HBA-MPA H.J.R. 55 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.J.R. 55 By: Hupp County Affairs 3/2/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, San Saba County has a population of less than 6,000 people, and the sheriff adequately serves the law enforcement needs of the entire county. The existence of the constable's office is an extra cost to the county. As proposed, H.J.R. 55 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional amendment abolishing the San Saba County constable's office. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 18, Article V, Texas Constitution, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (h), as follows: (a) Makes a conforming change. (h) Abolishes the office of constable in San Saba County, and transfers its functions to the county sheriff. Provides that this change will only take place if, at the statewide election providing for the abolition of the San Saba County constable's office, the majority of the voters in San Saba County voting on the question at that election favor the amendment. SECTION 2. Amends the Texas Constitution, by adding a temporary provision, as follows: TEMPORARY PROVISION. Provides that constitutional amendment abolishing the office of the constable in San Saba County takes effect January 1, 2000, if the requirement is met that the majority of San Saba County voters approve this amendment. Provides that this provision expires January 2, 2000. SECTION 3. Requires this proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 2, 1999. Sets forth the required language for the ballot.