| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to law enforcement policies regarding the issuance of citations for misdemeanors punishable by fine only and to a limitation on the authority to arrest a person for certain fine-only misdemeanors.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 830 would prohibit peace officers from arresting an individual found only to be committing one or more traffic-related misdemeanors punishable by fine only. Officers would instead be required to issue a written citation. Texas Southern University, in consultation with law enforcement agencies, experts, and community organizations, would be required to create a model policy the issuance of citations for fine-only misdemeanors. All law enforcement agencies in the state would have to adopt their own written policies that meet the requirements included in the model policy.
Texas Action supports HB 830 because it would protect individual liberty and limit government without crippling the core functions of law enforcement. Individuals should not spend time in jail for a traffic offense that does not carry jail time, thereby costing county governments money in the process. HB 830 would also reduce needless confrontations between police officers and citizens that result from such arrests.