Texas House Bill HB235

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/11/14

Caption

Relating to a central database containing information about certain persons who have been convicted of or received a grant of deferred adjudication for certain offenses involving animal cruelty; providing a criminal penalty.

Impact

The implementation of HB 235 is expected to significantly impact how animal cruelty offenders are monitored within the state of Texas. By creating a mandatory registration system, the law aims to provide law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to keep track of individuals who may pose a risk to animals. This system will help local law enforcement authorities better respond to repeated offenses, which can ultimately lead to improved outcomes in the enforcement of animal cruelty laws.

Summary

House Bill 235 establishes a central database to monitor individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses, specifically targeting those who have been granted deferred adjudication or convicted of felony offenses under Texas Penal Code Section 42.092 or 42.10. The bill mandates that individuals meeting these criteria register with local law enforcement and comply with specific reporting requirements based on their risk levels. The overarching goal of the bill is to enhance public safety and ensure a system is in place to track offenders, thus aiming to reduce instances of recidivism in animal cruelty cases.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill may face opposition regarding potential privacy concerns and the implications of monitoring individuals long after their sentences have been served. While supporters argue that the registration system is a crucial step to prevent animal cruelty and protect vulnerable animals, detractors might raise questions about fairness, rehabilitation, and whether such measures could inadvertently lead to stigmatization of individuals who have completed their sentences. Additionally, the issue of funding for the establishment and maintenance of the central database could also become a point of contention among lawmakers.