HB 1985
AN ACT relating to the age limit for a beginning position in a fire
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Raises the maximum age limit for taking entrance examinations and being certified for beginning positions in municipal fire departments from 36 to 45 years old. The legislation allows municipalities facing recruitment challenges to hire firefighters who are 45 or older, providing more flexibility in staffing fire departments. If a municipality struggles to recruit qualified firefighters due to age restrictions, their governing body can recommend temporary employment rules for candidates over 45.
Bill Text
relating to the age limit for a beginning position in a fire department under municipal civil service. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Sections 143.023(a) and (b), Local Government Code, are amended to read as follows: (a) A person may not take an entrance examination for a beginning position in a [the] police or fire department unless the person is at least 18 years of age. [A person may not take an entrance examination for a beginning position in the fire department unless the person is at least 18 years of age but not 36 (b) A person may not be certified as eligible for a beginning position in a fire department if the person is 45 [36] SECTION 2. Section 143.083(a), Local Government Code, is (a) If a municipality is unable to recruit qualified fire fighters because of the maximum age limit prescribed by Section 143.023 and the municipality's governing body finds that this inability creates an emergency, the commission shall recommend to the governing body additional rules governing the temporary employment of persons who are 45 [36] years of age or older. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the age limit for a beginning position in a fire
Related Guides
Learn more about tracking Texas legislation and working with lobbyists.
How to Read & Track Texas Bills
Master bill numbering, understand legislative language, and learn effective tracking strategies.
Understanding Texas Legislative Deadlines
Navigate the 140-day session with critical calendar dates and filing deadlines.
How Laws Get Made in Texas
Follow a bill's journey from filing to the governor's desk through committees and floor votes.
When Should Your Business Hire a Lobbyist?
Discover the signs that your business needs professional advocacy at the Texas Capitol.