H.B. No. 3253 amends the Local Government Code to enhance the rural constable's office salary assistance grant program. The bill specifies that the comptroller will award grants to qualified counties based on their population size, with amounts set at $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 previous requirement for counties to contribute at least 75% of the minimum annual salary for constables has been removed. Additionally, the bill outlines that grant funds must be used to meet minimum salary requirements for constables and deputy constables, as well as for hiring additional staff and purchasing necessary equipment.

The bill also introduces new regulations regarding the use of grant funds, stating that they cannot be used for purposes other than meeting the prescribed salary requirements until those requirements are satisfied. It mandates the comptroller to establish rules for a standardized application process, deadlines for grant applications and disbursements, and procedures for monitoring compliance and returning unused funds. Furthermore, a specific section of the Local Government Code has been repealed, and the amendments will apply only to grants awarded during fiscal years beginning on or after the bill's effective date. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 130.912 (Local Government Code 130)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 130.912 (Local Government Code 130)