Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Department of Public Safety, military and law enforcement training, and the investigation, prosecution, punishment, and prevention of certain offenses; creating an offense and increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.
Impact
The passage of HB 11 represents a significant shift in how public safety is monitored and enforced in Texas. By empowering the Department of Public Safety with additional resources and responsibilities, the bill aims to strengthen law enforcement's ability to respond to offenses, especially those related to transnational crime and human smuggling. It mandates the creation of a Texas Transnational Intelligence Center that will consolidate intelligence on criminal activities, thereby facilitating a more coordinated effort in combatting crime across Texas and its borders.
Summary
House Bill 11 focuses on the restructuring of the Texas Department of Public Safety, enhancing its powers and duties in areas of law enforcement training and the investigation and prosecution of various offenses. It introduces provisions for creating new criminal offenses, adjusting penalties, and allowing for the establishment of a reserve officer corps consisting of retired officers. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for collaboration with local law enforcement and the federal government to address issues such as border security and organized crime.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around HB 11 is mixed. Proponents argue that the changes will bolster public safety and improve law enforcement's capacity to deal with serious offenses effectively. They often point to the growing issues of smuggling and organized crime as justifications for the bill's provisions. Conversely, critics express concerns that the expansion of the Department's powers could lead to potential overreach and infringe on civil liberties, calling for careful oversight and implementation of the proposed measures.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB 11 center on the implications of increased penalties for offenses related to smuggling and organized crime. Some legislators worry that the bill could disproportionately affect certain communities and lead to harsher consequences for individuals involved in smuggling offenses, particularly concerning minors or individuals coerced into such situations. The establishment of fees associated with the use of a multi-use training facility is also contentious, with debates regarding how these fees could impact the accessibility of training resources for local law enforcement agencies.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the investigation, prosecution, punishment, and prevention of certain offenses; creating an offense and increasing a criminal penalty.
TX SB3
Identical
Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Department of Public Safety, military and law enforcement training, and the investigation, prosecution, punishment, and prevention of certain offenses; creating an offense and increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.