Texas Senate Bill SB1766

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring a person who is the subject of a family violence protective order to surrender firearms owned by the person.

Impact

The introduction of SB1766 is significant as it amends existing laws to create a formalized structure for firearm surrender in the context of family violence. Each county in Texas will be required to establish a task force that includes representatives from law enforcement, family violence centers, and judicial authorities. These task forces will develop policies, recommend practices, and ensure compliance with firearm surrender orders, thus promoting uniformity across counties in addressing this critical safety issue.

Summary

SB1766 is an act aimed at addressing the issue of firearms in the context of family violence. Specifically, the bill mandates that individuals subject to a family violence protective order must surrender their firearms. This legislation seeks to enhance the safety of victims of family violence by removing access to weapons from abusers, thereby potentially reducing the risk of further violence. The act establishes a process for the surrender and management of firearms by creating county-level task forces responsible for overseeing these procedures.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to SB1766 may revolve around concerns regarding the enforcement of firearm surrender and the implications this has for individual rights, particularly the rights of firearm owners. Opponents may argue that the bill could lead to potential overreach in enforcing compliance and may raise questions about due process. The requirement for proof of compliance within a specific timeframe may also be debated, especially regarding how this is monitored and enforced at the local level. Additionally, discussions may surface about the adequacy of resources and training available for the task forces to carry out their responsibilities effectively.