Senate passes bill restricting transfers from sheriff/constable budgets in large counties

The Texas Senate on Aug. 27 passed House Bill 192, which sets conditions under which counties with populations over a stated threshold must hold elections before reducing funding or resources for certain primary law enforcement agencies and prohibits some transfers from sheriff and constable appropriations to other county accounts. The measure passed on final Senate action during the special session; the roll calls recorded votes generally at 21 ayes and 5 nays.