89R9065 MZM-D
By: Campos H.B. No. 2101
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on unreported gunshots detected using gunshot
detection technology.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. STUDY ON UNREPORTED GUNSHOTS. (a) In this Act,
"department" means the Department of Public Safety of the State of
Texas.
(b) From money appropriated or otherwise available for the
purpose, the department shall contract with three eligible
municipal police departments to conduct a study on unreported
gunshots detected using gunshot detection technology. The study
must include the following information:
(1) the number of unreported gunshots detected using
gunshot detection technology that occur within the boundaries of
the municipality; and
(2) for each gunshot described by Subdivision (1) of
this subsection:
(A) the results of any police department
investigation related to the gunshot, including information
regarding whether the gunshot was intentional; and
(B) the number and type of criminal charges filed
as a result of the gunshot.
(c) To be eligible to receive a contract under Subsection
(b) of this section, a municipal police department must:
(1) be located in a municipality with a population of
more than 500,000; and
(2) submit an application to the department that
includes:
(A) a list of geographic areas within the
boundaries of the municipality that have been identified as having
high rates of unreported gunshots;
(B) an explanation of the police department's
previous experience with gunshot detection technologies; and
(C) the proposed members of a five-person
committee that the police department will establish to assist with
the study if the police department receives the contract,
including:
(i) one representative from the municipal
police department;
(ii) one representative from the sheriff's
department in the county in which the municipal police department
is located;
(iii) one person who serves as a school
district peace officer, a school resource officer, or security
personnel as described by Section 37.081, Education Code, and who
provides security at a school campus located in the municipality
described by Subdivision (1) of this subsection;
(iv) one representative of a neighborhood
association located in the municipality described by Subdivision
(1) of this subsection; and
(v) one member who is appointed by a member
of the house of representatives whose district contains any part of
the municipality described by Subdivision (1) of this subsection.
(d) Each municipal police department that the department
contracts with under Subsection (b) of this section shall prepare
and submit a report of its findings to the department not later than
September 1, 2026.
(e) Not later than December 31, 2026, the department shall
prepare and submit to the legislature a written report summarizing
the results of the study, disaggregated by municipality.
(f) This Act expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2025.