H.B. No. 3319 aims to establish a civil service system for constable's departments in counties with populations over 3.3 million. The bill introduces a new subchapter to Chapter 158 of the Local Government Code, outlining definitions, procedures for creating the civil service system, and the roles of a newly formed civil service commission. The establishment process can be initiated by a petition from at least 20% of county employees or by an order from the commissioners court. The bill details the election process for appointing commission members and grants the commission authority to adopt rules regarding employee selection, promotions, and disciplinary actions. It also addresses employee suspensions related to felony indictments or misdemeanor complaints and includes provisions for issuing subpoenas and administering oaths.

Furthermore, the bill provides a mechanism for dissolving the civil service system through a petition signed by at least 10% of registered voters, leading to a countywide election on the matter. If a majority of voters approve the dissolution, the county judge will declare the civil service system dissolved. The bill clarifies that the civil service system created under this subchapter will only apply to constable's department employees, excluding other civil service systems in the same county. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: ()