BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 2222

By: Nelson

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been reported that there has been a national increase in officers killed in the line of duty, as well as those injured on the job. In Texas, concerns have been raised around officer safety after several cases of officers being ambushed in their patrol vehicles. S.B. 2222 seeks to address these concerns by providing for bullet-resistant windshields in certain Department of Public Safety vehicles.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 2222 amends the Government Code to require the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to equip all motor vehicles used by Texas Highway Patrol officers in discharging their official duties with bullet-resistant windshields. Implementation of a provision of this bill by DPS is mandatory only if a specific appropriation is made for that purpose.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.