Texas House Bill HB1178

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to municipal judicial and law enforcement authority on a segment of a highway or street that abuts property located in a municipality.

Impact

The bill directly affects the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code, specifically redesigning the parameters under which municipal officers operate. One of the most notable impacts of this bill is the clearer delineation of authority, which implies that offenses taking place in the newly defined areas will fall under municipal jurisdiction. This could lead to increased law enforcement activity along these segments and potentially modify how certain offenses are handled administratively and judicially at the municipal level.

Summary

House Bill 1178 aims to clarify the extent of municipal judicial and law enforcement authority concerning highways and streets adjacent to properties within municipalities. By amending the Code of Criminal Procedure, the bill redefines the territorial limits of municipalities to include not only the width of highways or streets but also segments that abut municipal properties. This change is significant as it potentially expands the jurisdiction of municipal peace officers over certain roadways, allowing greater enforcement of law and order within those areas.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 1178 may raise points of contention related to the balance of power between state and municipal law enforcement agencies. Critics of such expansions of jurisdiction might argue that they could lead to overreach by municipal authorities and complicate jurisdictional disputes between city and county law enforcement. Proponents, on the other hand, may point to the necessity of this change for ensuring public safety and effective law enforcement in urban areas, emphasizing that the redefined jurisdiction is responsive to modern community needs.