Texas House Bill HB2683

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the transfer or sale of a law enforcement dog to a peace officer, an honorably retired peace officer, or a survivor of a deceased peace officer.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2683 will amend the Government Code by adding a specific subchapter focused on the transfer process of law enforcement dogs. This change will eliminate the need for competitive bidding or other requirements typically needed for the sale, thereby streamlining the process. It allows for a smoother transition of ownership, reflecting the value and bond between peace officers and their canine partners. This provision is particularly important for those who have retired or survived peace officers, offering comfort through maintaining the companionship of these dogs.

Summary

House Bill 2683 addresses the transfer and sale of law enforcement dogs to specific individuals connected to peace officers. This includes transferring ownership to the handler of the dog upon its retirement, allowing honorably retired peace officers to purchase the dog they were assigned to, and granting the option for the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a deceased peace officer to buy the dog. The bill aims to provide clarity and support for law enforcement officers and their families regarding the disposition of these specialized animals after their service ends.

Contention

While there is broad support for the intentions behind HB 2683, the bill may raise questions about how the fair market value of law enforcement dogs is determined and how these transfers will be managed across different governmental entities. Some may argue it's necessary to ensure accountability in the transfer process and the pricing of these dogs, particularly in cases involving deceased officers. Concerns regarding the potential impact on budgets of local law enforcement agencies in managing these transactions efficiently might also be a point of discussion.