Texas House Bill HB2130

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/23/09
• Voted on by House: 4/30/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/22/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/25/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the assistance of the Texas Rangers in the investigation of certain sex offenses.

Impact

If enacted, HB2130 will amend the Code of Criminal Procedure by adding Article 2.022, which explicitly outlines the conditions under which the Texas Rangers can assist local law enforcement. This could likely lead to more thorough investigations of serious offenses committed by elected officials, thereby reinforcing the rule of law and promoting public trust in government institutions. The ability for the state to intervene in local investigations represents a significant shift aimed at preventing potential conflicts of interest that could arise if local agencies were solely responsible for such inquiries.

Summary

House Bill 2130 aims to enhance the investigative capabilities concerning sex offenses involving elected officials by permitting the Texas Rangers to assist local law enforcement agencies. Specifically, the bill allows the state attorney to request assistance from the Texas Rangers in cases where an elected officer is alleged to have committed an offense that, upon conviction, would require them to register as a sex offender. This move is seen as an effort to increase accountability among public officials in Texas.

Contention

While the bill may be viewed positively as a measure to uphold justice, it could also raise concerns regarding local autonomy. Some stakeholders may argue that local law enforcement agencies should handle investigations independently without state intervention, especially concerning elected officials from their jurisdictions. The bill's proponents, however, stress that ensuring transparency and accountability is paramount, particularly in cases where local officials are involved in serious crimes.