Texas House Bill HB3526

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Refer: 3/22/11

Caption

Relating to requiring certain victim information to be attached to certain arrest warrants.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3526 will amend Chapter 15 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by introducing Article 15.021, which specifies that if an arrest warrant is issued for offenses under Section 25.07 of the Penal Code, or similar offenses, the arresting officer must provide a written statement identifying the victim, contingent upon the availability of that information. This change is intended to ensure that victims are recognized in the arrest process and may have implications for how police departments handle victim information moving forward. It reflects a growing emphasis on victim rights within the legal framework.

Summary

House Bill 3526 mandates that certain victim information must be attached to specific arrest warrants issued for particular offenses, primarily those related to family violence and protective orders. The bill aims to strengthen the connection between the legal process and the rights and recognition of victims in criminal cases. By requiring officers to include victim identification information when issuing warrants, the bill seeks to promote more effective enforcement of laws against offenses committed against victims and enhance overall accountability in the criminal justice system.

Sentiment

Overall, sentiment surrounding HB 3526 was largely supportive, especially among victim advocacy groups and law enforcement officials who recognize the importance of documenting victims' identities in the arrest process. Proponents of the bill argue that identifying victims at the point of arrest can aid in ensuring their protection and promote awareness of the dangers posed by the accused. However, concerns were raised regarding the practicality of the bill, including questioning whether officers might face challenges in obtaining victim information in every situation, possibly impacting the enforcement of the statute.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for addressing victims' rights, there was some contention regarding the scope of its application and the potential consequences for law enforcement practices. Critics argued that the requirement to attach victim information could complicate and slow down the warrant issuing process, particularly in urgent situations. There were also discussions about how effectively the legislation would operate in practice, especially in cases where victim information is not readily available to arresting officers.