The bill, H.B. No. 1246, amends the Local Government Code to grant sheriffs and constables the authority to enter into contracts with property owners' associations or landowners in subdivisions to provide law enforcement services. Specifically, it adds new sections (85.025 and 86.026) that define the terms under which sheriffs and constables can operate, including the areas they can serve and the stipulation that the commissioners court cannot restrict these contracts or their terms. This allows for greater autonomy for law enforcement officials in managing their services within their respective jurisdictions.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 130.903, which establishes requirements and prohibitions regarding county law enforcement funding. It prohibits counties from transferring funds appropriated to the offices of sheriffs or constables to the general revenue fund and ensures that these offices can spend their allocated funds without restrictions. The bill mandates that any money received from contracts under the new sections must be credited directly to the respective law enforcement office and cannot reduce their overall appropriations. This legislation aims to enhance the operational independence and financial stability of local law enforcement agencies.

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