In 1973, the Texas Legislature sought to ensure that police and firefighters receive compensation and working conditions comparable to private sector employees. For this reason, during the 63rd Legislative Session, HB 185 was passed allowing for voters in municipalities to allow their police to participate in collective bargaining.

While collective bargaining is often associated with strikes and big union tactics, the act was specifically created to give public safety employees a say in their pay, benefits, and working conditions, while expressly prohibiting strikes, lockouts, and other tactics which would put public safety at risk.