HBA-MPA H.J.R. 82 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.J.R. 82 By: Smithee County Affairs 4/11/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Texas Constitution provides that counties with a population of 30,000 or more be divided into not less than four or more than eight precincts. Each precinct is allowed on justice of the peace and one constable under the jurisdiction of the commissioners court. In many counties, the duties of the constable are already administered by the county sheriff, in which case the office of the constable is inactive even though individuals file for and are elected to the office. H.J.R. 82 abolishes the office of the constable in Randall County and officially transfer its duties to the county sheriff, provided a majority vote by the citizens of Randall County. As proposed H.J.R. 82 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of constable in Randall County. 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 Randall 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 Randall County constable's office, the majority of the voters in Randall 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 the constitutional amendment abolishing the office of the constable in Randall County takes effect January 1, 2000, if the requirement is met that the majority of Randall 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.