SRC-VRA S.B. 481 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 481
By: Madla
Intergovernmental Relations
2/28/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, a constable or sheriff is required to have a high school
diploma and be eligible for a peace officer license.  A constable can be
removed from office if evidence of a license has not been provided to the
commissioners court of the county on or before the 270th day after the
date the constable takes office.  As proposed, S.B. 481 stipulates that a
person is not eligible to serve as a sheriff or constable unless the
person holds a permanent peace officer license prior to taking office. 

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 85.0011, Local Government Code, to provide that
a person is not eligible to serve as a sheriff unless the person holds a
permanent peace officer license under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code.  

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 86.0021, Local Government Code, as follows:

(a)  Provides that a person is not eligible to serve as a constable unless
the person holds a permanent peace officer license under Chapter 1701,
Occupations Code.  
    
(b)  Deletes current language in existing text related to the date a
constable is required to present to the commissioners court of the county
in which the constable serves evidence that the constable has been issued
a permanent peace officer license.  

SECTION 3.  (a)  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.

            (b)  Makes application of this Act prospective.