Texas House Bill HB2711

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of failure to identify; increasing a criminal penalty.

Impact

If enacted, the sum of the changes brought by HB2711 would amend Sections 38.02(a), (c), and (d) of the Texas Penal Code. According to the newly proposed measures, a person could be charged with a higher-level misdemeanor if they refuse to provide their name, residence address, or date of birth during lawful encounters with police officers. This shift would significantly impact how law enforcement manages interactions where individual identification is required, potentially increasing the number of arrests related to such circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 2711 proposes changes to the prosecution of the criminal offense related to failure to identify oneself to law enforcement officers. The bill specifically increases penalties associated with this offense, aiming to enhance the authority of law enforcement during encounters with individuals who either refuse to provide their identity or provide false identification. The adjustments outlined in the bill are designed to create a stricter legal framework that deters such non-compliance with law enforcement requests.

Contention

While the supporters of HB2711 argue that stricter penalties will strengthen law enforcement's ability to carry out their duties effectively, critics may contend that these changes could lead to disproportionate consequences for individuals who are unable to provide identification for legitimate reasons. The balance between enhancing police authority and protecting individual rights continues to be a point of contention. This bill's introduction could result in debate among various stakeholders regarding the implications of increased penalties and how they could affect community relations with law enforcement.