H.B. No. 3948 proposes the establishment of an office of inspector general in certain municipalities, specifically those with populations exceeding 500,000 and located in counties with populations over 2.5 million adjacent to counties with populations over 2 million. This office will have the authority to investigate municipal agencies, including the city manager and city attorney's offices, to prevent and detect serious breaches of municipal policy, fraud, abuse of office, and other criminal activities. The findings from these investigations must be reported to the appropriate prosecuting attorney, who will determine if further action is necessary. Additionally, the city manager and city attorney's offices are prohibited from impeding the operations of the inspector general's office.

The bill also amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to include new definitions and roles for peace officers, specifically inserting provisions that allow investigators from the office of the inspector general of a municipality to be commissioned as peace officers. This includes the addition of language that recognizes the authority of these investigators under the Local Government Code. Furthermore, the bill repeals certain previous amendments related to peace officers and clarifies the roles of various law enforcement entities within the state. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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