Relating to the reporting of certain orders and convictions to the Department of Public Safety and Federal Bureau of Investigation for use with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for the transfer of firearms.
The proposed changes will streamline the reporting process for protective orders related to family violence, helping to ensure that relevant data is captured promptly and accurately. This should improve the reliability of information available to background check systems, which can, in turn, enhance community safety by preventing individuals with domestic violence convictions from obtaining firearms. The bill’s enactment is predicted to align state laws more closely with federal standards pertaining to firearm possession, particularly in relation to individuals with family violence or domestic abuse histories.
House Bill 2650 seeks to enhance the reporting requirements for certain protective orders and misdemeanor convictions involving family violence to the Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies enter original or modified protective orders into the statewide law enforcement information system within three calendar days of receiving the order. These orders and relevant convictions are critical for updating the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which plays a significant role in the regulation of firearm transfers in Texas.
While the bill has been positioned as a public safety measure, potential points of contention revolve around the balance between privacy rights and the need for public safety. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups may express concerns regarding the timeliness of reporting and the possible implications for individuals subject to protective orders or facing misdemeanor charges. There may also be discussions on how these legislative changes could affect local law enforcement agencies' capacities and resource allocations as they adapt to new reporting requirements.
Code Of Criminal Procedure
Government Code