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Bill

HB 3253

Relating to the rural constable's office salary assistance grant program.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Stan Gerdes and 3 co-sponsors

HB 3253 creates a state grant program to assist rural Texas constable offices with salary costs, improving law enforcement funding in sparsely populated counties.

Placed on General State Calendar
#comptrollerofpublicaccounts(v2608) #constables(s2357) #countygovernment--employees/officers(i0095) #lawenforcement(i0510) #rural(s0467) #salaries&expenses(i0745) #statefinances--management&control(i0748)
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Bill Summary · HB 3253

Legislative bill overview

HB 3253 establishes or modifies a salary assistance grant program for rural constables in Texas. The bill provides state funding to help rural constable offices meet payroll expenses, addressing compensation challenges in sparsely populated counties where local tax bases may be insufficient to support competitive wages.

Why is this important

Rural constable offices provide critical law enforcement services in remote areas, but recruitment and retention are difficult due to lower local revenues compared to urban jurisdictions. This program aims to ensure consistent law enforcement coverage in underserved communities by making constable positions more financially viable and stable.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and state budget impact: The expense of the grant program and whether it represents efficient use of state resources versus other law enforcement funding priorities
  • Eligibility criteria and fairness: Which rural counties/offices qualify, what income thresholds apply, and whether the formula adequately addresses disparities across different regions
  • Local responsibility versus state subsidy: Philosophical disagreement over whether salaries are a local obligation or whether state should supplement underfunded rural offices

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

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