Relating to court security, including the development of a court emergency management plan, the duties and composition of a court security committee, and increasing the criminal penalty for harassment of a court employee or judge.
Impact
If enacted, HB 4502 would modify existing legal frameworks relating to court operations and security, thereby impacting state laws concerning the authority and responsibilities of court security committees. This includes requiring these committees to prioritize security recommendations, providing a structured approach to enhancing courtroom safety, and establishing specific channels for crime prevention related to court operations. The bill places a clear statutory obligation on courts and municipalities to take action in their security planning, reflecting a proactive stance on judicial safety.
Summary
House Bill 4502 seeks to enhance court security in Texas by implementing measures such as the development of a court emergency management plan and establishing the duties and composition of a court security committee. The bill aims to address increasing concerns regarding the safety of court personnel, including judges and court staff, through more structured and prioritized security measures. Additionally, the bill aims to escalate the penalties for harassment against court employees, affirming the state's commitment to protecting those who serve within the judicial system.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 4502 appears to be supportive among those who advocate for improved security measures in the judiciary, particularly in light of recent incidents of harassment against court officials. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process and enhancing public trust in the legal system. However, there may be concerns among critics that the bill doesn't go far enough in addressing the broader issues of safety and harassment or that it might impose additional bureaucratic processes on local courts.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise around the implementation of increased penalties for harassment and the designation of powers within court security committees. Some may argue that heightened penalties could have implications for how cases are prosecuted and the burden of enforcement placed on local law enforcement. Others may express concerns about the balance of power within the new security structures, as creating more structured committees could lead to bureaucratic challenges or conflicts over resource allocation for court safety measures.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 29. Municipal Courts
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 30. Municipal Courts Of Record
Section: 00007
Section: 00007
Section: 00007
Chapter 72. Office Of Court Administration
Section: 015
Section: 015
Section: 015
Chapter 74. Court Administration Act
Section: 092
Section: 092
Section: 092
Penal Code
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Chapter 42. Disorderly Conduct And Related Offenses
Identical
Relating to the development and implementation of an all-hazards court security plan, composition and recommendations of court security committees, and increasing the penalty for certain criminal offenses committed against an employee of a court or the office.
Relating to the confidentiality of certain information for employees of a county courthouse or the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System and the employees' family members.
Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to homeland security, including the creation of the Texas Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety, the operations of the Homeland Security Council, the creation of a homeland security fusion center, and the duties of state agencies and local governments in preparing for, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity breaches; providing administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to the redesignation of County Court at Law No. 2 of Montgomery County as Probate Court No. 1 of Montgomery County, the jurisdiction and authority of statutory probate courts in Montgomery County, and the composition of the Montgomery County Juvenile Board.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.