Texas Senate Bill SB604

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/18/11
• Introduced: 2/11/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/28/11
• Refer: 2/17/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/9/11
• Report Pass: 4/18/11
• Voted on by House: 5/13/11
• Engrossed: 4/28/11
• Governor Action: 5/28/11
• Refer: 4/29/11
• Enrolled: 5/16/11
• Passed: 5/28/11

Caption

Relating to the execution of lawful process by county jailers.

Impact

By empowering county jailers to execute lawful process like peace officers, SB604 aims to enhance the operational capabilities of jails and streamline legal procedures directly associated with inmates. This legislative change is expected to reduce delays in executing legal documents and enhance the overall efficiency of the justice system. It could significantly impact how counties manage legal processes, potentially leading to quicker resolution of cases involving jail inmates.

Summary

Senate Bill 604 relates to the powers of county jailers in executing lawful processes issued by magistrates or courts. The bill proposes an amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing licensed jailers who have completed a specific training program to act with authority similar to that of a peace officer when executing certain legal processes. This includes warrants, subpoenas, and other types of legal documents directed at individuals confined in the jail where they are employed.

Contention

While the intent of SB604 is to improve lawful processes within the jail system, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of training and oversight of jailers carrying out these responsibilities. Critics could argue that expanding the authority of jailers to execute legal processes may not align with best practices in law enforcement, particularly regarding inmate rights and protections. Ensuring that jailers are properly trained and equipped to handle these responsibilities is essential to prevent any potential misuse of authority and to maintain the integrity of legal processes.