Bill > HB652

This bill introduces restrictions on municipalities and counties that reduce or reallocate funding for law enforcement agencies. Specifically, for municipalities deemed to be "defunding" law enforcement (as defined in Chapter 109), the bill prohibits using public money to provide private security for elected officials. Similarly, for counties that have reduced law enforcement funding without voter approval, the bill bars them from using public funds for private security for elected officials until they either reverse the funding reductions (adjusted for inflation) or obtain voter approval for the reallocation. Any contracts entered into in violation of these provisions would be considered void as against public policy. The bill applies only to contracts entered into on or after its effective date, which will be either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature or September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate voting threshold. The legislation appears to be a measure to discourage municipalities and counties from reducing law enforcement funding by imposing significant restrictions on their use of public funds.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB652