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.