Bill > HB192

This bill specifically targets counties with populations over 3.3 million (which would likely mean Harris County, which includes Houston) and establishes new regulations regarding law enforcement funding and budget allocations. The bill requires such counties to hold a voter election if they want to reduce, reallocate, or change law enforcement funding compared to the previous fiscal year, including moving unspent law enforcement funds or reallocating funding from specific law enforcement positions. If a county implements such budget changes without voter approval, it can face significant consequences, including being prohibited from adopting a tax rate that exceeds its no-new-revenue tax rate until the funding reductions are reversed or approved in an election. Additionally, the bill prevents counties from transferring money appropriated to sheriff or constable offices to the general revenue fund and prohibits counties from restricting how those law enforcement offices can legally spend their allocated funds. Any money received through specific contracts must be credited directly to the sheriff or constable's office and cannot be used as a reason to reduce their overall appropriation. These provisions aim to protect law enforcement agency budgets and ensure transparency and voter input in funding decisions.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB192