Requires the
proposed salary for each rank, pay grade, or classification as stated in
the petition and the total annual cost of the increases to be inserted in
the blank spaces.  Requires the minimum salary to take effect beginning on
a certain date under certain conditions.   

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

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

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.