H.B. No. 4205 amends the Local Government Code to enhance compensation and employment benefits for law enforcement personnel in certain counties, specifically those with populations of 3.3 million or more. The bill redefines "police officer" to include those who are sworn, certified, or licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and who serve in various law enforcement capacities, including roles in district attorney offices and as county fire marshals. It also expands the definition of "political subdivision" to include counties and clarifies the responsibilities of public employers regarding the establishment of compensation and employment conditions.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that mandates that if a commissioners court increases compensation or benefits for a class of police officers, it must apply the same increase to all police officers within that class funded primarily by the county. The commissioners court is required to provide necessary funding for these increases and is prohibited from reducing the budget of any law enforcement agency as a result. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 174.003, Local Government Code 174.005 (Local Government Code 174)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 174.003, Local Government Code 174.005 (Local Government Code 174)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 174.003, Local Government Code 174.005 (Local Government Code 174)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 174.003, Local Government Code 174.005 (Local Government Code 174)
Enrolled: Local Government Code 174.003, Local Government Code 174.005 (Local Government Code 174)