House Bill No. 26 aims to enhance the authority of sheriffs and constables in counties with populations exceeding 3.3 million by allowing them to enter into contracts with local governments, property owners' associations, or landowners to provide law enforcement services. The bill specifies that the commissioners court cannot restrict these officials from entering into such contracts or dictate their terms. Additionally, it establishes that any funding received through these contracts must be credited to the respective law enforcement office and cannot be transferred to the county's general revenue fund.

The bill also introduces provisions regarding budgetary changes in these populous counties, mandating that any budget adjustments affecting law enforcement funding must receive voter approval before implementation. This includes reallocating unspent funds or changing appropriations for specific law enforcement positions. Furthermore, it prohibits counties from transferring appropriated funds for law enforcement to other accounts and ensures that law enforcement agencies can utilize their allocated funds without interference from the county. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 120.002, Local Government Code 120.006, Local Government Code 120.007 (Local Government Code 120)