Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4504

Filed
3/9/23  
Out of House Committee
4/26/23  
Voted on by House
5/2/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/16/23  
Voted on by Senate
5/17/23  
Governor Action
6/12/23  

Caption

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

Impact

The implications of HB 4504 include improvements in regulatory clarity across statutory interpretations within the state’s criminal justice system. By streamlining existing provisions, the bill is expected to facilitate better understanding and implementation of laws by both law enforcement officials and practitioners in the legal field. The revisions included in the bill aim to eliminate obsolete terminologies and legal ambiguities that may have hindered effective law enforcement and judicial processes. Effective from January 1, 2025, the revised statutes will require local authorities, lawyers, and law enforcement to adapt to the newly codified language and procedures.

Summary

House Bill 4504 primarily concerns the nonsubstantive revision of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, encompassing conforming amendments aimed at enhancing the clarity and usability of the law. Proposed by the Texas Legislative Council, the bill involves updating various provisions in the criminal code, with the aim of simplifying legal frameworks without introducing substantive changes. The bill spans 332 pages and addresses several aspects of criminal law, including the powers and duties of peace officers and adjustments related to evidence and procedures within criminal justice contexts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4504 has generally been positive, with support from various legislators recognizing the importance of updating and clarifying statutory language in criminal law. The bill received considerable bipartisan support during discussions, with proponents highlighting the necessity for continual statutory revision to maintain an efficient legal system. Comments from committee members reflected an understanding of the legislation's intent to not introduce new concepts but instead refine existing legal frameworks.

Contention

Despite its nonsubstantive nature, some concerns were raised regarding potential unintended consequences of such codifications, particularly from those wary of legal changes becoming opportunities for misinterpretation. Critics suggested that without robust oversight, revisions could be applied inconsistently by various law enforcement agencies. Nonetheless, there was overwhelming agreement on the importance of maintaining updated legal standards to reflect contemporary practices and to ensure justice is administered more effectively.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 382. Clean Air Act
    • Section: 018
  • Chapter 436. Aquatic Life
    • Section: 102
    • Section: 102
  • Chapter 552. State Hospitals
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 555. State Supported Living Centers
    • Section: 101
    • Section: 101
  • Chapter 821. Treatment And Disposition Of Animals
    • Section: 0211
  • Chapter 81. Communicable Diseases; Public Health Disasters; Public Health Emergencies
    • Section: New Section

Human Resources Code

  • Chapter 31. Financial Assistance And Service Programs
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 33. Nutritional Assistance Programs
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Transportation Code

  • Chapter 721. Inscription Required On State, Municipal, And County Motor Vehicles
    • Section: 005
  • Chapter 25. Notice Of Construction Of Wireless Communication Facility
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 502. Registration Of Vehicles
    • Section: 452
  • Chapter 521. Driver's Licenses And Certificates
    • Section: 1211
    • Section: 3451
    • Section: 453
  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 541. Definitions
    • Section: 201
  • Chapter 542. General Provisions
    • Section: 304
    • Section: 402
  • Chapter 543. Arrest And Prosecution Of Violators
    • Section: 202
  • Chapter 546. Operation Of Authorized Emergency Vehicles And Certain Other Vehicles
    • Section: New Section

Code Of Criminal Procedure

  • Chapter 3. Definitions
    • Section: 05
  • Chapter 2. General Duties Of Officers
    • Section: 33
  • Chapter 19a. Grand Jury Organization
    • Section: 256

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 1701. Law Enforcement Officers
    • Section: 164
  • Chapter 1702. Private Security
    • Section: 002
  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Finance Code

  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Labor Code

  • Chapter 501. Workers' Compensation Insurance Coverage For State Employees, Including Employees Under The Direction Or Control Of The Board Of Regents Of Texas Tech University
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 504. Workers' Compensation Insurance Coverage For Employees Of Political Subdivisions
    • Section: 019

Government Code

  • Chapter 662. Holidays And Recognition Days, Weeks, And Months
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 2. Firearm Suppressor Regulation
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 752. Immigration
    • Section: 057
  • Chapter 772. Governmental Planning
    • Section: 0074
  • Chapter 2158. Purchasing: Miscellaneous Provisions For Purchase Of Certain Goods And Services
    • Section: 009
  • Chapter 3105. Texas Peace Officers' Memorial Monument And Ceremony
    • Section: 003
  • Chapter 25. Statutory County Courts
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
    • Section: 0835

Family Code

  • Chapter 264. Child Welfare Services
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Water Code

  • Chapter 60. Navigation Districts--general Provisions
    • Section: 0775
    • Section: 0775

Penal Code

  • Chapter 2. Burden Of Proof
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 46. Weapons
    • Section: 15

Agriculture Code

  • Chapter 122. Cultivation Of Hemp
    • Section: 351
  • Chapter 153. Prevention And Investigation Of Cattle Theft
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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