Texas House Bill HB2523

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the expiration of a protective order when the subject of the protective order is confined or imprisoned.

Impact

The bill brings significant procedural changes in how protective orders are managed and enforced in Texas. By mandating updates to the law enforcement information system, it proposes a more streamlined and transparent process post-release. This could also enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies, potentially improving the safety of individuals protected by such orders. The emphasis on specifying expiration dates in each issued protective order aims to mitigate ambiguity and ensure all parties are aware of the order’s validity period, thus reinforcing legal compliance.

Summary

House Bill 2523 addresses the expiration of protective orders in Texas, specifically when the subjects of those orders are confined or imprisoned. The bill amends the Family Code to require the Department of Public Safety to update the statewide law enforcement information system promptly after the release of a person subject to a protective order, indicating the date the order will expire following their release. This move aims to ensure that law enforcement and relevant parties are accurately informed about the status of protective orders in relation to the confinement status of the subjects.

Contention

While the bill may improve clarity and communication regarding protective orders, it could provoke discussions around privacy and the rights of individuals. Critics might argue that the automatic notifications and updates could intrude on the personal lives of those who have served their time or are looking to move on from past actions. Additionally, questions may arise regarding how effectively the changes will be implemented and whether they will significantly reduce the risks associated with expired protective orders.