BILL ANALYSIS
By: Olivo
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code is the Municipal Civil Service Act for Fire Fighters and Police Officers. Section 143.002 of that chapter limits the application of the chapter to those municipalities with a population of 10,000 or greater and have both a paid fire department and police department. An estimated 30 cities with a population greater than 10,000 have paid police departments, but their fire department consists of volunteers. Therefore, these cities are prevented from adopting the Municipal Civil Service Act.
HB 1913 would amend Section 143.002 of the Local Government Code to apply the Municipal Civil Service Act to those cities with a population of 10,000 or greater who have either a paid fire department or a paid police department. Once eligible, the cities voters must still petition for and approve civil service in an election.
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
Amends Section 143.002, Local Government Code, to apply the chapter to municipalities with either a paid fire department or paid police department.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect September 1, 2005 or immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.