Relating to the civil and criminal prosecution of racketeering; providing penalties.
Impact
If enacted, HB1618 would amend existing laws, particularly incorporating provisions into the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Penal Code that would reinforce the legal infrastructure surrounding racketeering offenses. The bill aims to empower the Attorney General to file suits against offending entities and seek penalties that could include substantial fines for racketeering acts. This change is expected to have significant implications for law enforcement and prosecutorial strategies against organized crime within the state.
Summary
House Bill 1618 focuses on the civil and criminal prosecution of racketeering in the state of Texas, providing a comprehensive framework for defining, prosecuting, and penalizing racketeering offenses. The bill establishes clear definitions for key terms such as 'enterprise', 'racketeering', and 'proceeds'. It creates civil remedies allowing the state to pursue legal action against individuals or enterprises engaging in financed racketeering activities as defined by the law, thus enhancing the state's ability to combat organized crime effectively.
Contention
Notably, the bill addresses issues of racketeering through systemic definitions and penalties which may invoke debate over its scope and impact on businesses. Critics may argue that enhanced civil liberties and procedural safeguards need to accompany the broad definitions of racketeering to prevent misuse of these provisions against lawful enterprises. It could raise concerns regarding civil rights, particularly how these laws might be enacted over individual and business rights, prompting scrutiny on ensuring the laws are applied fairly and justly.
Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders; increasing criminal penalties.
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 Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.