SRC-JLB H.B. 2361 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2361
By: Bailey (Gallegos)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/13/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas Local Government Code establishes civil service
requirements for fire fighters and police officers in cities with a
population of 10,000 or more that have adopted the Fire Fighter and Police
Officer Civil Service Act.  However, when someone files a complaint
against a fire fighter or police officer in Houston, the only notice that
is required to be given to that person is 48 hours prior to having to
appear to defend the action.  H.B. 2361 requires the investigator to
inform the fire fighter or police officer in writing of the nature of the
complaint and the name of each person making the complaint within 30 days
of receiving the complaint and provides an exception to notification for
criminal investigations. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 143.123(e), Local Government Code, to require
the investigator, not later than the 30th day after the date that a
complaint is received by an investigator, to inform the fire fighter or
police officer in writing of the nature of the investigation and the name
of each person who complained about the fire fighter or police officer, if
known, concerning the matters under investigation unless certain
exceptions apply. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.
            Makes application of this Act prospective.