Relating to the eligibility of certain entities for grants awarded by the criminal justice division of the governor's office.
Impact
The passage of HB2191 aims to tighten the relationship between state and federal law enforcement, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. By making eligibility for critical funding contingent upon participation in federal agreements, the bill encourages local law enforcement agencies to align with federal immigration policies. This change could influence the operational dynamics of local law enforcement agencies and their priorities, as well as their relationships with immigrant communities, who may feel increasingly scrutinized under these conditions. The bill could potentially lead to decreased local autonomy in law enforcement operations, as funding may be tied to federal policy compliance.
Summary
House Bill 2191 focuses on the eligibility criteria for entities seeking grants from the criminal justice division of the governor's office in Texas. It specifically stipulates that the Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, municipal police departments in cities with populations of 800,000 or more, and sheriff's departments in counties with populations of one million or more will not be eligible for such grants unless they have an agreement with the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This represents a significant change in how grant eligibility is determined for local entities in relation to their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Contention
There may be notable points of contention surrounding HB2191, particularly regarding local governments' abilities to manage their law enforcement priorities without federal interference. Critics may argue that this legislation pressures local agencies to enforce federal immigration laws, which could conflict with community policing practices and create a divisive atmosphere between law enforcement and the populations they serve. Furthermore, concerns regarding civil rights and the potential for racial profiling could arise, as communities may fear that their safety may be compromised by strict adherence to immigration enforcement mandates as a condition for receiving state grants.
Relating to eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas by certain juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to the eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas of juvenile justice officers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the eligibility for an occupational license by certain former inmates and the practice of certain occupations by an inmate of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to the eligibility of an inmate for certain occupational licenses and the practice of certain occupations by an inmate of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.