Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1419

Caption

Relating to the duties of a law enforcement agency regarding missing children and missing persons and to the duties of a justice of the peace or other investigator regarding unidentified bodies.

Impact

With the implementation of HB 1419, state laws concerning the duties of law enforcement regarding missing persons will see a significant overhaul. Under the amended Code of Criminal Procedure, it will become a legal requirement for authorities to swiftly enter details of missing and unidentified persons into the respective missing persons databases. This change is expected to improve the efficiency of missing persons investigations and may lead to a higher rate of successful recoveries by ensuring timely action and information sharing across jurisdictions.

Summary

House Bill 1419, known as John and Joseph's Law, aims to enhance the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies and justice of the peace officials in the investigation of missing children and unidentified persons. The bill establishes new requirements for entering identifying features of unidentified bodies into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. It mandates that relevant information must be submitted within specified timelines, thereby streamlining the processes involved in these sensitive investigations. This legislation emphasizes the priority of resolving cases of missing individuals by ensuring that necessary data is promptly recorded and updated within national databases.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1419 has been largely supportive among policymakers, reflecting a collective concern for the welfare of missing individuals. Legislators recognized the importance of acting quickly when reports of missing persons are made, particularly those that involve children or vulnerable adults. Legislative discussions were driven by an understanding of the emotional and societal implications of missing persons cases, contributing to bipartisan support for the bill.

Contention

Despite the high level of support, there were points of contention regarding the implementation of the bill. Concerns were raised about the potential strain on local law enforcement resources given the new requirements for timely data entry and investigation procedures. Critics argued that while the initiative is noble, it necessitates adequate funding and support to ensure that local agencies are not overwhelmed by these additional responsibilities. This discussion reflects the broader challenge of balancing legislative goals with practical enforcement capabilities within law enforcement agencies.

Companion Bills

TX SB899

Similar To Relating to the duties of a law enforcement agency regarding missing children and missing persons and regarding unidentified bodies.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2660

Relating to duties and procedures and to training programs for law enforcement agencies regarding missing children and missing persons.

TX SB2429

Relating to reporting procedures and training programs for law enforcement agencies regarding missing children and missing persons.

TX HB4975

Relating to reporting procedures and training programs for law enforcement agencies regarding missing children and missing persons.

TX HB3161

Relating to the duties of a justice of the peace, medical examiner, or other investigator regarding the bodies of unidentified deceased persons and to the control by certain persons of the disposition of a deceased person's remains.

TX SB219

Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and law enforcement agencies regarding law enforcement officers and the use of body worn cameras; authorizing fees.

TX HB2395

Relating to the duties of peace officers regarding interactions with victims of sexual assault.

TX SB806

Relating to the duties of peace officers regarding interactions with victims of sexual assault.

TX HB347

Relating to law enforcement agency policies regarding the placement of a child taken into possession by a peace officer during the arrest of a person.

TX SB1868

Relating to the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB3330

Relating to the establishment of a task force on the statewide alert systems for abducted children and missing persons with intellectual disabilities.

Similar Bills

MS SB2268

Missing or unidentified persons; provide procedures regarding investigation of.

MS SB2761

Missing or unidentified persons; provide procedures regarding investigation of.

CA SB1163

Postmortem examination or autopsy: unidentified body or human remains: medical examiner: attending physician and surgeon.

NJ A3147

Concerns investigation of missing persons cases.

NJ S2081

Concerns investigation of missing persons cases.

NJ SR119

Urges federal government to investigate unidentified drones operating in NJ airspace.

NJ AR173

Urges federal government to investigate unidentified drones operating in NJ airspace.

TX SB899

Relating to the duties of a law enforcement agency regarding missing children and missing persons and regarding unidentified bodies.