Texas House Bill HB1684

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/26/23

Caption

Relating to the form of a driver's license or personal identification certificate issued to persons convicted of certain human trafficking offenses.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that those convicted of serious human trafficking offenses are easily identifiable through their driver's license or identification certificates. By imposing a distinctive marking on these documents, the State of Texas seeks to promote greater awareness of individuals who have been convicted of such serious crimes. This measure may serve to deter potential offenders and educate the public regarding the risks associated with human trafficking activities, which are often clandestine in nature.

Summary

House Bill 1684 proposes amendments to requirements surrounding the issuance of driver's licenses and personal identification certificates for individuals convicted of certain human trafficking offenses. Specifically, the bill mandates that when a person is convicted under Chapter 20A of the Penal Code, the court is required to confiscate their existing driver's license or identification certificate and inform the Texas Department of Public Safety to mark the individual's record accordingly. This marking will serve as an indication of the conviction and must be included in all future renewals or reissuances of licenses or certificates for that individual.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1684 is generally supportive among legislators and advocacy groups focused on combating human trafficking. Proponents argue that the measures will help keep communities safer by making it more challenging for offenders to conceal their criminal history. However, there may be concerns from civil rights advocates about the implications of publicly marking individuals as criminals, which they argue could lead to stigmatization and affect reintegration efforts after serving their sentences.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the balance between public safety and individual rights. Critics might argue that the measure, while well-intentioned, could result in long-term ramifications for convicts seeking to reintegrate into society, as the distinctive markings could lead to harassment or discrimination. Additionally, there may be discussions around the effectiveness of such measures in actually preventing human trafficking as opposed to addressing the root causes of the issue. The bill's discussions and potential passage may evoke debates about how best to handle the intersection of criminal justice and public safety.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

• Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
  • Section: New Section

Transportation Code

• Chapter 521. Driver's Licenses And Certificates
  • Section: New Section

Penal Code

• Chapter 20. Kidnapping, Unlawful Restraint, Andsmuggling Of Persons
  • Section: New Section