Texas Senate Bill SB2195

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/16/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/21/09

Caption

Relating to the creation of and penalties for certain offenses that take place at or involve an attempt to cross an international border.

Impact

The enactment of SB2195 would revise existing state laws relating to offenses including property crimes and evasion of arrest, intensifying the penalties considerably when these actions occur on an international bridge. The bill reclassifies specific misdemeanors as felonies if committed under the special conditions laid out within the context of moving toward Mexico. This modification could lead to more severe legal repercussions for individuals engaging in such conduct at or near the border, reflecting a broader strategy to curb illegal activities tied to transnational crime.

Summary

Senate Bill 2195 focuses on establishing specific penalties for certain criminal offenses that occur on or involve attempts to cross an international border, particularly toward Mexico. The bill proposes to amend the Penal Code by introducing stricter classifications for offenses committed on international bridges, such as elevating the classification of certain crimes to felonies, contingent upon the circumstances of the offense occurring during transit across such borders. This change seeks to enhance the deterrent against crimes associated with border crossings, especially in high-traffic areas used for international trade and travel.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB2195 is the appropriateness of increasing penalties for crimes based solely on geographical context rather than the nature of the offense itself. Advocates for the bill argue that the unique challenges posed by border regions necessitate heightened legal responses; however, critics claim that this could lead to disproportionate sentencing and contribute to systemic injustices against individuals who may already be vulnerable in such areas. Additionally, there may be concerns over how effectively law enforcement can implement these new penalties without infringing on the rights of local citizens.