The bill, H.B. No. 5470, amends the Local Government Code to grant sheriffs and constables in counties with populations of 3.3 million or more the authority to enter into contracts for law enforcement services. Specifically, it allows sheriffs to contract with local residents, governments, businesses, property owners' associations, or landowners in subdivisions to provide law enforcement services in their respective counties. The bill stipulates that the commissioners court cannot prohibit or restrict these contracts, and the sheriff has the autonomy to determine the terms of the contracts without needing approval from the commissioners court.

Additionally, the bill establishes financial provisions related to the appropriations for the offices of sheriffs and constables. It prohibits counties from transferring funds allocated to these offices to the general revenue fund or restricting their spending for lawful purposes. Furthermore, any money received from contracts under the new sections must be credited directly to the respective office and cannot reduce the overall appropriation for that office. This ensures that the financial resources intended for law enforcement are preserved and utilized effectively.

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