Texas House Bill HB590

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/7/09
• Voted on by House: 4/15/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Governor Action: 5/27/09
• Refer: 4/27/09
• Report Pass: 5/6/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to the name of the Crime Stoppers Advisory Council.

Impact

By amending the eligibility criteria for potential council members, HB590 seeks to ensure that individuals with active political ties, particularly those who have filed campaign treasurer appointments, are ineligible for appointment. This change aims to foster a more impartial environment within the council, promoting objectivity and focused efforts on crime prevention rather than political motivations. The revisions aim to reinforce the council's integrity and credibility as a social institution dedicated to public safety.

Summary

House Bill 590 pertains to modifications in the naming and eligibility criteria for the Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council. The bill proposes to rename the existing council to emphasize its advisory nature, thus enhancing its identity as a resource in crime prevention and community safety initiatives. The primary objective is to clarify its role within the framework of the criminal justice system in Texas and ensure the council embodies its advisory responsibilities adequately.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB590 may reflect differing views on the balance between political involvement and independence in advisory capacities. Proponents of the bill argue that removing politically connected individuals from the council will enhance public trust and effectiveness in community crime initiatives. However, critics may view this as a potential exclusion of valuable perspectives that could contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of community issues, thus sparking debate about the ideal composition of such advisory bodies.