Texas Senate Bill SB483

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the retention of and the required disclosure under the public information law of certain complaints alleging official oppression.

Impact

The legislation is expected to bring significant changes to how municipalities handle complaints regarding police conduct. By mandating that these complaints are retained and publicly disclosed after the specified retention period, the bill seeks to provide greater transparency and accountability within law enforcement. Municipalities will have less discretion to suppress information related to these complaints, shifting the burden to comply with public information requirements. This could potentially lead to increased public awareness of police misconduct and support broader discussions on reform within law enforcement agencies.

Summary

SB483 aims to enhance police accountability by establishing strict guidelines regarding the retention and disclosure of complaints against police officers that allege official oppression. Official oppression refers to the misuse of official authority to injure, oppress, or defraud another. Under this bill, any complaint against a police officer concerning such conduct must be retained by the employing municipal department for a minimum of five years after the officer's employment ends. Furthermore, an abstract of the complaint will need to be kept indefinitely, ensuring that there is a continuous record of any significant allegations made against police personnel.

Contention

While supporters of SB483 argue that it is a necessary step towards promoting transparency and rebuilding public trust in law enforcement, critics may view it as a challenge to operational confidentiality and the privacy rights of officers involved in these complaints. The bill overrides certain discretionary exceptions under existing public information laws, which raises concerns about the balance between public transparency and the need for confidentiality in sensitive cases. This has led to debates regarding the appropriate level of transparency required to both protect individuals' rights and ensure public safety.