Texas Senate Bill SB1165

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to an inquiry by a peace officer as to the nationality or immigration status of a person presumed to be a family violence victim or witness.

Impact

If enacted, SB1165 would have significant implications for how law enforcement interacts with victims of family violence. The bill would establish parameters that limit inquiries into the immigration status of individuals in these sensitive situations, thereby decreasing the likelihood that victims may feel intimidated or discouraged from coming forward. Additionally, this law would reinforce the recognition of family violence as a critical issue that demands a nuanced response rather than one that might create further distress for victims who are often in vulnerable positions.

Summary

Senate Bill 1165 focuses on the policies related to inquiries by peace officers regarding the nationality or immigration status of individuals presumed to be victims or witnesses of family violence. The bill amends existing regulations to permit local entities or campus police departments to develop guidelines that specify how officers should approach such inquiries, aiming to provide better protection for victims while ensuring that immigration status does not deter them from seeking help. The intent behind this legislation is to create an environment where those facing family violence can feel safe to report incidents without fear of immigration-related repercussions.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SB1165, primarily focusing on the balance between community safety and immigration enforcement. Supporters argue that the bill is crucial for protecting victims and ensuring that law enforcement can more effectively attend to domestic violence incidents without the interference of immigration enforcement concerns. Conversely, opponents may argue that there should remain some level of inquiry into an individual's background and status for the purposes of public safety, which could lead to debates over the implications of such policies on community trust in law enforcement overall.