Texas House Bill HB3385

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/23/09
• Voted on by House: 4/30/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the activation of the statewide alert system for abducted children.

Impact

The enactment of HB3385 aims to enhance the prompt activation of the alert system, ultimately aiming to protect children from potential harm associated with abductions. By specifying the parameters under which alerts can be issued, the bill seeks to ensure that law enforcement agencies can quickly inform the public when a child is in danger, potentially leading to faster recovery efforts. It is anticipated that this improvement in response time could significantly impact child safety across the state.

Summary

House Bill 3385 introduces regulations concerning the activation of the statewide alert system for abducted children in Texas. The bill amends Section 411.355 of the Government Code, establishing clearer criteria for local law enforcement agencies to activate the alert system when a child is believed to be abducted. The defined criteria include specific age restrictions for the child, conditions under which the child is deemed to be in serious danger, and the requirement for verification through a preliminary investigation to eliminate alternative explanations.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the efficacy of the outlined criteria and the procedural implications for law enforcement agencies. Some critics may argue that the bill's requirements could delay the activation of alerts in certain scenarios where immediate action is critical. Furthermore, as localities adapt to these changes, there could be concerns regarding the training and resources available to law enforcement to comply with the new legislation. Ensuring that these systems work effectively in practice is vital for maintaining public trust and safety in cases of child abduction.