TX
Texas Senate Bill SB43

Texas 2011 - 82nd 1st C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB43

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

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill alters existing Texas law by amending Section 411.0095 of the Government Code to explicitly allow for these vehicle checkpoints. Through this measure, law enforcement will be empowered to stop and inspect vehicles based on probable cause associated with the unlawful movement of the specified contraband. Supporters argue that these checkpoints will enhance safety and reduce crime rates associated with cross-border trafficking.

Summary

SB43 aims to authorize the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas to establish southbound vehicle checkpoints near the international border. These checkpoints are intended to prevent the unlawful removal of certain items, including firearms, controlled substances, currency, and stolen vehicles, from Texas to Mexico. The checkpoints would specifically target traffic bound for Mexico, thereby reinforcing border security measures in the region.

Conclusion

Overall, SB43 represents a significant shift in the approach to border security in Texas, reflecting the ongoing concerns over crime related to the border. If implemented, it will enhance the authority of law enforcement at the border and contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding public safety and civil rights in the context of border enforcement.

Contention

Despite the intended benefits, there are notable points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue that such checkpoints could lead to racial profiling or overly aggressive law enforcement practices, disproportionately impacting certain communities. Additionally, concerns about the civil liberties of drivers encountering the checkpoints may arise, particularly regarding the balance between security measures and individual rights.

Latest TX SB43 Activity

View All Events: TX 2011 - 82nd 1st C.S. SB43

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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 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 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 HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

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 HB48

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.

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 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.

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.