The bill amends Section 130.912 of the Local Government Code to enhance the rural constable's office salary assistance grant program. It establishes specific grant amounts based on county population: $75,000 for counties with populations under 10,000, $100,000 for those between 10,000 and 50,000, and $150,000 for counties with populations between 50,000 and 300,000. The bill removes the previous requirement that counties must contribute at least 75% of the funds needed to meet the minimum salary requirements for constables. Instead, it mandates that grant funds be used exclusively to meet the minimum salary requirements, which are set at $65,000 for constables and $45,000 for deputy constables who perform motor vehicle stops.

Additionally, the bill allows grant funds to be used for increasing salaries, hiring additional staff, and purchasing necessary equipment for constable offices. It also introduces new rules for the comptroller to implement the grant program, including standardized application processes and monitoring procedures. The bill repeals a previous provision regarding the qualification of constables and specifies that the amended rules will apply only to grants awarded during fiscal years beginning after the bill's effective date. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 130.912 (Local Government Code 130)