Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Impact
If enacted, SB298 would have significant implications for state law governing the carrying of weapons by specific classes of officers. The bill would potentially alter existing statutes regarding the use and handling of firearms by community supervision and corrections personnel as well as retired law enforcement officers. This could lead to increased instances of armed officers in community settings, which proponents argue would support their protective functions, while also raising concerns about public safety and the adequacy of training for non-active duty officers.
Summary
Senate Bill 298 relates to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers. The bill aims to specify the conditions under which these individuals can carry weapons, addressing both their rights and the implications of such authority. By establishing clear guidelines, the bill seeks to enhance the operational effectiveness and safety of officers involved in community supervision and corrections, as well as providing former law enforcement personnel with continued rights to carry their service weapons.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB298 revolve around the balance between empowering correctional officers and ensuring community safety. Advocates for the bill suggest that allowing these officers to carry weapons is essential for their protection and the maintenance of law and order. However, opponents may raise concerns about the potential for misuse of firearms and the implications for public safety, particularly in sensitive environments like schools or juvenile facilities. The discussion also touches upon the qualifications and training required for officers to carry weapons, which could influence the bill's acceptance and implementation.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Code Of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 2. General Duties Of Officers
Section: New Section
Penal Code
Chapter 38. Obstructing Governmental Operation
Section: New Section
Chapter 46. Weapons
Section: 15
Government Code
Chapter 76. Community Supervision And Corrections Departments
Section: 0051
Human Resources Code
Chapter 142. Juvenile Probation Departments And Personnel
Identical
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
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 prohibiting the carrying of a firearm by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in certain criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the notice provided by peace officers to adult victims of family violence.
Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a handgun by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.
Relating to eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas by certain juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
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 the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.
Relating to the carrying of weapons by community supervision and corrections department officers, juvenile probation officers, and certain retired law enforcement officers and to criminal liability for taking a weapon from certain of those officers.