BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1187

By: Kolkhorst

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Sheriffs play a large role in rural law enforcement. Currently, the membership of the board of managers for certain rural emergency management districts, or 9-1-1 districts, consists of two individuals appointed by the county commissioners court, two individuals appointed by the municipalities within the district, one individual appointed by a volunteer fire department within the district, and one individual appointed by the principal service supplier. 

H.B. 1187 requires a peace officer appointed by the county sheriff to be included on the board of managers of certain emergency communication districts.

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. 1187 amends the Health and Safety Code to establish the composition of the board of managers of an emergency communication district located entirely in a county with a population of more than 20,000 and less than 30,000. The bill provides that the board consists of the appropriate members listed in provisions relating to the board of managers of emergency communication districts, and a licensed peace officer appointed by the county sheriff. The bill requires the county sheriff to appoint a peace officer to the board of managers as soon as practicable after the effective date of the bill.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.