Texas Senate Bill SB169

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on certain law enforcement inquiries regarding the nationality or immigration status of a victim of or witness to a criminal offense.

Impact

The proposed legislation intends to foster a safer environment for victims and witnesses, regardless of their immigration status, by encouraging reporting of crimes without fear of deportation or legal repercussions. It aims to strengthen community trust in law enforcement, allowing individuals to cooperate fully with police investigations, which is essential for effective crime fighting. The bill emphasizes that an officer's inquiries must serve a direct purpose connected to the criminal investigation rather than profiling based on immigration status.

Summary

SB169 seeks to amend Article 2.13 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in Texas by establishing a prohibition on law enforcement inquiries regarding the nationality or immigration status of victims or witnesses involved in criminal offenses. Under this bill, officers may only inquire about such information if it is deemed necessary for the investigation of the offense or to provide the victim or witness with pertinent information regarding federal visas aimed at protecting those assisting law enforcement.

Contention

Opponents of SB169 might argue that the bill could hinder law enforcement's ability to effectively investigate all aspects of a case, especially when suspecting related criminal conduct by witnesses or victims. Discussions around this bill may evoke debates on the balance between important investigative practices and safeguarding the rights of individuals against unjust profiling. Furthermore, there might be concerns regarding the effectiveness of the proposed law if officers encounter situations where inquiries are genuinely warranted for investigative integrity.