The bill, S.B. No. 428, amends the qualifications for individuals seeking to serve as sheriffs or constables in Texas. It stipulates that candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalency and either hold an active permanent peace officer license or be eligible for such a license while also meeting specific experience requirements. For sheriffs, this includes having five years of experience as a federal special investigator or being a military veteran with at least ten years of combined active duty or National Guard service. The bill also introduces new language regarding the eligibility of candidates for constable, mirroring the requirements set for sheriffs.

Additionally, the bill adds a new section to the Local Government Code that outlines similar qualifications for constables and candidates for the office of constable. It specifies that candidates must hold an active peace officer license or be eligible to obtain one within a designated timeframe. The bill repeals an existing section of the Local Government Code and clarifies that the changes do not apply to current sheriffs or constables whose terms began before the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 85.0011, Subchapter A, Chapter , Local Government Code 1701.302, Occupations Code 1701.302, Local Government Code 86.0021 (Local Government Code 86, Subchapter A, Chapter , Local Government Code 1701, Local Government Code 85, Occupations Code 1701)