Texas House Bill HB865

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the recording of certain grand jury proceedings that involve a peace officer.

Impact

If passed, HB865 would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to mandate that entire grand jury proceedings be recorded either via shorthand or electronic devices in the aforementioned scenarios. This change would mark a significant shift in protocol, as the traditional grand jury proceedings have typically been kept secret. The proposal aims to ensure that if there is no indictment, the recordings or the transcriptions thereof must be made public, potentially impacting how grand juries handle cases involving peace officers and the level of scrutiny they face.

Summary

House Bill 865 seeks to establish new regulations concerning the recording of specific grand jury proceedings that involve a peace officer. This legislative initiative proposes that grand jury proceedings be recorded in cases where the individual currently employed as a peace officer is suspected of or accused of an offense committed while performing their official duties. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the grand jury process regarding law enforcement officers, thereby addressing concerns over the treatment of such cases within the criminal justice system.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding this bill. Proponents advocate for the necessity of documentation in cases involving police officers, citing the importance of transparency in governmental proceedings and the necessity of maintaining public trust in the criminal justice system. Conversely, critics may argue that mandating the recording of such proceedings could deter witnesses from coming forward or compromise the confidentiality of sensitive information. Moreover, there may be concerns regarding the handling and release of recorded material, particularly in cases that could affect ongoing investigations or law enforcement practices.