S.B. 1188 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 1188
By: Van de Putte
Criminal Jurisprudence
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, Texas lacks a provision that provides for supplemental
pay for a Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer who is proficient in a
second language. Presently, numerous ethnic groups live in Texas and an
officer's proficiency in a secondary language can be vital in volatile
situation.  Furthermore, the ability of a DPS law enforcement agent to
speak a second language is crucial because Texas borders Mexico.  Senate
Bill 1188 authorizes supplemental pay for DPS officers who are proficient
in a second language.  

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. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 1188 amends the Government Code to authorize the  Department
of Public Safety (DPS) to pay a supplement not to exceed $100 a month to a
commissioned officer 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. 

The bill also provides for supplemental pay for a commissioned DPS officer
who has obtained certain educational degrees. These types of supplemental
pay may only made if the legislature specifically appropriates money for
the purpose.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2005.