Texas House Bill HB473

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on the sale or transfer of certain law enforcement vehicles before removal of certain equipment and insignia.

Impact

If enacted, HB473 would amend existing laws related to the transfer and sale of law enforcement vehicles, requiring that any police lights, sirens, and emblems be removed before any sale to prevent unauthorized use or impersonation of law enforcement officers. The intended effect of this legislation is to enhance community safety and reduce the risks associated with former law enforcement vehicles being used improperly. By clearly delineating between active and inactive law enforcement vehicles, the bill seeks to prevent potential public deception and misuse of such vehicles.

Summary

House Bill 473 aims to strengthen public safety by prohibiting the sale or transfer of certain law enforcement vehicles to the public without the removal of identifiable equipment and insignia that could mislead individuals into thinking the vehicle is still operational as a law enforcement vehicle. This legislation specifically targets marked patrol cars and other law enforcement vehicles to ensure that they do not retain any features that could cause confusion about their status or authority. The bill applies to state agencies, universities, and political subdivisions such as counties and municipalities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB473 has been largely positive, with strong support from lawmakers concerned about public safety and the potential for misuse of former law enforcement vehicles. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to uphold the integrity of law enforcement and ensure that the public can easily distinguish between active and inactive vehicles. While there has not been significant public opposition noted in the discussions, some stakeholders may express concerns about the potential costs and logistical challenges related to the removal of equipment from surplus vehicles.

Contention

While HB473 appears to enjoy broad support, potential contention could arise around the enforcement aspect of the bill and the responsibilities placed on various state and local agencies for compliance. Questions may center on who will bear the costs of the required modifications to the vehicles and how these changes will be monitored to ensure adherence to the new regulations. Additionally, some discussions may delve into the implications of such restrictions on agencies that rely on the sale of older vehicles to manage budgets.