Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2101

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a study on unreported gunshots detected using gunshot detection technology.

Impact

The bill mandates that the contracted police departments not only investigate the number of unreported gunshots detected but also provide detailed findings regarding the nature of these incidents, including any criminal charges that arise as a result. The expected report will aim to be substantive, with comprehensive insights being required from the participating law enforcement agencies, thus potentially informing future legislative actions regarding public safety and gun violence.

Summary

House Bill 2101 seeks to establish a comprehensive study on unreported gunshots detected using gunshot detection technology. This bill aims to understand the instances of unreported gunfire within specific municipalities and the outcomes of police investigations following these incidents. The legislation specifically instructs the Department of Public Safety to contract with three municipal police departments that meet specific criteria, such as a population exceeding 500,000, to conduct the study and report their findings.

Contention

The bill seems to suggest a holistic approach to addressing public safety concerns and enhancing community safety through technological advancements in monitoring potential criminal activities. However, discussions around such measures could bring forth concerns regarding privacy and the efficacy of using technology to track and respond to gun-related incidents, highlighting a potential divide between community safety initiatives and civil liberties.

Implementation

Upon completion of the study, the Department of Public Safety is required to submit a summarized report to the legislature by December 31, 2026, detailing the findings and implications of the research. This timeline suggests a structured approach to evaluating the impacts of gunshot detection technology, with the findings having the potential to influence future policies and law enforcement strategies surrounding gun violence.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 37. Discipline; Law And Order
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB564

Relating to a study on energy-efficient and energy-saving information technologies.

TX SB2218

Relating to a study on the use of fiber-optic technology for the purpose of border security.

TX HB4422

Relating to a study on enhancing border security outcomes through public safety, technological, and transportation infrastructure improvements near Texas-Mexico border crossings.

TX HB3

Relating to measures for ensuring public school safety, including the development and implementation of purchases relating to and funding for public school safety and security requirements and the provision of safety-related resources.

TX SB11

Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.

TX HB2494

Relating to information security officers and network threat detection and response for state agencies.

TX HB5137

Relating to requirements for the use on the state's international border of motion detection cameras and for camera data storage from those cameras.

TX SB1204

Relating to state and local government information technology and information security.

TX HB5024

Relating to establishing the Medicaid home health efficiency technologies pilot program.

TX HB2678

Relating to advanced air mobility technology.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.