Texas House Bill HB133

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/12/12

Caption

Relating to the dissemination of criminal history record information by the Department of Public Safety concerning the offense of intoxication manslaughter and to a task force to reduce habitual driving while intoxicated.

Impact

The implications of HB 133 are significant for transparency in criminal justice. By facilitating public access to information regarding convictions of intoxication manslaughter, the bill aims to increase awareness and protection within communities. Individuals will have the means to evaluate the public records of individuals convicted of severe offenses, potentially impacting decisions related to safety and community standards. Additionally, it provides law enforcement officers with the ability to retrieve relevant criminal history information directly from the scene of a traffic stop, expediting their response to incidents involving habitual offenders.

Summary

House Bill 133 addresses the dissemination of criminal history record information related to the offense of intoxication manslaughter. It stipulates that criminal history record information concerning a conviction for this offense within the preceding 10 years becomes public information, although certain personal details such as social security numbers and identifying victim information are protected. The bill mandates the creation of an Internet website by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) that allows the public to access this information for free, making it searchable by various criteria such as zip code and name.

Contention

Notably, the bill has not been without contention. Critics may argue that unrestricted public access to detailed criminal records could lead to privacy violations and stigmatization of individuals who have served their sentences. The 10-year limit for public information may also raise concerns regarding the long-term effects on the rehabilitation of offenders. Additionally, the execution of the bill hinges on the efficient implementation of the required Internet platform by the DPS, and there may be logistical challenges in managing the accuracy and security of the information disseminated.