Texas Senate Bill SB1900

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/8/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/4/23
• Voted on by Senate: 4/12/23
• Out of House Committee: 5/16/23
• Voted on by House: 5/22/23
• Governor Action: 6/9/23

Caption

Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization and of sedition.

Impact

The passage of SB 1900 significantly alters how state laws will address activities linked to foreign terrorist organizations by integrating these definitions into the organized crime chapter of the Penal Code. The bill extends the scope of law enforcement operations by allowing the establishment of intelligence databases that include information on such organizations. It grants law enforcement a more structured approach to combat organized crime activities, potentially leading to increased prosecutions and operational effectiveness in disrupting cartel activities in Texas.

Summary

Senate Bill 1900 focuses on enhancing the state's ability to combat foreign terrorist organizations and organized crime activities, particularly those associated with drug cartels. The law proposes the addition of definitions and provisions for foreign terrorist organizations within the Texas Penal Code, allowing these organizations to be classified alongside criminal street gangs. This categorization aims to facilitate the prosecution of offenses related to such organizations and enhance law enforcement's capacity to compile intelligence on them. It aims to broaden the legal tools available to law enforcement officials for preventing and apprehending related criminal activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 1900 appears to be largely supportive among law enforcement and legislators concerned about crime rates and cartel activities within the state. Many proponents argue that this bill empowers authorities with the necessary tools to better combat organized crime and protect citizens. However, there may be some reservations regarding the implications of categorizing certain groups as terrorist organizations, which might raise concerns over civil liberties and the broad applications of such classifications.

Contention

A notable point of contention lies in the bill's broad definitions of foreign terrorist organizations, which some critics argue could lead to overreach in terms of law enforcement authority. Concerns have also been raised regarding potential misuse of the intelligence databases and the possibility of targeting organizations or individuals improperly classified as terrorist entities. The balance between legitimate law enforcement activities and the protection of civil liberties will continue to be a critical topic of discussion as this bill is implemented.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Civil Practice And Remedies Code

• Chapter 125. Common And Public Nuisances
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 069
  • Section: 070
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 069
  • Section: 070
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 069
  • Section: 070
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 069
  • Section: 070

Code Of Criminal Procedure

• Chapter 67. Compilation Of Information Pertaining To Combinations And Criminal Street Gangs
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 051
  • Section: 054
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 051
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 051
  • Section: 251
  • Section: 255
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 051
  • Section: 054
  • Section: 255

Penal Code

• Chapter 71. Organized Crime
  • Section: 01
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 022
  • Section: 023
  • Section: 022
  • Section: 023
  • Section: 01
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 01
  • Section: 022
  • Section: 023
  • Section: 01
  • Section: 022
  • Section: 023

Government Code

• Chapter 557. Sedition, Sabotage, And Communism
  • Section: New Section