Texas House Bill HB658

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of certain prosecutors and authorized peace officers of the offices of those prosecutors with respect to certain laws governing the installation and use of tracking equipment and access to certain communications.

Impact

By expanding the jurisdiction and capabilities of prosecutors and designated law enforcement offices, HB658 aims to streamline operations related to surveillance and data collection during criminal investigations. This could potentially enhance public safety by allowing for more efficient crime prevention and tracking of criminal activities. However, it also raises important questions about privacy and civil liberties, as the increased power to access communications might lead to concerns about overreach or misuse of such authority.

Summary

House Bill 658 focuses on the responsibilities and authority of certain prosecutors and law enforcement officers regarding the installation and usage of tracking equipment, such as pen registers and ESN readers. It amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance the powers of designated law enforcement agencies in managing these technologies, particularly in larger municipalities and counties, to ensure they can effectively combat crime while adhering to legal protocols regarding communications access.

Contention

There are points of contention regarding the bill, primarily revolving around the balance between facilitating law enforcement efforts and protecting individual privacy rights. Critics might argue that the provisions enabling more extensive use of tracking equipment could infringe on personal freedoms and lead to unjustified surveillance. Proponents, however, assert that such measures are necessary for effective crime fighting in an increasingly digital landscape, where technological advancements have outpaced traditional legal frameworks.