Texas House Bill HB1658

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring the arrest and collection of a breath or blood specimen of persons operating a motor vehicle or watercraft while intoxicated under certain circumstances.

Impact

The introduction of this bill is likely to have a significant impact on state laws regarding intoxicated driving. By specifying conditions under which an arrest and specimen collection must occur, the bill fortifies the current legal framework around DUI offenses. It provides clear guidelines for law enforcement on how to handle suspected cases of intoxication while also potentially increasing convictions for offenders. This could lead to a decrease in drunk driving incidents, aligning with broader public health and safety objectives.

Summary

House Bill 1658 seeks to amend the Transportation Code to mandate the arrest and collection of a breath or blood specimen from individuals operating a motor vehicle or watercraft while intoxicated under specific circumstances. The bill stipulates that peace officers must collect a specimen when they have probable cause to believe the individual has committed an offense related to intoxicated operation, especially in scenarios involving accidents resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The underlying goal of the legislation is to enhance public safety on the roads and waterways by ensuring impaired individuals are dealt with more rigorously by law enforcement.

Contention

While the bill seems to gain support for its potential to deter intoxicated driving, it may also raise concerns regarding civil liberties and the rights of the accused. Critics could argue that the mandatory requirement for specimen collection in certain circumstances might lead to abuse of power by law enforcement. There may also be debates regarding the adequacy of the definitions of accidents and injuries, as well as the implications for individuals' privacy rights and bodily autonomy. Additionally, there could be discussions about the resources necessary to implement these increased enforcement measures effectively.