Texas House Bill HB4248

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirement for certain persons to provide information to a peace officer; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The enactment of HB4248 is expected to influence the protocols surrounding interactions between law enforcement and civilians. By requiring individuals to provide identifying information during arrests or detentions, the bill aims to facilitate the collection of data relevant to criminal investigations. This provision may enable law enforcement to gather crucial information from potential witnesses which could enhance the efficacy of criminal justice processes. However, the bill also raises concerns about potential abuse of power and raises questions regarding the implications for civil liberties.

Summary

House Bill 4248 introduces a requirement for certain individuals to provide personal information to law enforcement officers under specific circumstances. The bill amends Article 2.13 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to state that if an officer lawfully arrests or detains a person, or has reasonable grounds to believe that an individual is a witness to a criminal offense, they are permitted to request the person's name, residential address, and date of birth. The bill mandates that individuals cannot refuse to comply with such requests, thereby creating a new criminal offense for non-compliance.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, HB4248 is likely to be contentious among civil rights advocates and legal experts who may argue that the bill could infringe on individual rights and privacy. Critics may contend that coercing individuals to disclose personal information could lead to situations where innocent citizens feel forced to comply under the threat of criminal charges. The legislation could generate debate on the balance between ensuring effective policing and safeguarding personal freedoms and rights, as well as the risks of discrimination against marginalized communities.