Relating to the creation of a public integrity unit to prosecute offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses, offenses involving insurance fraud, and offenses involving motor fuels tax.
Impact
If enacted, HB2222 would amend the Government Code to create a clear framework for the prosecution of offenses related to public integrity. This includes a definition of offenses that the unit could prosecute and outlines the authority of the unit to function independently in prosecuting offenders in any district or county court. The bill emphasizes the importance of cooperation between state agencies and local law enforcement to gather necessary information and effectively carry out its mandates, thus potentially leading to improved enforcement of laws against public corruption.
Summary
House Bill 2222 proposes the creation of a Texas Public Integrity Unit aimed at prosecuting offenses against public administration, including but not limited to ethics violations, insurance fraud, and motor fuels tax offenses. The bill seeks to establish a dedicated unit within the state government that would manage the prosecution of these offenses, thereby enhancing accountability for state officers and employees. This unit would operate under the oversight of a committee made up of presiding judges from each administrative judicial region, ensuring a level of judicial involvement in its operations.
Contention
There are notable points of contention regarding the authority and independence of the Texas Public Integrity Unit. Critics may raise concerns about potential overlaps with existing prosecutorial jurisdictions, particularly those of county district attorneys. Questions may also arise concerning the appropriateness of such a unit within the existing legal framework, especially regarding the balance of power in prosecution and the safeguarding of rights in a public administration setting. Furthermore, the establishment of standards for prosecutors employed by the unit, including restrictions on engaging in private practice, could provoke discussions around recruitment and capacity issues.
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 sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
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 creating a criminal offense for interfering with a motor fuel metering device or motor fuel unattended payment terminal and the prosecution of organized criminal activity involving that conduct.
Relating to creating a criminal offense for interfering with a motor fuel metering device or motor fuel unattended payment terminal and the prosecution of organized criminal activity involving that conduct.
Relating to the concurrent jurisdiction of prosecuting attorneys in adjoining districts or counties to prosecute criminal offenses involving the election laws in this state.
Relating to the concurrent jurisdiction of prosecuting attorneys in adjoining districts or counties to prosecute criminal offenses involving the election laws in this state.
Relating to the establishment of the Public Integrity Prosecutions Committee and the Office of Public Integrity Prosecutions for the prosecution of offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses, offenses involving insurance fraud, and offenses involving motor fuels tax and to the appointment of committee members and the appointment and compensation of the prosecutor.
Relating to the provision of services to certain persons involved in, and the prosecution, punishment, and prevention of, offenses involving trafficking of persons or certain forced or sex-based labor or services, and to law enforcement training related to offenses involving that trafficking.
In general provisions relating to criminal proceedings, establishing the Adjunct Prosecutor Division within the Office of Attorney General; providing for its powers and duties; and establishing the Adjunct Prosecutor Division Restricted Account.