Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3316

Caption

Relating to the Texas Crime Stoppers Council.

Impact

The implementation of HB 3316 strengthens the legal framework supporting crime stoppers organizations, allowing them to accept and forward tips regarding criminal activities and other potential safety threats. Notably, it establishes immunity from civil liability for individuals who submit tips, thus encouraging more citizens to report suspicious behavior without fear of repercussions. This new legal protection extends to organizations facilitating these reports, which aims to create a safer reporting environment and enhance community engagement in crime prevention efforts.

Summary

House Bill 3316, relating to the Texas Crime Stoppers Council, amends various statutes to enhance the functioning and responsibilities of crime stoppers organizations throughout Texas. The bill clarifies the definition of a 'crime stoppers organization' and outlines the roles and duties of the Texas Crime Stoppers Council, including the establishment of statewide crime reporting systems for tip submissions. This aims to facilitate communication between citizens providing tips and law enforcement agencies, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools, thereby improving public safety across communities.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 3316 appears favorable among law enforcement and community safety advocates, who view it as a critical step toward improving response mechanisms for public safety threats. The bill aligns with ongoing efforts to promote active citizen involvement in law enforcement processes by providing clearer pathways for reporting criminal activity. However, there may be concerns from those who fear misuse of submitted tips or any potential overreach in the use of collected information, signaling a need for transparency and accountability in how these reports are handled.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the potential for misuse of submitted information, as the bill emphasizes confidentiality but also grants the council and organizations significant responsibilities regarding the handling of tips. While providing a robust system for reporting criminal activity and ensuring that anonymity is maintained, there may be discussions around the balance between public safety and privacy rights, especially concerning the sensitive nature of the information being reported.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1233

Relating to the disclosure of crime stoppers tips.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX SB1072

Relating to local school health advisory councils and instruction regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity provided by public schools.

TX HR126

Congratulating Moore County Crime Stoppers on receiving two Texas Best Awards.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB61

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB4619

Relating to establishment of the Texas Rare Disease Advisory Council.

TX SB1408

Relating to establishment of the Texas Rare Disease Advisory Council.

TX HB4123

Relating to access to and use of certain criminal history record information.

Similar Bills

TX HB1233

Relating to the disclosure of crime stoppers tips.

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NJ S3236

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CA AB386

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CA SB729

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CA AB2946

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CA AB359

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CA AB76

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