HBA-MPA H.J.R. 55 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.J.R. 55
By: Hupp
County Affairs
3/2/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, San Saba County has a population of less than 6,000 people, and
the sheriff adequately serves the law enforcement needs of the entire
county.  The existence of the constable's office is an extra cost to the
county.  As proposed, H.J.R. 55 requires the submission to the voters of  a
constitutional amendment abolishing the San Saba County constable's office. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 18, Article V, Texas Constitution, by amending
Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (h), as follows: 

(a)  Makes a conforming change.

(h) Abolishes the office of constable in San Saba County, and transfers its
functions to the county sheriff.  Provides that this change will only take
place if, at the statewide election providing for the abolition of the San
Saba County constable's office, the majority of the voters in San Saba
County voting on the question at that election favor the amendment. 

SECTION 2.  Amends the Texas Constitution, by adding a temporary provision,
as follows: 

TEMPORARY PROVISION.  Provides that constitutional amendment abolishing the
office of the constable in San Saba County takes effect January 1, 2000, if
the requirement is met that the majority of San Saba County voters approve
this amendment.  Provides that this provision expires January 2, 2000. 

SECTION 3.  Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted
to the voters at an election to be held November 2, 1999.  Sets forth the
required language for the ballot.