Texas House Bill HB1793

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to reports of certain missing children and to the administration of missing or exploited children prevention grants.

Impact

The bill reinforces the responsibilities of local law enforcement in cases of missing persons and amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to include more proactive measures. By requiring immediate entries into databases and comprehensive tracking for at-risk children, the legislation aims to streamline and enhance the response to emergency situations regarding missing individuals. Additionally, HB1793 impacts how grants can be utilized within the state by allocating resources to prevent child abduction and exploitation, thereby addressing these critical issues more systematically.

Summary

House Bill 1793 relates to the procedures local law enforcement agencies must follow when handling reports of missing children, as well as the administration of grants for preventing child exploitation. The bill modifies existing laws to ensure swift action in cases of missing children, especially those at high risk of harm or those who have been reported missing multiple times within a short period. It mandates that agencies enter information into national databases promptly and establishes guidelines for recognizing missing children who are at a particular risk of serious harm, including those under the age of 14 and at risk of human trafficking or neglect.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1793 is positive among legislators and advocates for child welfare. Supporters view the bill as a crucial step towards protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that law enforcement can react swiftly to potential threats. However, some concerns relate to the implementation of new protocols and the need for resources to support these enhanced responsibilities. The bill's focus on proactive measures aligns with ongoing efforts to improve public safety regarding children.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the effectiveness of new processes introduced by HB1793 and the potential for overwhelmed local agencies due to increased responsibilities without necessarily corresponding increases in funding or support. Critics express caution about how these procedures will be operationalized in different jurisdictions, as resource disparities may affect the effectiveness of the bill. Furthermore, ensuring adequate training and systems for law enforcement to comply with the new mandates remains a point of discussion.