SRC-TAG S.B. 1188 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1188
785354 KEG-FBy: Van de Putte
Criminal Justice
4/7/2003
As Filed


DIGEST 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.  As
proposed, S.B. 1188 provides for supplemental pay for DPS officers who are
proficient in a second language.    
           
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 Chapter 411A, Governmental 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
in the amount of $100 a month to an officer who is proficient in both
English and a second language, if the second language is the predominant
language used in and around the area where the commissioned officer is
stationed to perform the officer's duties as a peace officer and the
commissioned officer is able to demonstrate proficiency in the second
language by reading, writing, and demonstrating conversation skills in the
second language. 

(b)  Provides that the supplemental pay under this section is in addition
to an officer's regular salary. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.