TX
Texas House Bill HB718

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB718

Filed
 
Introduced
1/19/11  
Out of House Committee
4/18/11  
Voted on by House
4/27/11  
Refer
2/21/11  
Out of Senate Committee
5/21/11  
Report Pass
4/14/11  
Voted on by Senate
5/25/11  
Engrossed
4/27/11  
Governor Action
6/17/11  
Refer
5/2/11  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Report Pass
5/21/11  
Enrolled
5/26/11  
Enrolled
5/26/11  
Passed
6/17/11  

Caption

Relating to the period in which a person commits the offense of funeral service disruption.

Impact

The implications of HB 718 on state laws involve a potential increase in penalties assigned to individuals found guilty of disrupting funeral services, as the law now recognizes a broader timeframe for enforcement. This extension grants law enforcement the ability to take action against disruptive behavior occurring earlier than previously specified, thereby aiming to enhance the sanctity of funeral proceedings. This legislative change reflects a societal value placed on respecting the mourning process and could serve as a deterrent against potential disruptions.

Summary

House Bill 718 focuses on amending the existing laws concerning the disruption of funeral services. The bill specifically changes the timeframe during which a person may be charged with the offense of funeral service disruption. It extends the applicable period for such offenses from one hour before and after the service to three hours before and after the service concludes. This change aims to ensure that funeral services can proceed without significant disruption, providing families the space to mourn without interference from outside activities.

Contention

While the bill's primary focus is on protecting families during funeral services, it may not be without contention. Some may argue that the expanded timeframe for enforcement may infringe upon free speech rights, particularly in cases where protests or demonstrations occur near funeral services. The potential challenges to balance the protection of mourners' rights with the rights of individuals to protest could lead to legal discussions and interpretations surrounding the First Amendment in conjunction with this new regulation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1136

Relating to the period for which a person is required to register as a sex offender based on the offense of compelling prostitution.

TX SB182

Relating to the required report of criminal offenses committed against individuals receiving certain state agency services; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1906

Relating to the period for which a person arrested for certain crimes committed against a child may be held after bond is posted.

TX HB5202

Relating to a central database containing information about offenders who have committed certain violent offenses.

TX HB2342

Relating to a limitation on certain civil actions brought against persons licensed by the Texas Funeral Service Commission.

TX HB3554

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of trafficking of persons if committed at certain locations.

TX HB1059

Relating to a prohibition on prosecuting or referring to juvenile court certain persons for certain conduct constituting the offense of prostitution, to the provision of services to those persons, and to the prosecution of related criminal offenses.

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB1004

Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of trafficking of persons and compelling prostitution and to certain consequences of those offenses.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.