Relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and to a study and law enforcement training regarding transnational repression.
Impact
This legislation aims to protect individuals from coercion and intimidation stemming from foreign entities, thereby reinforcing domestic law against external pressures. The Department of Public Safety will be tasked with developing a specialized training program for law enforcement officers, aimed at identifying and countering transnational repression. There is a clear intent from legislators to better equip law enforcement with the necessary tools and knowledge to address and mitigate these emerging threats, bolstering the state's commitment to safeguarding citizens' constitutional rights against foreign meddling.
Summary
Senate Bill 1349 introduces significant amendments to the Texas Penal Code by creating new criminal offenses focused on transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law. The bill defines transnational repression as actions undertaken by agents of foreign governments or foreign terrorist organizations that aim to coerce individuals in the United States to act against their interests, particularly in regard to protected activities under the First Amendment. The proposed consequences for such offenses are notably severe, including escalating the punishment for associated crimes, thereby heightening the legal stakes surrounding rights infringements that may arise from foreign influences.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 1349 appears to be largely supportive among legislators, with a majority voting in favor of the bill during the legislative process. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step to ensure state and federal law are aligned in protecting civil liberties from foreign infringement. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the implications for civil rights, particularly fears around the potential misuse of broad definitions in the bill, which could lead to overreach in policing activities related to free speech and expression.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the balance between protecting individual freedoms and preventing foreign intervention in domestic affairs. Critics are wary of how broadly 'transnational repression' is defined and the corresponding legal repercussions that could affect individuals engaging in lawful expression or dissent. Discussions also underscore potential challenges in operationalizing the training and response mechanisms in law enforcement to address these complex scenarios without infringing on constitutional rights.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Penal Code
Chapter 76. Terroristic Offenses
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Government Code
Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
Same As
Relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and to a study and law enforcement training regarding transnational repression.
Identical
Relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and to a study and law enforcement training regarding transnational repression.
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.
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.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
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.
Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of improper entry from a foreign nation and indemnification of certain claims relating to the enforcement of that offense.
Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the acquisition of title to real property by, the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to official oppression and to law enforcement policies requiring peace officers to report certain peace officer misconduct; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and to a study and law enforcement training regarding transnational repression.
Relating to creating the criminal offenses of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and to a study and law enforcement training regarding transnational repression.