DEPARTMENT: Police
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT: Concurrent Jurisdiction Agreement
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance approving an interlocal agreement between the City of San Antonio (COSA) and contiguous municipalities establishing concurrent jurisdictions for all criminal cases arising from State law that are committed on the boundaries of COSA and those municipalities, or within 200 yards of that boundary and which are punishable by fine only.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In September 2015, the City of San Antonio executed agreements with the following nine municipalities to establish concurrent jurisdiction, all of which expired on August 31, 2020:
• Kirby
• Hollywood Park
• China Grove
• Balcones Heights
• Terrell Hills
• Hill Country Village
• Windcrest
• Castle Hills
• Olmos Park
On June 19, 2015, Senate Bill 631was signed into law. The new law amended Code of Criminal Procedure Art.4.14(f) and Government Code Sec. 29.003(h). Prior to amendment, the law provided a municipality with a population of 1.9 million or more the ability to enter into an agreement with another municipality contiguous to that municipality to extend the geographical jurisdiction of municipal courts to include certain “fine-only” offenses. S.B. 631 lowered the population threshold for applicable cities with populations from 1.9 million to 1.19 million.
This ordinance allows the City Manager of the City of San Antonio to enter into a new agreement with these contiguous municipalities. The agreement would become effective upon execution by a representative from each city and terminate on August 31, 2026, unless an extension is agreed to by both parties.
ISSUE:
The proposed agreement will allow officers of the City of San Antonio and the contiguous municipality to issue and enforce criminal offenses - arising from State law and punishable by fine only - committed on the municipal boundaries or within 200 yards of that boundary.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council may amend or reject the proposed agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no material fiscal impact anticipated.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance and approval of the agreement.