H.B. No. 192 amends the Local Government Code to establish new requirements for counties with populations exceeding 3.3 million regarding the funding and management of law enforcement agencies. The bill mandates that such counties must hold an election to obtain voter approval before implementing any budget reductions or reallocations affecting law enforcement funding. Specifically, if a county's budget for a fiscal year reallocates unspent funds or changes appropriations for law enforcement positions, it must seek voter consent. Additionally, the bill prohibits counties from transferring funds appropriated to the offices of sheriff or constable to the general revenue fund and restricts the ability of counties to limit how these offices can spend their allocated funds.

The legislation also introduces provisions for accountability, allowing residents to file complaints if they believe a county has made unauthorized reductions or reallocations without voter approval. The comptroller is tasked with determining compliance and reporting findings to relevant state officials. If a county is found to have violated these provisions, it cannot adopt a tax rate exceeding its no-new-revenue tax rate until the issues are resolved. Overall, H.B. No. 192 aims to enhance transparency and protect law enforcement funding in large counties by ensuring that any changes to budgets are subject to public approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 120.002, Local Government Code 120.006, Local Government Code 120.007 (Local Government Code 120)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 120.002, Local Government Code 120.006, Local Government Code 120.007 (Local Government Code 120)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 120.002, Local Government Code 120.006, Local Government Code 120.007 (Local Government Code 120)
Enrolled: Local Government Code 120.002, Local Government Code 120.006, Local Government Code 120.007 (Local Government Code 120)