TX
Texas House Bill HB48

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB48

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
4/27/11  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to authorizing the Department of Public Safety to operate one or more southbound vehicle checkpoints near the international border of this state for the purpose of preventing certain criminal offenses.

Impact

The bill proposes amendments to Section 411.0095 of the Government Code, detailing operational protocols for the checkpoints. It includes stipulations regarding their location, which must be within a mile of existing federal checkpoints and designed to stop only traffic heading to Mexico. This change in law is intended to improve law enforcement coordination with local authorities and is positioned as a means to bolster safety and security at the border while supporting law enforcement's efforts against organized crime.

Summary

House Bill 48 aims to authorize the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish one or more southbound vehicle checkpoints near the international border to prevent certain criminal offenses. The bill specifically targets various unlawful activities, including the illegal transfer of firearms, bulk currency, stolen vehicles, and equipment from Texas into Mexico. It seeks to enhance border security by allowing the department to implement measures that address these issues effectively.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation of these checkpoints, particularly regarding civil liberties and traffic management. Concerns might arise regarding how DPS officers will conduct stops and inspections—whether they could infringe upon drivers' rights or lead to unnecessary delays during peak travel times. Additionally, there will likely be debates on resource allocation and the effectiveness of such measures in truly mitigating crime across the Texas-Mexico border.

Latest TX HB48 Activity

View All Events: TX 2011 - 82nd Regular HB48

Companion Bills

TX SB288

Identical Relating to authorizing the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas to operate one or more southbound vehicle checkpoints near the international border of this state for the purpose of preventing certain criminal offenses.

TX SB294

Relating to authorizing the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to investigate the feasibility of and cooperate in the establishment of southbound checkpoints along the international border of this state.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2883

Relating to checkpoints established by the Department of Public Safety at roadways entering this state from New Mexico.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB61

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB75

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB85

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB37

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB87

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB65

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses committed in the course of or for the purpose of avoiding certain law enforcement checkpoints or evading an arrest or detention; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

TX SB1418

Relating to the authority of the Department of Public Safety and certain local law enforcement agencies to establish a temporary checkpoint on a highway or street to determine whether persons are driving while intoxicated.

TX HB439

Relating to the authority of the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas and certain local law enforcement agencies to establish a checkpoint on a highway or street to determine whether persons are driving while intoxicated.

TX SB531

Relating to the authority of the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas and certain local law enforcement agencies to establish a checkpoint on a highway or street to determine whether persons are driving while intoxicated.

TX SB298

Relating to the authority of the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas and certain local law enforcement agencies to establish a checkpoint on a highway or street to determine whether persons are driving while intoxicated.

TX HB169

Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Public Safety and certain local law enforcement agencies to establish a checkpoint on a highway or street to determine whether persons are driving while intoxicated.

TX SB43

Relating to authorizing the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas to operate one or more southbound vehicle checkpoints near the international border of this state for the purpose of preventing certain criminal offenses.

TX SB288

Relating to authorizing the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas to operate one or more southbound vehicle checkpoints near the international border of this state for the purpose of preventing certain criminal offenses.

TX HB84

Relating to authorizing the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas to operate one or more southbound vehicle checkpoints near the international border of this state for the purpose of preventing certain criminal offenses.