Bill > SB690

This bill provides new authority for sheriffs and constables in counties with populations of 1 million or more to enter into contracts with property owners' associations or individual landowners in subdivisions to provide targeted law enforcement services. Under the bill, sheriffs and constables can independently negotiate and execute these contracts without requiring approval from their county commissioners court, and the commissioners court cannot prohibit or restrict such agreements. The bill also establishes financial protections, stipulating that any money received from these contracts must be credited directly to the sheriff's or constable's office budget and cannot be transferred to the county's general revenue fund. Furthermore, the county cannot reduce the office's existing appropriation by the amount of contract money received, and the sheriff or constable can use these funds for any lawful purpose. The bill aims to provide more financial autonomy and service flexibility for law enforcement offices in large counties, specifically those with populations of 1 million or more, by allowing them to supplement their services and funding through direct contractual arrangements with property owners' associations or landowners.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB690