Senate Bill No. 46 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 introduces provisions that require counties to hold elections for budget changes that affect law enforcement funding, ensuring that any reductions or reallocations receive voter approval.

The bill also establishes requirements and prohibitions regarding the management of funds appropriated to law enforcement offices in these large counties. It prohibits the transfer of funds from the sheriff's or constable's office to the county's general revenue fund and mandates that any money received under the new contracts be credited directly to the respective law enforcement office. Furthermore, it ensures that the appropriation to these offices cannot be reduced based on the funds received from contracts, thereby protecting their financial resources. 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)