Texas House Bill HB683

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 12/21/16

Caption

Relating to the prosecution of the offense of possession or use of law enforcement identification, insignia, or vehicles in a municipality and the clarification of the offenses of false identification as a peace officer and misrepresentation of property.

Impact

The enactment of HB 683 would clarify and strengthen existing laws concerning the misrepresentation of law enforcement identification and property. By explicitly stating the offenses related to the unauthorized use of police insignia and vehicles, the bill is poised to tighten regulations and enhance public safety in municipalities. The new provisions would enable law enforcement agencies to better prosecute individuals who attempt to deceive the public using fake or unauthorized identification or property, thereby increasing accountability and potentially reducing incidents of impersonation.

Summary

House Bill 683 focuses on the prosecution of offenses related to the possession and use of law enforcement identification, insignia, or vehicles within municipalities. The bill aims to amend the Local Government Code and the Penal Code to provide clearer definitions and penalties associated with impersonating law enforcement officials. It addresses specific actions deemed illegal, such as using police insignia or vehicles in a deceptive manner that could lead residents to believe an individual is a police officer. This legislative measure seeks to enhance law enforcement's ability to combat impersonators who misuse police identity items.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 683 appears largely supportive, as it responds to concerns about safety and the integrity of law enforcement. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to protect the public from potential harm caused by individuals impersonating police officers. However, the proposal may also face scrutiny from civil liberties advocates who could express concerns about over-policing or potential misuse of the law, particularly regarding how broadly terms like 'impersonation' might be interpreted. Overall, discussions around the bill suggest a strong inclination toward enhancing law enforcement integrity.

Contention

While there seems to be a consensus on the need for regulations against impersonating law enforcement, potential contention lies in the implementation of the law and its implications for civil rights. Critics may argue that overly stringent regulations could lead to wrongful accusations contra individuals, especially in community interactions. Additionally, the specification of what constitutes deceptive use of insignia or identification could lead to legal challenges regarding freedom of expression or the rights of individuals seeking to display supportive representations of law enforcement.