The bill amends the Local Government Code to clarify the definition of "population" for the purpose of the rural sheriff's office, constable's office, and prosecutor's office salary assistance grant program. Specifically, it defines "population" as the most recent federal decennial census or, if more recent, the annual population estimate provided by the state demographer. Additionally, it introduces the term "qualified county," which refers to counties with a population of 300,000 or less. Similar definitions are provided for "qualified constable" and "qualified prosecutor's office," ensuring that these terms align with the population criteria established in Section 130.911.

The bill also specifies that the changes will only apply to grant awards for counties during fiscal years that begin on or after the effective date of the Act. The Act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 130.911, Local Government Code 130.912, Local Government Code 130.913 (Local Government Code 130)