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


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1188
By: Van de Putte
Criminal Justice
4/16/2003
Committee Report (Substituted)

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.  C.S.S.B.
1188 authorizes 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 Subchapter A, Chapter 411, 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
not to exceed $100 a month to an 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. 

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

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.