Texas Senate Bill SB1504

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/8/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/23/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/09
• Voted on by House: 5/15/09
• Governor Action: 5/27/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to the concurrent jurisdiction of certain municipal courts in certain criminal cases punishable by fine only.

Impact

The proposed legislation modifies existing laws under the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code, thereby establishing a legal framework for these municipalities to collaborate more effectively in handling minor offenses. By allowing for concurrent jurisdiction, the bill aims to reduce confusion regarding which municipal court should handle specific cases, potentially leading to quicker resolutions for the affected individuals. Furthermore, this bill does not retroactively alter the handling of offenses that occurred before its effective date, thus providing legal continuity.

Summary

SB1504 aims to address the issue of jurisdiction in criminal cases that are punishable by fines only within certain municipalities in Texas. The bill specifically pertains to municipalities with populations of 1.9 million or more and contiguous municipalities. It allows these municipalities to enter into agreements that grant concurrent jurisdiction over criminal cases arising from offenses committed along their shared borders or within 200 yards thereof. This legislative measure seeks to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of law enforcement in areas where overlapping jurisdictions may complicate legal proceedings.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to improve the resolution of minor criminal cases, the establishment of concurrent jurisdiction may raise questions concerning inter-municipal relations and enforcement standards. Critics could argue that this arrangement might lead to inconsistencies in how offenses are addressed by different municipalities, or that it could dilute local control over law enforcement. However, proponents maintain that the benefits of increased efficiency and enhanced cooperation among municipalities outweigh these concerns, particularly in densely populated areas where such jurisdictional overlaps are common.