BILL ANALYSIS
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, emergency services district (ESD) boards must be elected if they border two counties.
H.B. 3407 states in a county with a population of less than 21,000 and in a county with a population of more than 47,400, the commissioner court of the largest county in which the district is located will have the ability to appoint a five-member board of emergency commissioners to serve as the district’s governing body.
ESD’s that have a very small population, also operate on a limited budget. By holding an election, this uses a large percentage of that budget and the monies could be better used in supplying protection for that community.
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
H.B. 3407 would amend the Health and Safety Code to authorize an emergency services district (ESD) with in a county that has a population of less than 21,000 and in a county with a population of more than 47,400 the authority for the larger county’s court of commissioners to be appointed by that court. The board will consist of an appointed five-member board of emergency commissioners to serve as the district’s governing body. The bill lists the requirements to be eligible for appointment. A commissioner serves a two-year term.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.