Texas House Bill HB1377

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/3/11
• Introduced: 2/15/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Report Pass: 4/27/11

Caption

Relating to the authority of peace officers to request fingerprints during motor vehicle stops.

Impact

The bill intends to improve the efficiency of law enforcement during traffic stops and enhance public safety by ensuring that officers can verify the identities of drivers. By legally enabling the collection of fingerprints, the legislation aims to reduce instances where a person's identity cannot be confirmed due to a lack of identification. Additionally, this law has implications for data retention, specifying that any fingerprints collected must be discarded no later than 30 days after a resolution of associated charges, thereby addressing potential privacy concerns.

Summary

House Bill 1377 pertains to the authority of peace officers in Texas to request fingerprints from individuals during motor vehicle stops. The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, introducing a new article that specifies how peace officers can collect fingerprints when a driver cannot provide an acceptable form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport. It is designed to enhance the identification process during stops by allowing officers to gather either digital or ink fingerprints under certain conditions.

Contention

However, the introduction of HB 1377 has sparked discussions on civil liberties and the extent of police authority. Critics of the bill may express concerns regarding the potential for misuse of collected fingerprints and the implications for personal privacy. The circumstances under which an officer can request fingerprints—especially if a motorist is simply unable to present identification—may lead to debates over rights during traffic stops and the potential for overreach by law enforcement. The balance between enhancing security and protecting individual rights will be a significant point of contention as this bill progresses.