Relating to the electronic recording and admissibility of certain custodial interrogations.
Impact
The implementation of HB 219 will affect the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure by adding new requirements for how custodial interrogations are conducted and documented. The bill provides a legal framework that integrates electronic recording into the criminal justice process, which could significantly alter the landscape of law enforcement practices. Notably, the bill emphasizes the need for law enforcement to preserve recordings until all prosecution steps concerning the subject interrogation are completed, ensuring that evidence remains accessible during appeals and habeas corpus petitions.
Summary
House Bill 219 aims to establish regulations regarding the electronic recording of custodial interrogations within the state of Texas. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies conduct a complete audio or audiovisual recording of custodial interrogations for specific serious offenses, unless there is a proven good cause that makes recording infeasible. This legislation is an attempt to ensure transparency and accountability within the interrogation process, thereby protecting the rights of individuals suspected of serious crimes such as murder and sexual assault.
Contention
While supporters argue that the bill will enhance the integrity of the criminal justice system, opponents may raise concerns about the logistical challenges and potential privacy issues associated with the widespread use of electronic recordings. Moreover, questions regarding the circumstances in which recording may be deemed infeasible and the implications of noncompliance with this new standard could ignite further debate among lawmakers and civil rights advocates. The balance between effective law enforcement and protecting civil liberties is at the core of discussions surrounding HB 219.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to preventing racial profiling and to video and audio equipment and recordings of certain law enforcement motor vehicle stops; creating an offense.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to repealing certain offenses and removing certain regulations relating to marihuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and paraphernalia.
Relating to law enforcement misconduct and law enforcement interactions with certain detained or arrested individuals and other members of the public, to public entity liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.
In preliminary provisions, adopting the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act; requiring recordings of interrogations; and imposing functions on the Attorney General.
In preliminary provisions, adopting the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act; requiring recordings of interrogations; and imposing functions on the Attorney General.
In preliminary provisions, adopting the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act; requiring recordings of interrogations; and imposing functions on the Attorney General.
In preliminary provisions, adopting the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act; requiring recordings of interrogations; and imposing functions on the Attorney General.