BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 993 89R8350 JCG-F By: Nichols Criminal Justice 3/21/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Mobile tracking devices are a tool used by law enforcement to track suspects' vehicles. These devices alert law enforcement to the location of a vehicle without alerting the suspects. The Comptroller of Public Accounts Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is responsible for investigating motor fuel theft and tax evasion schemes. Under current law, only authorized peace officers may apply to a district court for a warrant to install and use mobile tracking devices. Despite being subject matter experts in crimes related to motor fuel theft and tax evasion, peace officers in CID must request assistance from other local and state peace officers to obtain a warrant for a mobile tracking device. S.B. 993 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to add peace officers commissioned by the comptroller to the list of individuals who can apply to a district court for the installation and use of a mobile tracking device. As proposed, S.B. 993 amends current law relating to the authority of a peace officer commissioned by the comptroller to apply for an order authorizing the installation and use of a mobile tracking device. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Article 18B.202(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, to authorize a district judge to issue an order for the installation and use of a mobile tracking device only on the application of certain persons, including a peace officer commissioned by the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas, and to make nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 993
89R8350 JCG-F By: Nichols
Criminal Justice
3/21/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 993
89R8350 JCG-F
By: Nichols
Criminal Justice
3/21/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Mobile tracking devices are a tool used by law enforcement to track suspects' vehicles. These devices alert law enforcement to the location of a vehicle without alerting the suspects. The Comptroller of Public Accounts Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is responsible for investigating motor fuel theft and tax evasion schemes. Under current law, only authorized peace officers may apply to a district court for a warrant to install and use mobile tracking devices. Despite being subject matter experts in crimes related to motor fuel theft and tax evasion, peace officers in CID must request assistance from other local and state peace officers to obtain a warrant for a mobile tracking device.
S.B. 993 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to add peace officers commissioned by the comptroller to the list of individuals who can apply to a district court for the installation and use of a mobile tracking device.
As proposed, S.B. 993 amends current law relating to the authority of a peace officer commissioned by the comptroller to apply for an order authorizing the installation and use of a mobile tracking device.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Article 18B.202(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, to authorize a district judge to issue an order for the installation and use of a mobile tracking device only on the application of certain persons, including a peace officer commissioned by the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Texas, and to make nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.