SRC-TAG H.B. 2829 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2829 78R11465 KEG-FBy: Luna (Van de Putte) Criminal Justice 5/22/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Under current law, commissioned state peace officers, such as state troopers and other officers working at the Department of Public Safety (DPS), are paid according to a uniform pay scale. However, some of the state's commissioned peace officers work in a region where a second language is prevalent in the peace officer's assigned area, and proficiency in the second language would enhance the officer's effectiveness in performing his or her duties. H.B. 2829 authorizes supplemental pay for DPS commissioned officers who display proficiency in a second language that is beneficial to protecting the public safety. 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 the heading to Section 411.016, Government Code, to read as follows: Sec. 411.016. SUPPLEMENTAL PAY FOR OVERTIME HOURS WORKED OR PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 411, Government Code, by adding Section 411.0161, as follows: Sec. 411.0161. SUPPLEMENTAL PAY FOR PROFICIENCY IN SECOND LANGUAGE. (a) Authorizes the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to pay a supplement not to exceed $100 a month to an officer commissioned by DPS who is proficient in both English and a second language if DPS determines that the second language is beneficial to protecting the public safety and the commissioned officer is able to demonstrate proficiency in the second language by reading, writing, and demonstrating conversation skills in the second language as determined by DPS. (b) Provides that a supplemental pay under this section is in addition to an officer's regular salary. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.