Texas Law Requires Voters to Approve Police Funding Changes

HB 192 is a Texas state law passed in 2025 that changes how large counties handle law enforcement budgets. The law applies to counties with more than 3.3 million people, which includes Harris County. Before this law, county leaders could cut police budgets or move money around without asking voters first.

Now counties must hold a public election before making big budget changes to sheriffs and constables. If a county cuts law enforcement funding or moves money from one police agency to another, voters must approve the change at an election. The county must order the election at least 30 days before it happens, giving people time to learn about the vote.

The law also protects law enforcement funding in other ways. Counties cannot take money from sheriff or constable offices and put it in their general fund. If sheriff or constable offices earn money through contracts with other agencies, that money stays with those offices. Counties cannot reduce their regular budget for these offices just because they earned contract money.

If a county breaks these rules, there are consequences. A person can file a complaint with the Texas governor's office. The state comptroller can investigate and decide if the county violated the law. If the law was broken, the county faces tax rate limits until it fixes the problem or gets voter approval.

HB 192 became effective on December 4, 2025. Our community now has a stronger voice in decisions about police funding through the voting process.

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