Senate Bill No. 46, introduced by Bettencourt, aims to enhance the authority of law enforcement agencies in counties with populations exceeding 3.3 million. The bill introduces new provisions allowing sheriffs and constables to enter into contracts with local governments, property owners' associations, or landowners to provide law enforcement services in their respective areas. It explicitly states that the commissioners court cannot prohibit or restrict these contracts, granting sheriffs and constables the autonomy to determine the terms of such agreements without needing prior approval from the commissioners court.

Additionally, the bill establishes requirements and prohibitions regarding the funding and appropriation of resources for law enforcement in these large counties. It mandates that counties must hold elections for budget changes that affect law enforcement funding and prohibits the transfer of funds appropriated to the offices of sheriffs or constables to the general revenue fund. The bill also ensures that any money received under the new contracts is credited directly to the respective law enforcement offices and cannot be used to justify reductions in their appropriations. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and protect their funding in populous counties.

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