SRC-CDH S.J.R. 47 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.J.R. 47
By: Sibley
Intergovernmental Relations
4-21-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, concerns are being raised that the office of county constable
is not needed for the fiscal, social, and governmental welfare of Jack
County.  Furthermore, in the interest of cost savings, the Jack County
Commissioners Court unanimously passed a resolution in support of the
office's abolishment.  This legislation would abolish the office of the
county constable, and would transfer the constable's duties to the county
sheriff's office.     

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.J.R. 47 requires the submission to the voters of a
constitutional amendment to abolish the office of constable in Jack
County. 

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 18, Article V, Texas Constitution, by amending
Subsection (a), and adding Subsection (g), to provide that the office of
constable in Jack County is abolished and the functions of the office are
transferred to the county sheriff.  Establishes that the office of
constable is abolished only if, at the statewide election at which the
constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office in Jack
County is submitted to the voters, a majority of the voters of Jack County
favor the amendment.   

SECTION 2. Provides that the following temporary provision is added to the
Texas Constitution: 

TEMPORARY PROVISION.  Provides that the abolition of the office of
constable in Jack County takes effect January 1, 1998, if the conditions
of Section 18(g), Article V, as added by constitutional amendment, are
met.  Establishes that this provision expires January 2, 1998. 

SECTION 3. Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an election to be held on November 4, 1997.  Sets forth
the required language of the ballot.