Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2702

Filed

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses and the confinement or release of those individuals prior to prosecution.

Impact

The bill is expected to make notable changes to state law regarding law enforcement conduct. It mandates comprehensive reporting of certain incidents in county jails, including suicides and serious injuries, allowing for more scrutiny of jail conditions. Moreover, it establishes an independent ombudsman to oversee and ensure the rights of individuals, particularly those confined in jails, are respected. This independent oversight is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the treatment of detainees and fostering better communication during confinement and potential release.

Summary

House Bill 2702 addresses interactions between law enforcement officials and individuals detained on suspicion of criminal offenses. It creates frameworks and policies aimed at ensuring better treatment of those individuals, particularly those with mental health issues or substance abuse challenges. The bill introduces provisions for law enforcement agencies to adopt detailed policies on racial profiling and establishes training requirements for officers, including education on implicit bias, cultural sensitivity, and de-escalation techniques. This comprehensive approach is intended to promote accountability and standardize practices across different law enforcement agencies in the state.

Contention

Opposition to HB 2702 may arise from concerns about practical implementation, especially regarding the resource allocation necessary for additional training and reporting mechanisms. Critics may argue that the mandates could put undue pressure on law enforcement agencies and potentially lead to inconsistencies in their application. The emphasis on racial profiling and training requirements could lead to pushback from some law enforcement officials who may perceive these measures as burdensome or unnecessary, particularly in jurisdictions where such measures are already in place. Overall, the legislation aims at reforming interaction and accountability within the justice system while ensuring that individuals' rights are upheld.

Companion Bills

TX SB1849

Identical Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, to the confinement, conviction, or release of those individuals, and to grants supporting populations that are more likely to interact frequently with law enforcement.

Previously Filed As

TX SB571

Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, witnesses to the commission of those offenses, and other members of the public, to peace officer liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.

TX HB2519

Relating to law enforcement misconduct and law enforcement interactions with certain detained or arrested individuals and other members of the public, to public entity liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.

TX HB4642

Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2917

Relating to peace officers and the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses.

TX HB3363

Relating to the confinement or detention of certain individuals in a county jail or other facility operated by or for the county and to the compensation to the county for the costs of that confinement or detention.

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB2187

Relating to the criminal offense of abandoning or endangering a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual.

TX SB1445

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; authorizing a fee.

Similar Bills

TX SB1849

Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, to the confinement, conviction, or release of those individuals, and to grants supporting populations that are more likely to interact frequently with law enforcement.

TX SB1101

Relating to the consolidation of ombudsman programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission.

TX HB3462

Relating to the consolidation of ombudsman programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB2375

Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.