Bill
HB 229
84(R) - 2015
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
Criminal Justice
Law Enforcement
Vote Recommendation
Vote Yes; Amend
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Neutral
Author(s)
Ryan Guillen
Bill Caption
Relating to the disposition of surplus motor vehicles and other law enforcement equipment by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.
Fiscal Notes
HB 229 has a negative impact of $6,039,000 through the biennium ending August 31, 2017.
Bill Analysis
HB 229 would create an exception for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to dispose of their surplus motor vehicles by allowing them to authorize the department to sell the vehicles to other law enforcement agencies.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Allowing a transfer of state equipment and vehicles from one government entity to another is in line with our principle of Limited Government -- especially for our border law enforcement agencies which need the additional support in securing our border.
We support HB 229 but recommend that the House amend the bill to prohibit the sale of the donated equipment for a period of time after it is received. Such an amendment would curtail any potential unintended consequences such as the beneficiary law enforcement agencies selling the equipment as a means to raise funds.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Municipal Police Association