TX
Texas House Bill HB4185

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4185

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an annual report by the Texas Fusion Center regarding criminal street gangs and gang-related crime.

Impact

The annual report mandated by HB 4185 shall include evaluations that specifically detail the risks associated with gang activity, including human trafficking, violence, and the proliferation of gangs. This information is vital for both state and local law enforcement agencies as they work to curb gang activities affecting their communities. By ensuring that law enforcement receives appropriate training to handle gang-related issues, the bill aims to empower agencies to implement more effective safety measures and initiatives against these threats.

Summary

House Bill 4185 establishes a requirement for the Border Security Council to produce an annual report on criminal street gangs and gang-related crime. The purpose of this bill is to enhance awareness of the threats posed by gangs to various levels of Texas's infrastructure, particularly in municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000. The report aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of these threats, coupled with actionable recommendations for state and local authorities to mitigate the influence of criminal organizations within the community.

Specifics

The bill also provides provisions for relevant agencies to assist the Border Security Council by supplying necessary information related to gang activities. This process could streamline data collection and enhance the accuracy of reports. If passed, HB 4185 will take effect immediately with a two-thirds majority vote from the legislature, aiming to initiate the first report by September 1, 2010, potentially setting a precedent for ongoing evaluations of gang-related challenges in Texas.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward in its intent to bolster public safety, it may face scrutiny regarding the allocation of resources needed to fulfill the reporting requirements. Some stakeholders may question whether the Border Security Council has adequate capacity to gather and analyze the data on gangs and crime comprehensively. Additionally, the effectiveness of the recommendations proposed in the report will depend heavily on cooperation from multiple agencies, including the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Safety, raising concerns about inter-agency communication and collaboration.

Latest TX HB4185 Activity

View All Events: TX 2009 - 81st Regular HB4185

Companion Bills

TX SB379

Identical Relating to the duties of the Texas Fusion Center, including an annual report by the center regarding criminal street gangs.

Previously Filed As

TX HB230

Relating to intelligence databases for combinations and criminal street gangs.

TX HB7

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.

TX HB61

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.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX SB1427

Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX SB2377

Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB4014

Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a firearm by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in certain criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.