The bill, S.B. No. 690, aims to enhance the authority of sheriffs and constables in counties with populations of 1 million or more by allowing them to enter into contracts for law enforcement services with property owners' associations or landowners in subdivisions. Specifically, it introduces new sections to the Local Government Code, namely Sections 85.025 and 86.026, which grant sheriffs and constables the ability to provide law enforcement services in designated areas without restrictions from the commissioners court. The bill stipulates that the terms of these contracts can be determined by the sheriff or constable independently of the commissioners court's approval.

Additionally, the bill establishes requirements and prohibitions related to county law enforcement funding in these populous counties through Section 130.903. It prohibits the transfer of funds appropriated to the offices of sheriff or constable to the county's general revenue fund and ensures that any money received from contracts under the new sections is credited directly to the respective office. The bill also mandates that the county cannot reduce the appropriations for these offices based on the contract funds received, thereby safeguarding their financial autonomy. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()