Texas House Bill HB1074

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to notice of arrest for certain activities occurring at property leased to a person operating a massage establishment.

Impact

The bill directly modifies Section 125.0017 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Its implications mean that property owners will now have a formal mechanism to receive timely notifications regarding arrests linked to activities at their premises, allowing them to take appropriate actions if necessary. This change is seen as a means of enhancing communication between law enforcement and property owners, thereby fostering a more informed environment regarding safety and compliance at massage establishments.

Summary

House Bill 1074 aims to amend the current protocol regarding notifications of arrests occurring at massage establishments. Specifically, the bill stipulates that if a law enforcement agency makes an arrest relating to certain activities defined under previous legislation, they must provide written notice to the property owner of the establishment where the arrest took place. This notice must be sent via certified mail within 14 days of the arrest. The intent behind this bill is to ensure that property owners are made aware of any incidents that may potentially impact their properties and the businesses operating within them.

Contention

While the intention might be to ensure diligence among property owners, the bill may raise concerns regarding privacy and the potential stigma attached to massage establishments. Critics may argue that frequent notifications of arrests could lead to negative perceptions about legitimate businesses and impede their operations. Additionally, the bill's effectiveness hinges on clear definitions of the activities warranting notification, which could lead to further debate regarding what constitutes a relevant incident worthy of such a notice.