Texas House Bill HB2822

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/15/11
• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Refer: 3/17/11
• Report Pass: 4/5/11

Caption

Relating to the penalty for and certain other civil consequences of engaging in disorderly conduct for certain unlawful purposes.

Impact

By revising the definitions and penalties related to disorderly conduct, HB2822 is set to impact how law enforcement and judicial systems handle such offenses across Texas. The bill aims to align penalties more closely with the severity of the offense while providing clear guidelines for enforcement. This change is expected to promote a safer public space by discouraging inappropriate behavior and providing law enforcement with more defined parameters for action.

Summary

House Bill 2822 aims to amend the existing laws surrounding disorderly conduct within the context of Texas Penal Code. This bill introduces specific changes to the definitions and penalties associated with various forms of disorderly conduct, including the use of offensive language, creating a noxious odor, and certain invasive behaviors like peering into private spaces. The intent is to clarify and potentially increase the penalties for these actions, creating a stronger legal framework to address behaviors deemed harmful or threatening to public order.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB2822 indicate potential contention regarding the interpretation of what constitutes disorderly conduct. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to subjective enforcement, allowing law enforcement discretion that may disproportionately affect certain communities. Concerns about the vagueness in some definitions, such as what comprises 'offensive gestures' or 'creating a noxious odor', could lead to challenges in enforcement and potential civil liberties issues.