Texas House Bill HB3312

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the taking of an additional specimen of a person's blood on arrest for certain intoxication offenses.

Impact

The enactment of HB3312 will reshape how blood specimens are handled in cases of intoxication. By placing the financial responsibility for additional testing on the individual rather than the state, there may be implications for defendants who wish to challenge the results of state-administered tests. Additionally, the provisions for admissibility of evidence mean that police procedures during arrests could play a critical role in the legal outcomes of intoxication cases. Any interference by law enforcement with a defendant's request for independent testing could lead to crucial evidence being excluded from trial.

Summary

House Bill 3312 addresses the procedures related to the collection of blood samples from individuals arrested for certain intoxication offenses. The bill introduces amendments to the Transportation Code, specifically modifying Section 724.019, to clarify the responsibilities of individuals requesting additional blood specimens. Notably, it stipulates that the individual requesting such a specimen is responsible for the costs associated with the collection and analysis. Furthermore, the bill also clarifies the admissibility of evidence regarding blood tests under specific circumstances, including interference by law enforcement with a person's request for independent testing.

Contention

Debate around HB3312 may focus on the fairness and implications of shifting the financial burden onto defendants. Advocates for the bill argue that it empowers individuals to seek independent evidence and ensures that law enforcement cannot undermine this right. Detractors could contend that this model disproportionately impacts lower-income individuals or those without immediate resources to cover the costs of testing. Additionally, discussions may center around the balance of rights for individuals against the state's interest in enforcing traffic laws effectively.