Relating to measures to prevent or control the entry into or spread in this state of certain communicable diseases; providing a penalty.
Impact
This legislation changes the legal landscape by granting increased authority to law enforcement in managing health-related situations that could threaten public safety. It empowers peace officers to enforce restrictions effectively and ensures that they can secure quarantine areas and prevent individuals from entering or leaving designated spaces. By establishing clearer protocols, the bill seeks to streamline the response to health crises, which could be crucial during outbreaks of contagious diseases.
Summary
House Bill 1690 proposes amendments to the Health and Safety Code focusing on the state's ability to prevent and control the entry and spread of certain communicable diseases. It introduces provisions allowing peace officers, including sheriffs and constables, to use reasonable force in various public health scenarios, such as enforcing quarantine orders and ensuring compliance during protective custody situations. The bill aims to enhance the state's capacity to act swiftly in the face of public health emergencies.
Contention
While the bill is aimed at improving public health safety, it raises concerns regarding the balance between enforcement and individual rights. Critics may argue that allowing law enforcement to use force in health matters introduces a potential for overreach, infringing on personal liberties. Opposition may also stem from apprehensions about the implications of such measures on community trust in public health authorities and law enforcement.
Notable_points
HB 1690 also sets forth a criminal penalty for individuals who resist or evade protective custody orders, categorizing these offenses as Class A misdemeanors. This provision underscores the seriousness with which the legislature views compliance in health emergencies, as well as the potential consequences for noncompliance. Overall, the bill represents a significant shift towards robust public health governance in Texas.
Relating to infection prevention and control programs and other measures for communicable diseases at certain long-term care facilities; authorizing an administrative penalty.
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.
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 election integrity and security, including by preventing fraud in the conduct of elections in this state; authorizing a penalty, increasing a penalty.
Relating to judicial review of certain orders issued to address a declared state of disaster, declared public health disaster, or ordered public health emergency or to prevent the spread of a communicable disease.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
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.