Texas House Bill HB501

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the use of proceeds from criminal asset forfeiture to provide college scholarships to children of peace officers killed in the line of duty and to an annual report regarding the total value of forfeited property in this state.

Impact

If enacted, HB 501 will amend Article 59.06 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by allowing law enforcement agencies to use a portion of forfeited funds explicitly for scholarships. This move represents a significant shift in how forfeiture proceeds can be utilized, focusing on supporting the education of dependents of officers who died protecting their communities. Coupled with the provision for an annual report from the attorney general regarding the total value of forfeited property, the bill enhances transparency around asset forfeiture practices in the state.

Summary

House Bill 501 aims to allocate funds obtained through criminal asset forfeiture to provide college scholarships for children of peace officers who have been killed in the line of duty. It permits law enforcement agencies to transfer up to 10% of the gross amount credited to their forfeiture fund to a separate special fund dedicated to administering these scholarships. This initiative is designed to support the families of peace officers, acknowledging their sacrifice while promoting educational opportunities for their children.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 501 include concerns about the impact of asset forfeiture on community trust in law enforcement and the overall ethical considerations of using seized funds for educational purposes. Some critics argue that the practice of asset forfeiture can disproportionately affect marginalized communities, while supporters contend that providing scholarships is a constructive use of these funds that honors the service of fallen officers. The legislation’s focus on educational funding attempts to balance the ethical implications of forfeiture with tangible benefits to the families affected by tragic circumstances.