S.B. No. 1957 amends the Local Government Code to clarify the definition and eligibility criteria for serving on a civilian oversight board. The bill introduces a new definition for "civilian oversight board," describing it as a board or office established by a municipality to oversee, monitor, or investigate the actions of fire fighters or police officers by members of the public who are not part of those professions. Additionally, the bill adds a new section that stipulates that individuals who have been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for a felony offense are ineligible to serve on such boards.

The bill aims to enhance the integrity and accountability of civilian oversight boards by ensuring that their members do not have felony convictions, thereby promoting public trust in the oversight process. The legislation will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 143.003 (Local Government Code 143)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 143.003 (Local Government Code 143)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 143.003 (Local Government Code 143)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 143.003 (Local Government Code 143)
Enrolled: Local Government Code 143.003 (Local Government Code 143)