Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.
Impact
The bill has significant implications for state laws related to death investigations and the responsibilities assigned to local authorities. For example, it introduces clearer guidelines on how deaths involving family violence should be treated, emphasizing the protection of victims without regard to their relationship with the alleged offender. Moreover, it revises processes for conducting inquests, effectively enhancing the investigative powers of justices of the peace and ensuring timely reporting on deaths, particularly in contexts involving correctional facilities or mental health institutions.
Summary
House Bill 1610 is a legislative measure focused on the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure in Texas. The bill primarily aims to streamline and clarify the legal framework surrounding inquests and investigations into deaths, particularly those that occur under various circumstances. Key provisions include the establishment of new chapters regarding family violence and death inquests, seeking to enhance responsibility and procedures regarding investigations and reporting by justices of the peace and medical examiners.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 1610 appears largely supportive, emphasizing the need for modernized procedures that safeguard victims of family violence and streamline death investigations. Legislators and advocacy groups recognize the importance of establishing uniform standards to improve the responses of law enforcement and judicial officers in these sensitive cases. However, there may also be concerns about the adequacy of funding and resource allocation needed to implement these comprehensive changes effectively.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the scope of authority given to justices of the peace versus medical examiners, particularly in how these roles interact during death investigations. Additionally, discussions may focus on how changes to the legal framework could impact civil liberties or the rights of the individuals involved, especially concerning privacy and procedural fairness in inquests, which are critical in sensitive and potentially traumatic cases.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Code Of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 5. Family Violence Prevention
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 9. Offenses Injurious To Public Health
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 49. Inquests Upon Dead Bodies
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 50. Fire Inquests
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Transportation Code
Chapter 361. State Highway Turnpike Projects
Section: New Section
Chapter 547. Vehicle Equipment
Section: 751
Section: 752
Section: 752
Section: 751
Section: 751
Section: 752
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 193. Death Records
Section: 0025
Section: New Section
Section: 0025
Section: New Section
Section: 0025
Section: New Section
Chapter 672. Adult Fatality Review And Investigation
Section: New Section
Section: 013
Section: New Section
Section: 013
Section: New Section
Section: 013
Chapter 711. General Provisions Relating To Cemeteries
Section: 004
Section: 001
Section: 004
Section: 0105
Section: 004
Chapter 81. Communicable Diseases; Public Health Disasters; Public Health Emergencies
Section: 045
Chapter 88. Reports Of Childhood Lead Poisoning
Section: New Section
Chapter 1001. Department Of State Health Services
Section: 241
Human Resources Code
Chapter 42. Regulation Of Certain Facilities, Homes, And Agencies That Provide Child-care Services
Section: 0448
Section: 0449
Section: 0448
Section: 0449
Section: 0448
Section: 0449
Occupations Code
Chapter 651. Crematory Services, Funeral Directing, And Embalming
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes and to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to the regulation and certification of medical examiners and the conduct of autopsy and inquest investigations by justices of the peace and medical examiners; providing penalties.
Relating to the regulation and certification of medical examiners and the conduct of autopsy and inquest investigations by justices of the peace and medical examiners; providing penalties.
Relating to certain county, municipal, district, and other governmental functions, procedures, powers, duties, and services, including certain criminal procedures.