Texas Senate Bill SB315

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/5/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/31/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/5/11
• Refer: 2/2/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/11
• Report Pass: 3/31/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Engrossed: 4/5/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/11/11
• Enrolled: 5/21/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the agencies and entities responsible for compiling and maintaining information pertaining to criminal combinations and criminal street gangs.

Impact

The legislation emphasizes the formation of collaborative partnerships between various justice agencies, including local, state, and federal entities. This strategic alliance is meant to foster greater communication and resource-sharing, thereby creating a more effective network for addressing gang-related issues. By establishing a review mechanism for information sharing amongst these agencies, SB315 is expected to streamline operations and provide local law enforcement with better tools to combat gang violence and recruitment, particularly within juvenile populations.

Summary

SB315 aims to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies in Texas regarding the tracking and management of information related to criminal combinations and street gangs. The bill proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, notably defining the roles of criminal and juvenile justice agencies in compiling intelligence data. This effort is designed to improve the investigative processes and overall criminal justice responses to gang activities throughout the state.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the balance between increased oversight and the protection of individual rights, especially as intelligence is compiled and shared. Advocates for youth justice may raise concerns about the potential for misuse of data or the stigmatization of juveniles involved in gang activities. The discussion surrounding the bill may highlight the need for safeguards to protect privacy while allowing law enforcement to effectively address the challenges posed by the growth of criminal gangs.