Bill: HB 1595, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

House Corrections

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive

Author(s)

Andrew Murr

Co-Author(s)

Ed Thompson

Bill Caption

Relating to testing certain defendants or confined persons for communicable diseases.

Fiscal Notes

There is no significant fiscal implication to the State or local units of government anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1595 expands the reasons for an arrested person to undergo a medical test to determine whether they have a communicable disease. Currently, only an arrested person whose bodily fluid has come into contact with a peace officer would be applicable under this statute to be tested at the state’s expense. This bill would expand to an arrested person’s "contact" to a magistrate or an employee of a correctional facility.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Communicable diseases often thrive in enclosed spaces such as correctional facilities. This bill is a small step in the right direction towards helping one class of people within the walls against infectious diseases. However, it would be better if this bill considered preserving the liberty of all the people associated with correctional facilities -- including those who are confined. We support HB 1595 for safeguarding magistrates and employees of correctional facilities, which is a legitimate function of responsible government. However, we urge the legislature to consider the health and well-being of those confined in correctional facilities as well.

Organizations Supporting

Texas Conference of Urban Counties
Source URL (retrieved on 04/24/2024 03:04 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/hb1595?print_view=true