Texas House Bill HB767

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 11/18/22
• Out of House Committee: 3/24/23
• Voted on by House: 4/13/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/3/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/17/23
• Governor Action: 6/10/23

Caption

Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of certain information regarding conditions of bond for stalking offenses.

Impact

The bill builds upon House Bill 766 from the previous legislative session, which established a database managed by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to document bond conditions imposed on defendants charged with violent crimes. By incorporating stalking into this framework, it aims to ensure that relevant information is disseminated rapidly, thereby reducing risks for victims from potential retaliatory actions. The changes mandated by HB 767 are expected to significantly improve the efficacy of victim protection measures and the overall response of law enforcement to incidents involving stalking.

Summary

House Bill 767, introduced by Chairman Harless, addresses the inclusion of stalking offenses in the conditions of bond notifications required for certain violent crimes in Texas. This legislation aims to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure that stalking is recognized among the offenses that require immediate notification to the victim and law enforcement. By integrating stalking into the statewide data systems where bond conditions for violent offenders are recorded and monitored, the bill intends to enhance the safety of victims and improve the responsiveness of law enforcement when handling potential threats stemming from such offenses.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 767 has been overwhelmingly positive among legislators, criminal justice advocates, and victim support organizations. Proponents argue that this bill responds to a critical gap in the existing legal framework concerning violent crimes and emphasizes the importance of victim notification and safety. Public testimonies in favor of the bill, such as those from representatives of various law enforcement and legal organizations, reflect a consensus on the need for enhanced communication regarding stalking offenses.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for HB 767, some concerns were raised regarding implementation logistics and the adequacy of resources to manage the expanded database functionalities. Opponents might argue that the system would require additional funding and training for law enforcement agencies to effectively utilize the new protocol for bond condition notifications. However, no significant opposition was noted during the discussions, and the legislation ultimately passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.