Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of certain information regarding conditions of bond for stalking offenses.
Impact
The bill builds upon House Bill 766 from the previous legislative session, which established a database managed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to document bond conditions imposed on defendants charged with violent crimes. By incorporating stalking into this framework, it aims to ensure that relevant information is disseminated rapidly, thereby reducing risks for victims from potential retaliatory actions. The changes mandated by HB 767 are expected to significantly improve the efficacy of victim protection measures and the overall response of law enforcement to incidents involving stalking.
Summary
House Bill 767, introduced by Chairman Harless, addresses the inclusion of stalking offenses in the conditions of bond notifications required for certain violent crimes in Texas. This legislation aims to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure that stalking is recognized among the offenses that require immediate notification to the victim and law enforcement. By integrating stalking into the statewide data systems where bond conditions for violent offenders are recorded and monitored, the bill intends to enhance the safety of victims and improve the responsiveness of law enforcement when handling potential threats stemming from such offenses.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 767 has been overwhelmingly positive among legislators, criminal justice advocates, and victim support organizations. Proponents argue that this bill responds to a critical gap in the existing legal framework concerning violent crimes and emphasizes the importance of victim notification and safety. Public testimonies in favor of the bill, such as those from representatives of various law enforcement and legal organizations, reflect a consensus on the need for enhanced communication regarding stalking offenses.
Contention
While there appears to be broad support for HB 767, some concerns were raised regarding implementation logistics and the adequacy of resources to manage the expanded database functionalities. Opponents might argue that the system would require additional funding and training for law enforcement agencies to effectively utilize the new protocol for bond condition notifications. However, no significant opposition was noted during the discussions, and the legislation ultimately passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Code Of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 17. Bail
Section: 50
Section: New Section
Section: 50
Section: New Section
Section: 50
Penal Code
Chapter 42. Disorderly Conduct And Related Offenses
Section: 072
Section: 072
Government Code
Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of certain information regarding orders imposing a condition of bond in a criminal case involving a violent offense.
Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of certain information regarding conditions of bond imposed in criminal cases involving family violence.
Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of certain information regarding conditions of bond imposed in criminal cases involving family violence.
Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of information concerning the release on bond of persons charged with committing a violent offense.
Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of information concerning the release on bond of persons charged with committing a violent offense.
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.
Relating to the monitoring of certain family violence offenders, the provision of resources for family violence victims, and the collection of information about conditions of bond imposed in family violence cases and certain other criminal cases.
Relating to certain conditions of, penalties for violating, and collection of information about protective orders issued in certain family violence, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking cases.
Relating to certain conditions of, penalties for violating, and collection of information about protective orders issued in certain family violence, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking cases.