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.