Texas House Bill HB496

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a peace officer's duty to display and provide the officer's name and identification number; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The introduction of HB 496 will amend the Code of Criminal Procedure in Texas, specifically adding a new article that outlines the duties of peace officers regarding identification display. By creating a legal obligation for officers to provide their identification information, the bill aims to foster trust between law enforcement and the community. It emphasizes the principle that citizens should be able to know who is engaging with them in an official capacity, particularly in situations involving law enforcement action.

Summary

House Bill 496 establishes the requirement for peace officers in Texas to display their name and identification number while discharging their official duties and not acting undercover. This bill is designed to enhance accountability and transparency in law enforcement by ensuring that officers are identifiable during interactions with the public. Under the bill, officers are mandated to visibly display their first and last names along with their badge number or other identification when performing their duties.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a step towards improved transparency and accountability in policing, concerns have been raised regarding its implementation and effectiveness. Some critics argue that while transparency is crucial, mandating identification may have unintended consequences in specific scenarios such as undercover operations or protests where anonymity can be essential for officers' safety. Additionally, the classification of non-compliance as a Class C misdemeanor has sparked discussions about whether this punishment is adequate or excessive, reigniting debates on law enforcement practices and oversight.