Relating to the use of certain court costs in a criminal case for municipal programs enhancing public safety and security.
Impact
The enactment of HB1421 aims to improve public safety measures at the municipal level, particularly in smaller municipalities that might struggle to secure funding for essential programs. By stipulating the utilization of court costs for school-related safety from the fines levied in municipal court cases, the bill seeks to create a direct link between judicial penalties and community safety initiatives. This approach is designed to ensure that collected funds are reinvested into the community in ways that tangibly benefit families and children.
Summary
House Bill 1421 introduces amendments to Article 102.014 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, focusing on the allocation of certain court costs collected in municipal cases. Specifically, the bill mandates that municipalities with populations under 850,000 must utilize funds obtained from court costs for school crossing guard programs. Should such a program not be in operation or if the court costs exceed the program's funding requirements, municipalities are allowed to use the additional funds for enhancing children's safety, health, and nutrition, as well as for bolstering public safety and security.
Contention
Discussion surrounding HB1421 might touch on the implications of imposing funding restrictions on municipalities, as it may limit their flexibility in budgeting and addressing other pressing community needs. Critics might argue that the bill effectively channels financial resources away from broader municipal priorities, forcing local governments to prioritize school safety programs at the potential expense of other critical services. Advocates for child safety may support the measure, emphasizing the importance of protecting children and investing in safety programs over general budget flexibility.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
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.
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 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 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 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.