Texas House Bill HB4337

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

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

Notes

The bill requires that the first report be submitted to the governor not later than September 1, 2010, with immediate effectiveness contingent upon a two-thirds vote of approval from both legislative houses. These stipulations reflect a sense of urgency among lawmakers to address the growing concerns regarding gangs and their criminal activities within the state.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4337 would significantly alter the landscape of how Texas law enforcement agencies understand and combat gang-related activities. By mandating the Texas Fusion Center to produce an annual report, the bill establishes a formal mechanism for assessing the state of gang-related crime and ensuring that relevant agencies share necessary information. This could lead to more coordinated law enforcement efforts across various jurisdictions, especially in larger municipalities that are disproportionately affected by gang violence.

Summary

House Bill 4337 seeks to enhance the state's response to criminal street gangs and gang-related crime through the establishment of an annual reporting requirement by the Texas Fusion Center. The bill aims to ensure that the Texas Fusion Center submits a comprehensive evaluation to the governor each year, detailing the threats posed by street gangs to the state's infrastructure, as well as recommendations for preventative measures against gang violence and human trafficking. This annual report is intended to provide lawmakers with crucial data to inform strategies and policies for addressing these ongoing issues.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding this bill is its impact on local law enforcement agencies and their operational autonomy. While proponents argue that increased coordination and reporting will lead to more effective interventions against gang activities, critics may raise concerns about potential overreach or reduced local control over crime prevention strategies. Additionally, there may be debates about the efficacy of the proposed recommendations in effectively mitigating gang influence and preventing related crimes.