TBM H.J.R. 29 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.J.R. 29
By: Jones, Delwin
Constitutional Revision, Select
3/2/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under Texas law, constables are peace officers elected by the voting public
of each county and licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
Officer Standards and Education.  Constables provide process service for
all courts in the state of Texas, as well as the same services and duties
provided by all other police agencies.  Some citizens think that the duties
of a constable could be performed as efficiently and effectively, if not
better, by the sheriff's office, a change that would eliminate the
duplication of work in some cases.  House Joint Resolution 29 authorizes a
county to call an election on whether the office of constable should be
abolished.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this resolution
does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Joint Resolution 29 amends the Texas Constitution to authorize the
commissioners court of a county to call an election on the question of
whether the office of constable in the county should be abolished.  If a
majority of the voters of the county approve the proposition, the office of
constable is abolished and the powers, duties, and records of the office
are transferred to the county sheriff.   

FOR ELECTION

This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at
an election to be held November 6, 2001.