Texas House Bill HB3147

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/17/09
• Voted on by House: 4/29/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to taking or attempting to take a weapon from a commissioned security officer.

Impact

The bill's enactment would directly impact the legal ramifications for individuals found guilty of attempting to take weapons from commissioned security officers. This change aims to deter such actions by providing a defined legal framework that classifies the act as a criminal offense. The implication is that any assault on security personnel, akin to attacks on police officers, could result in similar penalties, reinforcing the notion that security officers also face risks on par with traditional law enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 3147 amends Section 38.14 of the Penal Code to include commissioned security officers within the definition of individuals from whom it is illegal to take or attempt to take a weapon. This legislative change is significant because it expands the protections currently afforded to peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, explicitly including those working in a security capacity. The intent of this bill is to enhance the safety of security personnel in carrying out their duties, thereby recognizing their role in maintaining public order and safety.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 3147 lies in the broader repercussions of expanding definitions within the penal code. Critics may argue that this could lead to increased police and security presence in public spaces and raise questions on the appropriate use of force when dealing with individuals attempting to take a weapon from security officers. Additionally, there is likely a debate on whether this measure could inadvertently criminalize actions in high-stress situations where individuals might not clearly recognize the authority of security personnel, thus complicating legal defenses against such charges.