Bill
SB 1138
85(R) - 2017
Senate Criminal Justice
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
Senate Criminal Justice
House Homeland Security & Public Safety
Law Enforcement
Vote Recommendation
Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
Author(s)
John Whitmire
Sponsor(s)
Matt Krause
Bill Caption
Relating to the creation of the blue alert system to aid in the apprehension of an individual suspected of killing or causing serious bodily injury to a law enforcement officer.
Fiscal Notes
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This bill would codify into statute Governor Rick Perry’s 2008 executive order dealing with the process for apprehending a person suspected of killing or seriously injuring a police officer.
The Blue Alert program established an alert system to notify participating media outlets and law enforcement agencies throughout the state of a missing suspect who has either killed or caused serious bodily injury to a police officer. This bill establishes procedures for the Public Safety Director to implement and cooperate across agencies, it also specifies what information would be released to the public and other cooperating agencies. SB 1138 outlines details pertaining to when an alert may be ordered and when it will cease.
Vote Recommendation Notes
We recognize that law enforcement officers put their lives at risk for the sake of public safety and the rule of law. We are appreciative of law enforcement and we support the swift apprehension of individuals who are suspected of causing great bodily harm on a peace officer. However, because this bill merely codifies an existing program created by executive order, SB 1138 does not have a measurable impact on our liberty principles, therefore we will remain neutral.
Organizations Supporting
Game Warden Peace Officers Association
Sheriffs' Association of Texas
Texas Municipal Police Association
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