Relating to the authority of a peace officer to stop, detain, or arrest a person for a violation of certain traffic offenses.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would directly influence the way traffic violations are handled by law enforcement agencies across Texas. It clarifies the criteria under which officers can perform stops or arrests without a warrant, centering around the visibility of police vehicles and the uniform of the officer involved. This change is intended to reinforce procedural justice and ensure that citizens are better protected from arbitrary enforcement actions.
Summary
House Bill 1027 aims to modify the authority of peace officers in Texas regarding traffic offenses. The bill specifically addresses the conditions under which a peace officer is permitted to stop, detain, or arrest individuals for violations classified as misdemeanors punishable only by fines. The key amendment dictates that uniformed officers operating marked police vehicles are required to follow certain protocols before intervening in such situations.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1027 include concerns about the potential for selective enforcement based on the interpretation of what constitutes proper visual identification of police authority. Critics may argue that the stipulations imposed by the bill could lead to inconsistencies in law enforcement practices across different jurisdictions. Advocates, on the other hand, claim these measures are necessary to enhance transparency in police conduct and to safeguard personal liberties against unwarranted detentions.
Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, witnesses to the commission of those offenses, and other members of the public, to peace officer liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.
Relating to law enforcement misconduct and law enforcement interactions with certain detained or arrested individuals and other members of the public, to public entity liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.
Relating to the offense of failure to comply with an order from a fire marshal and the authority of certain county peace officers to issue citations for certain violations; changing a criminal penalty.
Relating to the authority of a peace officer to apprehend a person for emergency detention and the authority of certain facilities and physicians to temporarily detain a person with mental illness.
Relating to the authority of a justice of the peace to issue a search warrant to collect a blood specimen from a person arrested for certain intoxication criminal offenses.
Relating to disciplinary action against a peace officer for failure to comply with certain arrest and charging procedures for violations of the rules of the road.
Relating to the authority of a peace officer to apprehend a person for emergency detention and the authority of certain facilities and physicians to temporarily detain a person with mental illness.
Relating to law enforcement policies regarding the issuance of citations for misdemeanors punishable by fine only and to a limitation on the authority to arrest a person for certain fine-only misdemeanors.