Bill > HB2175

This bill addresses municipal restrictions on police and fire department employees' rights to participate in certain petitions related to employment. Specifically, the bill prevents municipalities from adopting or enforcing any charter provision, ordinance, policy, or measure that would prohibit police or fire department employees from circulating or signing petitions authorized under Chapters 142, 143, or 174 of Texas law. These chapters typically deal with civil service regulations, firefighter and police officer employment rights, and collective bargaining procedures. By adding this provision to the Local Government Code, the bill aims to protect the free speech and petition rights of municipal public safety employees, ensuring they can engage in employment-related petition activities without facing restrictions from their local government employers. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or otherwise will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2175