Texas Senate Bill SB1061

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/22/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/18/09

Caption

Relating to improving the accuracy of reporting concerning certain criminal history.

Impact

If passed, SB1061 would lead to significant improvements in how criminal history data is reported and maintained across Texas. The legislation is designed to address existing discrepancies in reporting rates, which can affect the criminal justice system's effectiveness and efficiency. By ensuring that counties achieve and maintain a high level of reporting accuracy, the bill seeks to foster a more reliable criminal history database, benefiting law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public alike.

Summary

SB1061 aims to enhance the accuracy of reporting concerning criminal histories within the state of Texas. This legislation specifically targets counties that demonstrate an average disposition completeness percentage of less than 90%. The bill mandates that these counties establish a local data advisory board responsible for developing and implementing a data reporting improvement plan. This plan is intended to outline concrete steps for improving reporting accuracy and ensuring that the state meets compliance benchmarks set forth by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Contention

Notably, the legislation includes specific requirements for local jurisdiction compliance, which may raise concerns regarding the administrative burden on smaller counties. Critics may argue that the requirements imposed by SB1061 could strain limited county resources and necessitate additional funding or support from the state to implement these mandatory practices effectively. Additionally, there could be discussions surrounding the privacy implications of increased data reporting, as more comprehensive data collection practices might lead to heightened scrutiny of individuals' criminal histories.