TX
Texas House Bill HB1721

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB1721

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
4/15/09  
Voted on by House
4/28/09  
Out of Senate Committee
5/14/09  
Voted on by Senate
5/21/09  
Governor Action
6/19/09  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Enrolled
5/23/09  

Caption

Relating to taking or attempting to take a weapon from an employee or official of a correctional facility.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1721 would reclassify the legal ramifications of attempts to disarm law enforcement and correctional officials, designating such actions as felonies. The bill specifies that taking a weapon forcibly from these officials would result in a third-degree felony, while an attempted weapon take would be categorized as a state jail felony. This change aims to deter individuals from engaging in violent confrontations with law enforcement and to affirm the authority and safety of correctional facility employees.

Summary

House Bill 1721 proposes amendments to Section 38.14 of the Texas Penal Code, specifically addressing the act of taking or attempting to take a weapon from employees or officials of correctional facilities operated by counties or municipalities. The bill defines the actions that constitute an offense in this context and specifies both the intentions behind such actions and the conditions under which they may occur. Notably, the legislation aims to impose stricter penalties for individuals who commit such offenses against law enforcement personnel, including correctional facilities' staff.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 1721 may evoke concerns regarding public safety and civil liberties, particularly in drawing a line between self-defense and the protection of law enforcement officers. While supporters may argue that these amendments strengthen the enforcement of law and order, opponents could express apprehension about potential misuse of such laws in situations involving excessive force or self-defense claims. The bill might face scrutiny from civil rights organizations advocating for a balanced approach to law enforcement oversight and community safety.

Companion Bills

TX SB1401

Identical Relating to taking or attempting to take a weapon from an employee or official of a correctional facility that is operated by a county or municipality.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1960

Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.

TX HB3617

Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.

TX HB3618

Relating to criminal liability for taking a weapon from a juvenile probation officer.

TX SB1961

Relating to criminal liability for taking a weapon from a juvenile probation officer.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4886

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB293

Relating to penalties for intimidation and harassment of election officials and election interference; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB817

Relating to creating a criminal offense for the unlawful possession or transfer of an assault weapon.

TX HB3400

Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB32

Relating to prohibiting certain transfers, purchases, and possession of assault weapons; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.