Texas Senate Bill SB379

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 12/17/08
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/8/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/23/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/18/09
• Voted on by House: 5/25/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 6/1/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the duties of the Texas Fusion Center, including an annual report by the center regarding criminal street gangs.

Impact

SB379 is expected to enhance the focus on law enforcement and community safety by requiring systematic assessments of criminal street gangs across various jurisdictions, particularly in municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000. The annual report will serve as a tool for the state to gauge the level of gang-related threats and to gauge where resources need to be allocated. By integrating feedback and recommendations from multiple public safety departments and task forces, the bill aims to foster a cooperative approach to combating gang issues statewide. This structured reporting could lead to more informed decisions regarding funding and resource distribution for combating gang activities.

Summary

Senate Bill 379 proposes significant measures aimed at addressing issues related to criminal street gangs and gang-related crime in Texas. The bill mandates that the Border Security Council submit an annual report to the governor, which evaluates the threat posed by criminal gangs to the state's infrastructure and public safety. This report will include recommendations to prevent gang-related human trafficking, reduce violence, and ensure that law enforcement personnel are adequately trained to confront these issues effectively. The intention of this bill is to provide a strategic framework for the state to tackle the growing concerns surrounding gang activity.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention regarding the implementation of SB379, particularly related to the measures for preventing human trafficking and the allocation of training for law enforcement. Critics may question the efficacy of the proposed recommendations and whether they will adequately address the complexities of gang dynamics in different communities. Additionally, concerns could arise over the potential for increased funding directed toward enforcement rather than community intervention programs, which could foster skepticism among advocacy groups focused on preventive measures rather than a purely punitive approach.