Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2233

Caption

Relating to requiring certain law enforcement agencies to implement a policy regarding cite and release for certain criminal offenses.

Impact

The implementation of HB2233 is expected to significantly alter the landscape of law enforcement responses to misdemeanor offenses across Texas. Specifically, it aims to reduce the number of individuals arrested and subsequently booked into county and municipal jails for minor offenses, thereby addressing concerns about unnecessary detentions. Moreover, the bill's provisions encourage the efficiency of law enforcement operations by supporting the increased issuance of citations in lieu of arrest, which aligns with broader objectives of community safety and effective law enforcement practices.

Summary

House Bill 2233 aims to require certain law enforcement agencies in Texas to implement a formal policy regarding the practice of cite and release for certain misdemeanors. This bill seeks to standardize procedures for issuing citations as an alternative to arrest for offenders who qualify under Article 14.06 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The legislation emphasizes the importance of having a detailed written policy that aligns with best practices and is grounded in credible academic and policy research. All law enforcement agencies are tasked with adopting such policies by May 1, 2022, following model guidelines developed by relevant institutions.

Contention

While many proponents argue that HB2233 will foster better relationships between law enforcement and communities and lead to more appropriate handling of minor offenses, there are points of contention surrounding its implementation. Critics fear that the mandatory nature of the policy may not allow sufficient flexibility for varying local conditions or unique circumstances that law enforcement officers encounter in their daily duties. Furthermore, discussions may arise regarding the adequacy of training and resources available to law enforcement agencies to effectively deploy this policy while balancing their broader responsibilities in maintaining public safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB410

Relating to law enforcement policies regarding the issuance of citations for misdemeanors punishable by fine only and to a limitation on the authority to arrest a person for certain fine-only misdemeanors.

TX SB571

Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, witnesses to the commission of those offenses, and other members of the public, to peace officer liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.

TX HB2519

Relating to law enforcement misconduct and law enforcement interactions with certain detained or arrested individuals and other members of the public, to public entity liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.

TX HB1065

Relating to official oppression and to law enforcement policies requiring peace officers to report certain peace officer misconduct; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4379

Relating to citations and arrests for criminal offenses and pretrial detention and release.

TX SB4

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.