Texas Senate Bill SB1735

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/30/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/21/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to providing police and security services for certain post-secondary educational institutions.

Impact

The implementation of SB1735 is expected to enhance security measures at large private educational institutions by enabling them to maintain their own law enforcement personnel. This authority could improve response times to incidents on campus compared to relying solely on local police forces. It will provide these institutions with the ability to enforce laws directly on their properties, potentially leading to a more secure environment for students and staff.

Summary

SB1735 addresses the provision of police and security services for certain post-secondary educational institutions located within large municipalities. The bill specifically applies to private institutions of higher education that are situated in municipalities with populations of 1.18 million or more. It allows governing boards of private, nonprofit medical corporations to employ and commission police personnel to enforce state laws within designated jurisdictions, primarily focusing on locations under their control and within their medical complexes.

Conclusion

In summary, SB1735 represents a significant shift in how security may be managed at large private educational institutions in Texas. By formalizing the ability to employ police forces under the auspices of nonprofit medical corporations, the bill promotes an expanded role for private institutions in public safety while also generating debate on the implications for civil rights and accountability.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB1735 include concerns about the extent of law enforcement powers granted to private entities. Critics question whether the ability of these institutions to commission officers could lead to overreach or abuse, particularly concerning how policies might differ between public and private enforcement. Additionally, there are discussions regarding the accountability of commissioned officers and how their actions would be governed under state law.