Texas House Bill HB2472

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/18/11
• Introduced: 3/8/11
• Voted on by House: 4/27/11
• Refer: 3/14/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/21/11
• Report Pass: 4/14/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/11
• Engrossed: 4/27/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Report Pass: 5/21/11
• Enrolled: 5/26/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the reporting of certain warrant or capias information to the national crime information center.

Note

Overall, HB 2472 represents an effort to strengthen the alignment between state and national criminal justice systems via better data sharing, underscoring a crucial advancement in how law enforcement interacts with judicial actors.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2472 would result in a significant procedural change for law enforcement and court clerks. By enforcing a 30-day deadline for reporting warrant or capias information, the bill seeks to streamline communication with the NCIC. This change is expected to aid in the timely apprehension of individuals who evade court summons, thereby potentially reducing the backlog of cases and enhancing public safety. It reflects a broader trend toward utilizing technology and national databases for more effective law enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 2472 aims to enhance the efficiency of the criminal justice system in Texas by instituting stricter reporting requirements for warrants and capiases issued by courts. Specifically, the bill mandates that sheriffs must report to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) regarding any warrants or capiases issued for defendants charged with felonies who fail to appear in court. For misdemeanor defendants, reporting is also required, although it is phrased as permissive rather than mandatory for Class C misdemeanors. This shift is designed to ensure better tracking of defendants and improve accountability within the judicial process.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at improving the reporting infrastructure, there may be concerns regarding the implications of such reporting requirements on local law enforcement practices, especially in terms of resource allocation and operational burdens. Critics might argue that the additional mandatory reporting could lead to increased workload for sheriffs’ departments, especially in counties with fewer resources. This raises questions about the adequacy of support for law enforcement agencies to manage these obligations and the potential implications for local accountability and transparency.