Texas Law Lets Sheriffs and Constables Contract for Services

HB 26 is a new Texas law that changes how law enforcement works in big counties. The law applies to counties with more than 3.3 million people—this includes Harris County and the Houston area. It lets sheriffs and constables sign contracts to provide police services without needing approval from county leaders. Under this law, a sheriff can make a contract with local governments, neighborhood groups, or landowners. The sheriff can provide police services to the areas these groups manage or own. A constable has the same power in their precinct, or police district. Both officers can decide what the contracts say and who provides the services. Before this law, county commissioners could say no to these contracts. Now, the law says county commissioners cannot stop a sheriff or constable from signing these deals. The officers can decide on their own. This gives sheriffs and constables more freedom to work with different parts of the community. The law applies to anyone living in or visiting the areas covered by these contracts. The law took effect 91 days after the 2025 legislative session ended. It passed the Texas House with 88 yes votes and 49 no votes. The Texas Senate passed it with 21 yes votes and 5 no votes.