BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1418

                                                                                                                                       By: Gallegos

                                                                                                               Intergovernmental Relations

                                                                                                                                            3/31/2005

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Currently, there is no subchapter in the Local Government Code dealing with the termination or suspension of deputy constables.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1418 establishes a policy concerning the employment status of a deputy constable.  This bill specifically deals with counties with a population over three million and establishes standards for suspension or termination of a deputy constable's employment status.

 

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 Chapter 160, Local Government Code, to read as follows:

 

CHAPTER 160.  POLICIES FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES

 

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 160, Local Government Code, by designating Sections 160.001 through 160.007, as Subchapter A, and adding a heading for Subchapter A, to read as follows:

 

SUBCHAPTER A. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES

 

SECTION 3.  Amends Chapter 160, Local Government Code, by adding Subchapter B, as follows:

 

SUBCHAPTER B. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF DEPUTY CONSTABLES

 

Sec. 160.051. DEFINITIONS.  Defines "termination or suspension."

 

Sec. 160.052.  TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION. (a)  Prohibits a deputy constable from being suspended or terminated except for just cause.

 

(b)  Requires a deputy constable to be notified, in writing, of the termination or suspension.  Requires the notification to identify the reasons for the termination or suspension. 

 

(c) Prohibits a deputy constable, other than  the rank of lieutenant and above, from being terminated or suspended for certain causes.

 

Sec. 160.053.  COUNTIES AND DEPUTY CONSTABLES AFFECTED.  Provides that this subchapter applies only to a county with a population greater than three million.

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.