2005S0546-1  03/10/05


By:  Gallegos                                                     S.B. No. 1418


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the termination or suspension of deputy constables in 
certain counties upon the election or appointment of a constable or 
the death of a constable.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  The heading to Chapter 160, Local Government 
Code, is amended to read as follows:
		CHAPTER 160.  POLICIES [GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE]          
				FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES                                                        
	SECTION 2.  Chapter 160, Local Government Code, is amended 
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.  Chapter 160, Local Government Code, is amended 
by adding Subchapter B to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER B.  TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF DEPUTY 
CONSTABLES         
	Sec. 160.051.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "termination 
or suspension" means:
		(1)  the revocation of a deputy constable's 
appointment; or          
		(2)  the temporary, indefinite, or permanent 
suspension from duty of a deputy constable.
	Sec. 160.052.  TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION.  (a)  A deputy 
constable may not be suspended or terminated except for just cause.
	(b)  A deputy constable shall be notified, in writing, of the 
termination or suspension.  The notification must identify the 
reasons for the termination or suspension.
	(c)  A deputy constable, other than the rank of lieutenant 
and above, may not be terminated or suspended because of:
		(1)  the election or appointment of a new constable;                   
		(2)  the expiration of a constable's term of office; or                
		(3)  the death of a constable.                                         
	Sec. 160.053.  COUNTIES AND DEPUTY CONSTABLES AFFECTED.  
This subchapter applies only to a county with a population of more 
than three million.
	SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.