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Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of certain information regarding conditions of bond imposed in criminal cases involving family violence.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 343 would require a magistrate that sets a bail order for a defendant charged with family violence to send a copy of the order and any conditions to the state attorney, chief of police or sheriff where the victim resides, and the victim. If the order prohibits the defendant from going near a child care facility or school, the magistrate would have to send a copy to the facility or school. If the victim is not present when the order is issued, the magistrate would have to order a peace officer to make a good faith effort to notify them by phone. The law enforcement agency that receives a copy would have to promptly enter the information into the statewide law enforcement information system. SB 343 also details new procedural requirements for modifying information in the system.
While SB 343 appears to be sound public policy, it is primarily administrative or procedural in nature and does not appear to touch directly upon any of our Liberty Principles. For these reasons Texas Action remains neutral on SB 343.
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