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HB 3476

Relating to the definition of population for the purpose of the rural sheriff's office, constable's office, and prosecutor's office salary assistance grant program.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ellen Troxclair

Texas bill adjusts population definition for rural law enforcement salary grants, affecting which counties receive state funding for sheriff, constable, and prosecutor positions.

Referred to s/c on County & Regional Government by Speaker
#constables(s2357) #countygovernment--employees/officers(i0095) #countygovernment--finance(i0097) #courts--prosecutingattorneys(i0165) #lawenforcement(i0510) #rural(s0467) #sheriffs(s1013) #salaries&expenses(i0745)
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Bill Summary · HB 3476

Legislative bill overview

HB 3476 modifies how population is calculated to determine eligibility for the rural sheriff's office, constable's office, and prosecutor's office salary assistance grant program in Texas. The bill adjusts the definition used to categorize counties as "rural" for purposes of distributing state funding to support law enforcement and prosecutorial salaries in less populous areas.

Why is this important

Rural counties often struggle to competitively recruit and retain qualified law enforcement and prosecution staff due to lower local tax bases and budget constraints. How the state defines "rural" directly determines which counties receive salary assistance grants, affecting the ability of smaller jurisdictions to fill critical public safety positions and maintain adequate criminal justice capacity.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional impact: Changes to population thresholds could shift which counties qualify, potentially removing some counties from eligibility while adding others, creating winners and losers
  • Funding allocation: Redefining "rural" may redistribute limited grant funds differently across the state, raising questions about fairness and whether funding levels will increase or remain static
  • Rural identity: The bill's specific population definition may not align with how communities actually experience rural conditions (geography, infrastructure, services), creating debates about whether the metrics truly capture rural needs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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