Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1020

Caption

Relating to requiring certain law enforcement agencies to implement a policy regarding cite and release for certain criminal offenses.

Impact

If enacted, HB1020 would significantly impact how misdemeanors are handled across the state. It proposes the development of a model policy by the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute, which would provide training and guidelines for law enforcement agencies. The bill stimulates a shift in mindset among police departments by promoting citation over arrest, which has the potential to decrease the number of individuals entering the jail system for minor infractions. Moreover, it serves to align Texas with best practices seen in other jurisdictions that have successfully implemented similar cite and release policies.

Summary

House Bill 1020 aims to mandate certain law enforcement agencies in Texas to implement a 'cite and release' policy for certain misdemeanors. This progressive approach seeks to alleviate the traditional criminal justice burden by allowing officers to issue citations rather than making physical arrests for minor offenses. The bill emphasizes reducing unnecessary detentions, which can contribute to overcrowded jails and strained resources in the judicial system. The goal is not only to enhance the functionality of law enforcement but also to protect individuals from the consequences of misdemeanor arrests.

Contention

There may be some points of contention regarding HB1020, particularly around implementation challenges and existing practices within various law enforcement agencies. Some stakeholders might express concerns about how such a policy could be interpreted or enforced inconsistently across different regions. While proponents argue for efficiency and fairness, critics may argue that the effectiveness of this policy hinges on adequate training and adherence to guidelines. Additionally, apprehensions about public safety and the potential for increased crime rates could be highlighted by opponents of the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB410

Relating to law enforcement policies regarding the issuance of citations for misdemeanors punishable by fine only and to a limitation on the authority to arrest a person for certain fine-only misdemeanors.

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 HB1065

Relating to official oppression and to law enforcement policies requiring peace officers to report certain peace officer misconduct; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4379

Relating to citations and arrests for criminal offenses and pretrial detention and release.

TX SB4

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.