Bill > HB3319

This bill establishes a civil service system for constable's departments in Texas counties with populations over 3.3 million, creating a comprehensive framework for employee management and rights. The system can be initiated either through a petition and employee election or by a county commissioners court order. If established, a civil service commission will be formed with one member appointed by each constable, the commissioners court, and the district attorney, who will create and enforce rules about employee selection, promotions, disciplinary actions, and workplace rights. The bill allows for temporary suspension of employees facing felony indictments or serious misdemeanor charges, provides a mechanism for appeals of disciplinary actions, and enables the commission to issue subpoenas and administer oaths. The legislation includes a criminal offense provision that makes it punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or 30 days in county jail for failing to respond to a commission subpoena. Importantly, the bill allows constables to designate certain positions as exempt from the civil service system and provides methods for dissolving the system through department or countywide elections after it has been in effect for at least one year. The civil service system created under this bill would exclusively apply to the specified county's constable's department, replacing any existing civil service systems.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3319