Friends,
Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our families safe. When danger strikes, they should have the resources to get crime off our streets—without fearing political games will strip those resources away.
That’s why I authored House Bill 192, which expands on the protections first passed in SB 23 (2021). Harris County has tried to “defund” law enforcement through accounting maneuvers—like withholding rollover budgets, blocking hires, or shifting law enforcement dollars to unrelated projects. HB 192 makes sure those kinds of tricks can’t happen. If county leaders want to cut law enforcement funding, they must first get voter approval—plain and simple.
I also filed House Bill 26 to protect Harris County’s long-standing and highly successful Contract Deputy Program. For decades, neighborhoods, schools, and other local entities have been able to contract directly with sheriffs and constables to provide extra law enforcement presence. HB 26 simply ensures this program can continue as-is—without interference from the commissioners court. By keeping politics out of the process, communities can continue to get the additional security they want and need.
Together, HB 26 and HB 192 strengthen public safety in Texas’s largest county by safeguarding both the resources and flexibility law enforcement officers need to protect our families and neighborhoods.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns: (281-255-0615) or District130.Oliverson@House.Texas.Gov.
God Bless,
Tom Oliverson, M.D.
Republican State Representative
House District 130
