LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 31, 2009

TO:	Honorable Yvonne Davis, Chair, House Committee on Urban Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1960 by Maldonado (Relating to the payment for an appearance as a witness for certain peace officers and firefighters.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Local Government Code to require a municipality to pay a fire fighter or police officer for an appearance as a witness in an administrative proceeding in which the municipality or other political subdivision or government agency is a party in interest if the appearance is required, made on time off, and is made in the fire fighter's or officer's capacity as a fire fighter or officer.

The bill would add Section 157.906 to the Local Government Code to require a county to pay a peace officer employed by the county for an appearance as a witness in a criminal suit, a civil suit, or an administrative proceeding in which the county or other political subdivision or government agency is a party in interest if the appearance is required, made on time off, and is made in the officer's capacity as an officer. Payment would be at the officer's regular rate of pay.

Local Government Impact

A municipality or a county already meeting the requirements of the bill would not experience a fiscal impact. Other municipalities or counties would experience a cost that depends on the number of cases in which the affected personnel are required to appear during their off time; however, the frequency is not anticipated to be often, therefore, costs are not expected to be significant.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, DB