Texas House Bill HB1282

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/30/09
• Voted on by House: 4/8/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/1/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/11/09
• Governor Action: 5/20/09
• Enrolled: 5/13/09
• Passed: 5/20/09

Caption

Relating to the penalty for theft of a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or personal identification certificate.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1282 would lead to stricter penalties for individuals convicted of stealing driver's licenses and other personal identification documents. This change is meant to deter such criminal activities, particularly in a climate where identity theft is increasingly common. The bill stipulates that the theft of these forms of identification would carry significant legal repercussions, potentially altering overall crime rates related to identity theft in the state. Over time, this may influence broader law enforcement and judicial practices concerning theft-related offenses.

Summary

House Bill 1282 addresses the penalties associated with the theft of driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, or personal identification certificates in Texas. The bill aims to update and clarify the legal framework under which such thefts are prosecuted, specifically amending provisions in the Texas Penal Code related to theft. By enhancing penalties for these specific offenses, the bill underscores the seriousness of identity theft and the illicit acquisition of personal identification documents.

Contention

There may be concerns and debates around the implications of increasing penalties for these specific thefts. While proponents believe that stricter penalties are necessary to combat rising identity theft rates and protect individuals' privacy, critics might argue that the bill could disproportionately affect certain demographics or that alternative measures could better address the issue without increasing punitive measures. Additionally, discussions could arise around the effective enforcement of such penalties and whether they achieve the intended deterrent effect without overburdening the judicial system.