LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 22, 2003

TO:	Honorable Glenn Lewis, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1610 by Riddle (Relating to the authority of a constable to fill a vacancy in an existing office of deputy constable.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would allow a constable to appoint a deputy constable to fill a vacancy without first having to obtain approval from the county commissioners court. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2003.

Under current statute, when initially appointing a deputy constable, the constable must submit information in writing to the county commissioners court and obtain their approval to make the appointment. If the initial appointment is vacated, the constable must follow the same procedure to fill the vacancy. The proposed change would allow the constable to fill a vacancy of an existing deputy constable position directly.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:
LBB Staff:	JK, DLBa