| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Relating to the taking of a blood specimen on arrest for certain
intoxication offenses.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 558 would require a peace officer to take a blood sample when making an arrest for certain intoxication offenses if the person refuses the officer's request to submit to the taking of a blood specimen voluntarily, the person was the operator of a motor vehicle or a watercraft involved in an accident that the officer reasonably believes occurred as a result of the offense, and at the time of the arrest, the officer reasonably believes that as a direct result of the accident any individual has died, will die, or has suffered serious bodily injury.
An officer would be prohibited from requiring a blood sample without first obtaining a warrant unless the officer has probable cause to believe that exigent circumstances exist.
Texas Action is neutral toward HB 558 because the bill appropriately requires a warrant or probable cause.