Relating to law enforcement's duty to report to the National Crime Information Center and Texas Crime Information Center certain information concerning a family violence, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking case.
Impact
The implementation of SB1241 is expected to improve the overall safety and protection measures for individuals affected by crimes such as family violence and sexual assaults. By enforcing a standard procedure for reporting to the NCIC and TCIC, the bill intends to create a more cohesive approach to tracking criminal activity and offering support to victims. This would ultimately assist in creating more informed law enforcement responses and inter-agency cooperation.
Summary
SB1241 aims to enhance the duty of law enforcement agencies in Texas to report specific types of cases to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC). The bill outlines that municipal police departments and sheriffs are mandated to report information concerning cases related to family violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. This legislation seeks to streamline the reporting process and ensure timely updates to crucial databases, which are vital in tracking offenders and protecting victims.
Contention
While the bill has been designed to bolster protections for victims, there could be points of contention regarding the additional workload it may place on law enforcement agencies. Some stakeholders may argue about the administrative burden of mandatory reporting and the potential for delays in responses due to increased paperwork. Additionally, concerns may arise over how this might affect police discretion in handling sensitive cases or the accuracy of the reported information.
Relating to the protection of certain occupational licensing information regarding clients of family violence shelter centers, victims of trafficking shelter centers, and sexual assault programs and survivors of family violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Relating to the storage of firearms surrendered by a person subject to a magistrate's order for emergency protection or protective order as a result of family violence, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking of persons.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to school district policies on dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment; providing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the notice provided by peace officers to adult victims of family violence.
Relating to court costs imposed on conviction and deposited to the courthouse security fund or the municipal court building security fund; increasing fees.