Bill: HB 229, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

House Homeland Security & Public Safety

Vote Recommendation

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

Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 07:03 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/hb229?print_view=true