Relating to the payment of certain fees by sex offenders and the use of those fees for certain law enforcement purposes.
Impact
The implementation of HB 79 is poised to affect how local law enforcement agencies manage the registration of sex offenders. By allowing local authorities to collect these fees, the bill seeks to provide a funding mechanism to support law enforcement efforts in maintaining accurate sex offender registries. It also ensures that local agencies have the financial means to handle their responsibilities effectively, which may improve compliance and monitoring of sex offenders within the community.
Summary
House Bill 79 introduces significant amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding fees charged by local law enforcement authorities to individuals required to register as sex offenders. The bill outlines a fee structure whereby law enforcement can charge up to $50 upon initial registration and annual verification. Additionally, fees of either $50 or $5 may be charged when a sex offender changes their address, depending on whether the authority is designated as their primary registration authority. These fees aim to defray the costs incurred by the authorities in performing their registration duties.
Contention
Despite its intentions, the bill may face contention on several grounds. Critics might argue that imposing fees on individuals already facing the burden of registration can disproportionately affect those who are economically disadvantaged. This concern raises questions about the fairness of placing additional financial responsibilities on a population that has historically been marginalized. Balance must be struck between funding law enforcement screenings and not over-punishing individuals who are attempting to adhere to the law.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to prohibiting a registered sex offender in certain circumstances from going within a certain distance of the residence of the victim of the offense for which the offender is subject to registration.
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.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and law enforcement agencies regarding law enforcement officers and the use of body worn cameras; authorizing fees.
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.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.