Texas House Bill HB48

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/11
• Introduced: 11/8/10
• Refer: 2/9/11
• Report Pass: 4/18/11

Caption

Relating to authorizing the Department of Public Safety to operate one or more southbound vehicle checkpoints near the international border of this state for the purpose of preventing certain criminal offenses.

Impact

The bill proposes amendments to Section 411.0095 of the Government Code, detailing operational protocols for the checkpoints. It includes stipulations regarding their location, which must be within a mile of existing federal checkpoints and designed to stop only traffic heading to Mexico. This change in law is intended to improve law enforcement coordination with local authorities and is positioned as a means to bolster safety and security at the border while supporting law enforcement's efforts against organized crime.

Summary

House Bill 48 aims to authorize the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish one or more southbound vehicle checkpoints near the international border to prevent certain criminal offenses. The bill specifically targets various unlawful activities, including the illegal transfer of firearms, bulk currency, stolen vehicles, and equipment from Texas into Mexico. It seeks to enhance border security by allowing the department to implement measures that address these issues effectively.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation of these checkpoints, particularly regarding civil liberties and traffic management. Concerns might arise regarding how DPS officers will conduct stops and inspections—whether they could infringe upon drivers' rights or lead to unnecessary delays during peak travel times. Additionally, there will likely be debates on resource allocation and the effectiveness of such measures in truly mitigating crime across the Texas-Mexico border.