H.B. 2038 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2038 By: Lewis Urban Affairs Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, the civil service provisions of Chapter 143, Local Government Code, require those applying for beginning positions in fire and police departments in municipalities with a population of 10,000 or more to take a competitive examination. This examination is based on knowledge of, and qualifications for work in the department they intend to apply for. House Bill 2038 requires that persons applying for beginning positions in fire or police departments take a competitive examination which tests the applicants general knowledge and aptitude, and not the knowledge of and qualifications for work in their intended fields. 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 Section 143.025(b), Local Government Code, to provide that the competitive examination for entrance in the fire or police department be based on the person's general knowledge and aptitude. The bill repeals the requirement that the competitive examination be based on the person's knowledge of and qualifications for fire fighting and work in the fire department or for police work and work in the police department. SECTION 2. Provides for prospective application. SECTION 3. Effective date. EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 2003.