Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Impact
The legislation is significant as it establishes clear guidelines that bolster the rights of certain law enforcement and corrections personnel to carry weapons. This change is positioned to enhance their authority and potentially increase their safety while off duty or outside their typical work environments. The amendments stipulate that local establishments cannot impose restrictions on these officers, which could reshape the regulatory landscape governing public safety in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 658 addresses the rights of community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and specific retired law enforcement officers to carry weapons in public establishments. The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure that these officers are not prohibited from carrying weapons on the premises of establishments serving the public, regardless of whether they are on duty. Additionally, it integrates provisions for criminal liability regarding the taking of weapons from these officers under certain conditions.
Sentiment
The sentiment towards HB 658 appears largely supportive among law enforcement advocacy groups, viewing it as a necessary reinforcement of the rights and protections for officers, especially retired ones. However, there may be concerns among some community members and organizations regarding the implications this legislation has for public safety and the carrying of firearms in civilian settings.
Contention
Debate surrounding the bill may center on the balance between enforcing public safety and respecting the rights of establishments to impose their regulations. Critics of similar measures might argue about the potential escalation of tensions in public spaces or concerns about the appropriateness of armed individuals, even those in law enforcement, in everyday venues. Ultimately, this bill's passage contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the role of armed personnel in community settings.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Code Of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 2. General Duties Of Officers
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 17. Bail
Section: 03
Penal Code
Chapter 38. Obstructing Governmental Operation
Section: 14
Section: 14
Chapter 46. Weapons
Section: 15
Section: 15
Section: 15
Section: 15
Government Code
Chapter 76. Community Supervision And Corrections Departments
Section: 0051
Section: 0051
Section: 0051
Section: 0051
Human Resources Code
Chapter 142. Juvenile Probation Departments And Personnel
Identical
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a firearm by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in certain criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.
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 prohibiting the carrying of a handgun by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.
Relating to eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas by certain juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.