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.