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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of |
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the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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ARTICLE 1. NONSUBSTANTIVE REVISION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE |
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CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE |
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SECTION 1.001. Title 1, Code of Criminal Procedure, is |
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amended by adding Chapters 2A, 2B, 13A, 31A, 45A, and 55A to read as follows: |
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CHAPTER 2A. OFFICERS; POWERS AND DUTIES |
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SUBCHAPTER A. TYPES OF PEACE OFFICERS |
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Art. 2A.001. PEACE OFFICERS GENERALLY |
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Art. 2A.002. SPECIAL INVESTIGATORS |
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Art. 2A.003. PEACE OFFICERS COMMISSIONED BY TRIBAL |
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COUNCIL |
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Art. 2A.004. PEACE OFFICERS FROM ADJOINING STATES |
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Art. 2A.005. RAILROAD PEACE OFFICERS |
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Art. 2A.006. SPECIAL RANGERS OF TEXAS AND SOUTHWESTERN |
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CATTLE RAISERS ASSOCIATION |
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Art. 2A.007. ADJUNCT POLICE OFFICERS |
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Art. 2A.008. SCHOOL MARSHALS |
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SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES OF PEACE OFFICERS AND LAW |
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ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES |
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Art. 2A.051. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF PEACE |
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OFFICERS |
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Art. 2A.052. CARRYING WEAPON ON CERTAIN PREMISES; |
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CIVIL PENALTY |
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Art. 2A.053. SUMMONING AID |
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Art. 2A.054. REFUSAL TO ASSIST PEACE OFFICER |
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Art. 2A.055. FINE FOR FAILURE TO EXECUTE PROCESS |
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Art. 2A.056. RESPONSE TO CHILD SAFETY CHECK ALERT |
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Art. 2A.057. INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN REPORTS ALLEGING |
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ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR EXPLOITATION |
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Art. 2A.058. RELEASE OF CHILD BY LAW ENFORCEMENT |
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OFFICER |
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Art. 2A.059. NATIONALITY OR IMMIGRATION STATUS INQUIRY |
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Art. 2A.060. IMMIGRATION DETAINER REQUESTS |
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Art. 2A.061. MISUSED IDENTITY NOTIFICATIONS |
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Art. 2A.062. EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON EYEWITNESS |
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IDENTIFICATION |
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Art. 2A.063. SHERIFF AS CONSERVATOR OF THE PEACE |
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Art. 2A.064. SHERIFF'S DUTIES RELATED TO CUSTODY OF |
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DEFENDANTS |
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Art. 2A.065. DEPUTY OR OTHER OFFICER TO DISCHARGE |
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SHERIFF'S DUTIES |
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Art. 2A.066. EXECUTION OF PROCESS BY COUNTY JAILER |
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SUBCHAPTER C. ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING STATE |
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Art. 2A.101. GENERAL DUTIES OF ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING |
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STATE |
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Art. 2A.102. DUTIES OF DISTRICT ATTORNEYS |
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Art. 2A.103. DUTIES OF COUNTY ATTORNEYS |
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Art. 2A.104. TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY |
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Art. 2A.105. GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION |
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Art. 2A.106. NEGLECT OR FAILURE OF DUTY; VIOLATION OF |
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LAW |
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Art. 2A.107. RECORDING AND FILING COMPLAINTS |
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Art. 2A.108. ASSISTANCE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL IN CERTAIN |
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CASES |
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Art. 2A.109. ASSISTANCE OF TEXAS RANGERS IN CERTAIN |
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CASES |
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Art. 2A.110. NOTIFICATION TO TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF |
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE OF CERTAIN INDICTMENTS |
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Art. 2A.111. TRACKING USE OF CERTAIN TESTIMONY |
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SUBCHAPTER D. MAGISTRATES AND CLERKS |
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Art. 2A.151. TYPES OF MAGISTRATES |
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Art. 2A.152. GENERAL DUTIES OF MAGISTRATES |
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Art. 2A.153. GENERAL DUTIES OF CLERKS |
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Art. 2A.154. DEPUTY CLERKS |
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Art. 2A.155. CLERK'S DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN EXHIBITS |
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Art. 2A.156. COURT REPORTER'S RELEASE OF FIREARMS AND |
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CONTRABAND TO LAW ENFORCEMENT |
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SUBCHAPTER E. REPORTING DUTIES |
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Art. 2A.201. PEACE OFFICERS: REPORT IN CONNECTION WITH |
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CERTAIN OFFENSES INVOLVING SENSITIVE |
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INFORMATION |
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Art. 2A.202. PEACE OFFICERS: REPORT CONCERNING CERTAIN |
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ASSAULTIVE OR TERRORISTIC OFFENSES |
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Art. 2A.203. SHERIFFS: REPORT OF WARRANT OR CAPIAS |
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INFORMATION |
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Art. 2A.204. SHERIFFS: REPORT ON PRISONERS |
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Art. 2A.205. CERTAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: REPORT |
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CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASES |
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Art. 2A.206. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: REPORT FOR |
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OFFICER-INVOLVED INJURIES OR DEATHS |
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Art. 2A.207. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: REPORT FOR |
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CERTAIN INJURIES OR DEATHS OF PEACE |
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OFFICERS |
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Art. 2A.208. NOTICE OF VIOLATION OF REPORTING |
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REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN INJURIES OR |
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DEATHS; CIVIL PENALTY |
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Art. 2A.209. DUTIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY FILING |
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CASE |
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Art. 2A.210. JUDGES: REPORTING OF CERTAIN ALIENS TO |
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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT |
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Art. 2A.211. CLERKS: HATE CRIME REPORTING |
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Art. 2A.212. CLERKS: WRIT OF ATTACHMENT REPORTING |
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Art. 2A.213. CLERKS, STATE AGENCIES, AND ATTORNEYS |
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REPRESENTING STATE: REPORT TO ATTORNEY |
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GENERAL |
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CHAPTER 2A. OFFICERS; POWERS AND DUTIES |
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SUBCHAPTER A. TYPES OF PEACE OFFICERS |
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Art. 2A.001. PEACE OFFICERS GENERALLY. The following are |
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peace officers: |
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(1) a sheriff, a sheriff's deputy, or a reserve deputy |
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sheriff who holds a permanent peace officer license issued under |
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Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; |
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(2) a constable, a deputy constable, or a reserve |
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deputy constable who holds a permanent peace officer license issued |
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under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; |
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(3) a marshal or police officer of a municipality or a |
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reserve municipal police officer who holds a permanent peace |
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officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code; |
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(4) a ranger, officer, or member of the reserve |
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officer corps commissioned by the Public Safety Commission and the |
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director of the Department of Public Safety; |
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(5) an investigator of a district attorney's, criminal |
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district attorney's, or county attorney's office; |
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(6) a law enforcement agent of the Texas Alcoholic |
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Beverage Commission; |
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(7) a member of an arson investigating unit |
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commissioned by a municipality, a county, or the state; |
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(8) an officer commissioned under Section 37.081, |
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Education Code, or Subchapter E, Chapter 51, Education Code; |
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(9) an officer commissioned by the Texas Facilities |
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Commission; |
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(10) a law enforcement officer commissioned by the |
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Parks and Wildlife Commission; |
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(11) an officer commissioned under Chapter 23, |
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Transportation Code; |
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(12) a municipal park and recreational patrol officer |
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or security officer; |
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(13) a security officer or investigator commissioned |
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as a peace officer by the comptroller; |
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(14) an officer commissioned by a water control and |
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improvement district under Section 49.216, Water Code; |
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(15) an officer commissioned by a board of trustees |
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under Chapter 54, Transportation Code; |
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(16) an investigator commissioned by the Texas Medical |
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Board; |
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(17) an officer commissioned by: |
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(A) the board of managers of the Dallas County |
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Hospital District, the Tarrant County Hospital District, the Bexar |
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County Hospital District, or the El Paso County Hospital District |
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under Section 281.057, Health and Safety Code; |
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(B) the board of directors of the Ector County |
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Hospital District under Section 1024.117, Special District Local |
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Laws Code; |
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(C) the board of directors of the Midland County |
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Hospital District of Midland County, Texas, under Section 1061.121, |
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Special District Local Laws Code; or |
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(D) the board of hospital managers of the Lubbock |
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County Hospital District of Lubbock County, Texas, under Section |
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1053.113, Special District Local Laws Code; |
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(18) a county park ranger commissioned under |
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Subchapter E, Chapter 351, Local Government Code; |
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(19) an investigator employed by the Texas Racing |
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Commission; |
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(20) an officer commissioned under Chapter 554, |
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Occupations Code; |
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(21) an officer commissioned by the governing body of |
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a metropolitan rapid transit authority under Section 451.108, |
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Transportation Code, or a regional transportation authority under |
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Section 452.110, Transportation Code; |
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(22) an investigator commissioned by the attorney |
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general under Section 402.009, Government Code; |
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(23) a security officer or investigator commissioned |
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as a peace officer under Chapter 466, Government Code; |
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(24) an officer appointed by an appellate court under |
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Subchapter F, Chapter 53, Government Code; |
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(25) an officer commissioned by the state fire marshal |
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under Chapter 417, Government Code; |
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(26) an investigator commissioned by the commissioner |
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of insurance under Section 701.104, Insurance Code; |
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(27) an apprehension specialist or inspector general |
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commissioned by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department as an officer |
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under Section 242.102 or 243.052, Human Resources Code; |
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(28) an officer appointed by the inspector general of |
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the Texas Department of Criminal Justice under Section 493.019, |
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Government Code; |
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(29) an investigator commissioned by the Texas |
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Commission on Law Enforcement under Section 1701.160, Occupations |
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Code; |
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(30) a fire marshal or any related officer, inspector, |
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or investigator commissioned by a county under Subchapter B, |
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Chapter 352, Local Government Code; |
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(31) a fire marshal or any officer, inspector, or |
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investigator commissioned by an emergency services district under |
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Chapter 775, Health and Safety Code; |
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(32) an officer commissioned by the State Board of |
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Dental Examiners under Section 254.013, Occupations Code, subject |
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to the limitations imposed by that section; and |
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(33) an investigator commissioned by the Texas |
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Juvenile Justice Department as an officer under Section 221.011, |
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Human Resources Code. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.12.) |
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Art. 2A.002. SPECIAL INVESTIGATORS. (a) The following |
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criminal investigators of the United States are not peace officers |
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but have the powers of arrest, search, and seizure under the laws of |
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this state as to felony offenses only: |
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(1) a special agent of the Federal Bureau of |
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Investigation; |
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(2) a special agent of the Secret Service; |
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(3) a special agent of United States Immigration and |
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Customs Enforcement; |
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(4) a special agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, |
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Firearms and Explosives; |
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(5) a special agent of the United States Drug |
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Enforcement Administration; |
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(6) an inspector of the United States Postal |
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Inspection Service; |
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(7) a special agent of the Criminal Investigation |
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Division of the Internal Revenue Service; |
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(8) a civilian special agent of the United States |
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Naval Criminal Investigative Service; |
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(9) a marshal or deputy marshal of the United States |
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Marshals Service; |
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(10) a special agent of the United States Department |
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of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security; |
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(11) a special agent of the Treasury Inspector General |
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for Tax Administration; |
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(12) a special agent of the Office of Inspector |
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General of the United States Social Security Administration; |
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(13) a special agent of the Office of Inspector |
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General of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; |
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(14) a special agent of the Office of Inspector |
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General of the United States Department of Agriculture; |
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(15) a special agent of the Office of Export |
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Enforcement of the United States Department of Commerce; |
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(16) a special agent of the Criminal Investigation |
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Command of the United States Army; |
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(17) a special agent of the Office of Special |
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Investigations of the United States Air Force; and |
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(18) a police officer with the Office of Security and |
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Law Enforcement of the United States Department of Veterans |
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Affairs. |
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(b) An officer or agent designated by the Secretary of |
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Homeland Security under 40 U.S.C. Section 1315 for duty in |
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connection with the protection of property owned or occupied by the |
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federal government and persons on the property is not a peace |
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officer but has the powers of arrest, search, and seizure as to any |
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offense under the laws of this state. |
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(c) A customs and border protection officer or border patrol |
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agent of United States Customs and Border Protection or an |
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immigration enforcement agent or deportation officer of the |
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Department of Homeland Security is not a peace officer under the |
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laws of this state but, on the premises of a port facility |
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designated by the commissioner of United States Customs and Border |
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Protection as a port of entry for arrival in the United States by |
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land transportation from the United Mexican States into this state |
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or at a permanent established border patrol traffic checkpoint, has |
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the authority to detain a person pending transfer without |
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unnecessary delay to a peace officer if the agent or officer has |
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probable cause to believe that the person has engaged in conduct |
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that is a violation of Section 49.02, 49.04, 49.07, or 49.08, Penal |
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Code, regardless of whether the violation may be disposed of in a |
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criminal proceeding or a juvenile justice proceeding. |
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(d) A commissioned law enforcement officer of the National |
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Park Service is not a peace officer under the laws of this state but |
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has the powers of arrest, search, and seizure as to any offense |
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under the laws of this state committed in a national park or |
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national recreation area. In this subsection, "national park or |
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national recreation area" means a national park or national |
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recreation area included in the National Park System as defined by |
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54 U.S.C. Section 100102. |
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(e) A special agent or law enforcement officer of the United |
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States Forest Service is not a peace officer under the laws of this |
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state but has the powers of arrest, search, and seizure as to any |
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offense under the laws of this state committed in the National |
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Forest System, as that term is defined by 16 U.S.C. Section 1609. |
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(f) Security personnel working at a commercial nuclear |
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power plant, including contract security personnel, trained and |
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qualified under a security plan approved by the United States |
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission, are not peace officers under the |
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laws of this state but have the powers of arrest, search, and |
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seizure, including the powers under Section 9.51, Penal Code, while |
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in the performance of duties on the premises of a commercial nuclear |
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power plant site or under an agreement entered into with local law |
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enforcement regarding areas surrounding the plant site. |
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(g) In addition to the powers of arrest, search, and seizure |
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under Subsection (a), a special agent of the Secret Service |
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protecting or investigating a threat against a person described by |
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18 U.S.C. Section 3056(a) has the powers of arrest, search, and |
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seizure as to: |
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(1) a misdemeanor offense under the laws of this |
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state; and |
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(2) any criminal offense under federal law. (Code |
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Crim. Proc., Art. 2.122.) |
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Art. 2A.003. PEACE OFFICERS COMMISSIONED BY TRIBAL COUNCIL. |
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(a) The tribal council of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas or |
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of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas may employ and |
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commission peace officers to enforce state law within the |
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respective tribe's reservation. |
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(b) A peace officer commissioned under this article has all |
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the powers, privileges, and immunities of a peace officer and may: |
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(1) within the tribe's reservation: |
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(A) arrest without a warrant in accordance with |
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Chapter 14 any person who violates a law of the state; and |
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(B) enforce all traffic laws on streets and |
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highways; and |
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(2) outside the tribe's reservation, arrest any person |
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who violates any law of the state if the officer: |
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(A) is summoned by another law enforcement agency |
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to provide assistance; or |
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(B) is assisting another law enforcement agency. |
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(c) A peace officer commissioned under this article is not |
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entitled to state benefits normally provided by the state to a peace |
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officer. |
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(d) A peace officer commissioned under this article must |
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meet: |
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(1) the minimum standards required of peace officers |
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by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement relating to competence, |
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reliability, education, training, morality, and physical and |
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mental health; and |
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(2) all standards for licensing as a peace officer by |
|
the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. |
|
(e) A peace officer commissioned under this article and |
|
assigned to duty shall: |
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(1) take and file the oath required of a peace officer; |
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and |
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(2) execute and file a good and sufficient bond in the |
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sum of $1,000, payable to the governor, with two or more good and |
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sufficient sureties, conditioned that the officer will fairly, |
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impartially, and faithfully perform the officer's duties as may be |
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required by law. |
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(f) The bond required under Subsection (e)(2) may be sued on |
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in the name of the person injured until the whole amount is |
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recovered. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.126.) |
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Art. 2A.004. PEACE OFFICERS FROM ADJOINING STATES. (a) A |
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commissioned peace officer of a state adjoining this state, while |
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the officer is in this state, has the same powers, duties, and |
|
immunities as a peace officer of this state who is acting in the |
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discharge of an official duty, but: |
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(1) only: |
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(A) during a time in which the officer has |
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physical custody of an inmate or criminal defendant and is: |
|
(i) transporting the inmate or defendant |
|
from a county in the adjoining state that is on the border between |
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the two states to a hospital or other medical facility in a county |
|
in this state that is on the border between the two states; or |
|
(ii) returning the inmate or defendant from |
|
the hospital or facility described by Subparagraph (i) to the |
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county in the adjoining state from which the inmate or defendant was |
|
transported under that subparagraph; and |
|
(B) to the extent necessary to: |
|
(i) maintain physical custody of an inmate |
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or criminal defendant while transporting the inmate or defendant; |
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or |
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(ii) regain physical custody of an inmate |
|
or criminal defendant if the inmate or defendant escapes while |
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being transported; or |
|
(2) only while the officer is: |
|
(A) in a municipality some part of the municipal |
|
limits of which are within one mile of the boundary between this |
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state and the adjoining state; and |
|
(B) regularly assigned to duty in a county, |
|
parish, or municipality that adjoins this state. |
|
(b) A peace officer described by Subsection (a)(2) may also |
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enforce the ordinances of a municipality in this state described by |
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that subdivision if the governing body of the municipality |
|
authorizes that enforcement by majority vote at an open meeting. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.124.) |
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Art. 2A.005. RAILROAD PEACE OFFICERS. (a) In this article: |
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(1) "Commission" means the Texas Commission on Law |
|
Enforcement. |
|
(2) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety |
|
of the State of Texas. |
|
(b) The director of the department may appoint not more than |
|
250 railroad peace officers employed by a railroad company to aid |
|
law enforcement agencies in the protection of railroad property and |
|
the persons and property of railroad passengers and employees. |
|
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), a railroad peace |
|
officer may make arrests and exercise all authority given peace |
|
officers under this code when necessary to: |
|
(1) prevent or abate the commission of an offense |
|
involving: |
|
(A) injury to passengers or employees of the |
|
railroad; or |
|
(B) damage to railroad property; or |
|
(2) protect railroad property or property in the |
|
custody or control of the railroad. |
|
(d) A railroad peace officer may not issue a traffic |
|
citation for a violation of Chapter 521, Transportation Code, or |
|
Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code. |
|
(e) A railroad peace officer is not entitled to state |
|
benefits normally provided by the state to a peace officer. |
|
(f) A person may not serve as a railroad peace officer for a |
|
railroad company unless: |
|
(1) the Texas Railroad Association submits the |
|
person's application for appointment and licensing as a railroad |
|
peace officer to the director of the department and to the executive |
|
director of the commission; |
|
(2) the director of the department issues the person a |
|
certificate of authority to act as a railroad peace officer; |
|
(3) the executive director of the commission: |
|
(A) determines that the person meets minimum |
|
standards required of peace officers by the commission relating to |
|
competence, reliability, education, training, morality, and |
|
physical and mental health; and |
|
(B) issues the person a license as a railroad |
|
peace officer; and |
|
(4) the person has met all standards for licensing as a |
|
peace officer by the commission. |
|
(g) For good cause, the director of the department may |
|
revoke a certificate of authority issued under this article and the |
|
executive director of the commission may revoke a license issued |
|
under this article. |
|
(h) Termination of employment with a railroad company, or |
|
the revocation of a railroad peace officer license, constitutes an |
|
automatic revocation of a certificate of authority to act as a |
|
railroad peace officer. |
|
(i) A railroad company is liable for any act or omission by a |
|
person serving as a railroad peace officer for the company that |
|
occurs within the scope of the person's employment. |
|
(j) The state or any political subdivision or agency of the |
|
state is not liable for any act or omission by a person appointed as |
|
a railroad peace officer. |
|
(k) A railroad company that employs a railroad peace officer |
|
shall pay all expenses associated with granting or revoking the |
|
certificate of authority to act as a railroad peace officer. |
|
(l) A railroad peace officer who is a member of a railroad |
|
craft may not perform the duties of a member of any other railroad |
|
craft during a strike or labor dispute. |
|
(m) The director of the department and the executive |
|
director of the commission may adopt rules necessary for the |
|
effective administration and performance of the duties delegated to |
|
the director and the executive director by this article. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 2.121; New.) |
|
Art. 2A.006. SPECIAL RANGERS OF TEXAS AND SOUTHWESTERN |
|
CATTLE RAISERS ASSOCIATION. (a) In this article: |
|
(1) "Association" means the Texas and Southwestern |
|
Cattle Raisers Association. |
|
(2) "Commission" means the Texas Commission on Law |
|
Enforcement. |
|
(3) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety |
|
of the State of Texas. |
|
(b) The director of the department may appoint not more than |
|
50 special rangers employed by the association to aid law |
|
enforcement agencies in the investigation of the theft of livestock |
|
or related property. |
|
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), a special ranger |
|
may make arrests and exercise all authority given peace officers |
|
under this code when necessary to prevent or abate the commission of |
|
an offense involving livestock or related property. |
|
(d) A special ranger may not issue a traffic citation for a |
|
violation of Chapter 521, Transportation Code, or Subtitle C, Title |
|
7, Transportation Code. |
|
(e) A special ranger is not entitled to state benefits |
|
normally provided by the state to a peace officer. |
|
(f) A person may not serve as a special ranger unless: |
|
(1) the association submits the person's application |
|
for appointment and licensing as a special ranger to the director of |
|
the department and to the executive director of the commission; |
|
(2) the director of the department issues the person a |
|
certificate of authority to act as a special ranger; |
|
(3) the executive director of the commission: |
|
(A) determines that the person meets minimum |
|
standards required of peace officers by the commission relating to |
|
competence, reliability, education, training, morality, and |
|
physical and mental health; and |
|
(B) issues the person a license as a special |
|
ranger; and |
|
(4) the person has met all standards for licensing as a |
|
peace officer by the commission. |
|
(g) For good cause, the director of the department may |
|
revoke a certificate of authority issued under this article and the |
|
executive director of the commission may revoke a license issued |
|
under this article. |
|
(h) Termination of employment with the association, or the |
|
revocation of a special ranger license, constitutes an automatic |
|
revocation of a certificate of authority to act as a special ranger. |
|
(i) The association is liable for any act or omission by a |
|
person serving as a special ranger for the association that occurs |
|
within the scope of the person's employment. |
|
(j) The state or any political subdivision or agency of the |
|
state is not liable for any act or omission by a person appointed as |
|
a special ranger. |
|
(k) The association shall pay all expenses associated with |
|
granting or revoking a certificate of authority to act as a special |
|
ranger. |
|
(l) The director of the department and the executive |
|
director of the commission may adopt rules necessary for the |
|
effective administration and performance of the duties delegated to |
|
the director and the executive director by this article. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 2.125; New.) |
|
Art. 2A.007. ADJUNCT POLICE OFFICERS. (a) With the consent |
|
of the governing board of a private institution of higher education |
|
located in a county with a population of less than 200,000, the |
|
chief of police of a municipality in that county or the sheriff of |
|
that county, if the institution is outside the corporate limits of a |
|
municipality, that has jurisdiction over the geographical area of |
|
the institution may appoint not more than 50 peace officers |
|
commissioned under Section 51.212, Education Code, and employed by |
|
the institution to serve as adjunct police officers of the |
|
municipality or county, as applicable. |
|
(b) An adjunct police officer appointed under this article: |
|
(1) shall aid law enforcement agencies in the |
|
protection of the municipality or county in the geographical area |
|
designated under Subsection (c); |
|
(2) may make arrests and exercise all authority given |
|
peace officers under this code only within the geographical area |
|
designated under Subsection (c); and |
|
(3) has all the rights, privileges, and immunities of |
|
a peace officer but is not entitled to state compensation and |
|
retirement benefits normally provided by the state to a peace |
|
officer. |
|
(c) A chief of police or sheriff who appoints an adjunct |
|
police officer under this article and the private institution of |
|
higher education at which the officer is employed shall annually |
|
designate by agreement the geographical area in which adjunct |
|
police officers may act as described by Subsection (b). The |
|
geographical area may include only the institution's campus area |
|
and an area that: |
|
(1) is adjacent to the institution's campus; |
|
(2) does not extend more than one mile from the |
|
perimeter of the institution's campus; and |
|
(3) is inhabited primarily by students or employees of |
|
the institution. |
|
(d) A person may not serve as an adjunct police officer for a |
|
municipality or county unless: |
|
(1) the private institution of higher education at |
|
which the person is employed submits the person's application for |
|
appointment and certification as an adjunct police officer to the |
|
applicable chief of police or sheriff; |
|
(2) the chief of police or sheriff to whom the |
|
application under Subdivision (1) was made issues the person a |
|
certificate of authority to act as an adjunct police officer; and |
|
(3) the person undergoes any additional training |
|
required for that person to meet the training standards of the |
|
municipality or county, as applicable, for peace officers employed |
|
by the municipality or county. |
|
(e) A chief of police or sheriff who issues a certificate of |
|
authority under this article may revoke the certificate for good |
|
cause. |
|
(f) A private institution of higher education is liable for |
|
any act or omission by a person employed by the institution while |
|
serving as an adjunct police officer outside of the institution's |
|
campus in the same manner as the municipality or county governing |
|
the applicable geographical area is liable for any act or omission |
|
of a peace officer employed by the municipality or county. This |
|
subsection may not be construed as a limitation on the liability of |
|
a municipality or county for the acts or omissions of a person |
|
serving as an adjunct police officer. |
|
(g) A private institution of higher education that employs |
|
an adjunct police officer shall pay all expenses incurred by the |
|
municipality or county in granting or revoking a certificate of |
|
authority to act as an adjunct police officer under this article. |
|
(h) This article does not affect any duty of the |
|
municipality or county to provide law enforcement services to a |
|
geographical area designated under Subsection (c). (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 2.123.) |
|
Art. 2A.008. SCHOOL MARSHALS. (a) In this article, |
|
"private school" means a school that: |
|
(1) offers a course of instruction for students in one |
|
or more grades from prekindergarten through grade 12; |
|
(2) is not operated by a governmental entity; and |
|
(3) is not a school whose students are home-schooled |
|
students as defined by Section 29.916, Education Code. |
|
(b) A person may not serve as a school marshal unless the |
|
person is: |
|
(1) licensed under Section 1701.260, Occupations |
|
Code; and |
|
(2) appointed by: |
|
(A) the board of trustees of a school district or |
|
the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school under |
|
Section 37.0811, Education Code; |
|
(B) the governing body of a private school under |
|
Section 37.0813, Education Code; or |
|
(C) the governing board of a public junior |
|
college under Section 51.220, Education Code. |
|
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), a school marshal |
|
may: |
|
(1) make arrests and exercise all authority given |
|
peace officers under this code, subject to written regulations |
|
adopted by, as applicable: |
|
(A) the board of trustees of a school district or |
|
the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school under |
|
Section 37.0811, Education Code; |
|
(B) the governing body of a private school under |
|
Section 37.0813, Education Code; or |
|
(C) the governing board of a public junior |
|
college under Section 51.220, Education Code; and |
|
(2) act only as necessary to prevent or abate the |
|
commission of an offense that threatens serious bodily injury to or |
|
the death of a student, faculty member, or visitor on school |
|
premises. |
|
(d) A school marshal may not issue a traffic citation for a |
|
violation of Chapter 521, Transportation Code, or Subtitle C, Title |
|
7, Transportation Code. |
|
(e) A school marshal is not entitled to state benefits |
|
normally provided by the state to a peace officer. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 2.127.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. POWERS AND DUTIES OF PEACE OFFICERS AND LAW |
|
ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES |
|
Art. 2A.051. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF PEACE OFFICERS. |
|
Each peace officer shall: |
|
(1) preserve the peace within the officer's |
|
jurisdiction using all lawful means; |
|
(2) in every case authorized by this code, interfere |
|
without a warrant to prevent or suppress crime; |
|
(3) execute all lawful process issued to the officer |
|
by a magistrate or court; |
|
(4) give notice to an appropriate magistrate of all |
|
offenses committed in the officer's jurisdiction, where the officer |
|
has good reason to believe there has been a violation of the penal |
|
law; |
|
(5) when authorized by law, arrest an offender without |
|
a warrant so the offender may be taken before the proper magistrate |
|
or court and be tried; |
|
(6) take possession of a child under Article |
|
63.009(g); and |
|
(7) on a request made by the Texas Civil Commitment |
|
Office, execute an emergency detention order issued by that office |
|
under Section 841.0837, Health and Safety Code. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Arts. 2.13(a), (b), (c), (f).) |
|
Art. 2A.052. CARRYING WEAPON ON CERTAIN PREMISES; CIVIL |
|
PENALTY. (a) In this article: |
|
(1) "Establishment serving the public" means: |
|
(A) a hotel, motel, or other place of lodging; |
|
(B) a restaurant or other place where food is |
|
offered for sale to the public; |
|
(C) a retail business or other commercial |
|
establishment or an office building to which the public is invited; |
|
(D) a sports venue; and |
|
(E) any other place of public accommodation, |
|
amusement, convenience, or resort to which the public or any |
|
classification of persons from the public is regularly, normally, |
|
or customarily invited. |
|
(2) "Sports venue" means an arena, coliseum, stadium, |
|
or other type of area or facility that is primarily used or is |
|
planned for primary use for professional or amateur sports or |
|
athletics events and for which a fee is charged or is planned to be |
|
charged for admission to the sports or athletics events, other than |
|
occasional civic, charitable, or promotional events. |
|
(b) An establishment serving the public may not prohibit or |
|
otherwise restrict a peace officer or special investigator from |
|
carrying on the establishment's premises a weapon that the officer |
|
or investigator is otherwise authorized to carry, regardless of |
|
whether the officer or investigator is engaged in the actual |
|
discharge of the officer's or investigator's duties while carrying |
|
the weapon. |
|
(c) An establishment serving the public that violates this |
|
article is subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $1,000 for |
|
each violation. The attorney general may sue to collect a civil |
|
penalty under this subsection. Money collected under this |
|
subsection shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of |
|
the general revenue fund. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.1305.) |
|
Art. 2A.053. SUMMONING AID. (a) A peace officer who meets |
|
resistance while discharging a duty imposed on the officer by law |
|
shall summon a number of residents of the officer's county |
|
sufficient to overcome that resistance. |
|
(b) A person summoned by a peace officer under Subsection |
|
(a) shall obey the officer. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.14.) |
|
Art. 2A.054. REFUSAL TO ASSIST PEACE OFFICER. A peace |
|
officer who summons a person to assist the peace officer in |
|
performing any duty shall, if the person refuses, report the person |
|
to the proper district or county attorney for prosecution. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 2.15.) |
|
Art. 2A.055. FINE FOR FAILURE TO EXECUTE PROCESS. (a) A |
|
sheriff or other officer who wilfully refuses or neglects to |
|
execute any summons, subpoena, or attachment for a witness or any |
|
other legal process the officer has a duty to execute is liable for |
|
a fine for contempt in an amount in the court's discretion of not |
|
less than $10 or more than $200. |
|
(b) The payment of a fine under Subsection (a) shall be |
|
enforced in the same manner as a fine for contempt in a civil case. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.16.) |
|
Art. 2A.056. RESPONSE TO CHILD SAFETY CHECK ALERT. (a) In |
|
this article, "department" means the Department of Family and |
|
Protective Services. |
|
(b) A peace officer who locates a child or other person |
|
listed on the Texas Crime Information Center's child safety check |
|
alert list established under Section 261.3022, Family Code, shall: |
|
(1) immediately contact the department on the |
|
department's dedicated law-enforcement telephone number for |
|
statewide intake; |
|
(2) request information from the department regarding |
|
the circumstances of the case involving the child or other person; |
|
and |
|
(3) request information from the child and the other |
|
person regarding the child's safety, well-being, and current |
|
residence. |
|
(c) The peace officer may temporarily detain the child or |
|
other person to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. |
|
(d) If the peace officer determines that the circumstances |
|
described by Section 262.104, Family Code, exist, the officer may |
|
take temporary possession of the child without a court order as |
|
provided by that section. If the peace officer does not take |
|
temporary possession of the child, the officer shall obtain the |
|
child's current address and any other relevant information and |
|
report that information to the department. |
|
(e) A peace officer who locates a child or other person |
|
listed on the Texas Crime Information Center's child safety check |
|
alert list and who reports the child's or other person's current |
|
address and other relevant information to the department shall |
|
report to the Texas Crime Information Center that the child or other |
|
person has been located and to whom the child was released, as |
|
applicable. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.272; New.) |
|
Art. 2A.057. INVESTIGATION OF CERTAIN REPORTS ALLEGING |
|
ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR EXPLOITATION. (a) In this article, |
|
"department" means the Department of Family and Protective |
|
Services. |
|
(b) A peace officer from the appropriate local law |
|
enforcement agency shall, on receipt of a report, investigate |
|
jointly with the department or with the agency responsible for |
|
conducting an investigation under Subchapter E, Chapter 261, Family |
|
Code, if the report: |
|
(1) is assigned the highest priority in accordance |
|
with rules adopted by the department under Section 261.301(d), |
|
Family Code; and |
|
(2) alleges an immediate risk of physical or sexual |
|
abuse of a child that could result in the death of or serious harm to |
|
the child by a person responsible for the care, custody, or welfare |
|
of the child. |
|
(c) As soon as possible, but not later than 24 hours, after |
|
being notified by the department of a report described by |
|
Subsection (b), the peace officer shall accompany the department |
|
investigator in initially responding to the report. |
|
(d) On receipt of a report of abuse, neglect, exploitation, |
|
or other complaint of a resident of a nursing home, convalescent |
|
home, or other related institution or an assisted living facility, |
|
under Section 260A.007(c)(1), Health and Safety Code, the |
|
appropriate local law enforcement agency shall investigate the |
|
report as required by Section 260A.017, Health and Safety Code. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 2.27, 2.271; New.) |
|
Art. 2A.058. RELEASE OF CHILD BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. |
|
(a) A law enforcement officer who takes possession of a child under |
|
Section 262.104, Family Code, may release the child to: |
|
(1) a residential child-care facility licensed by the |
|
Department of Family and Protective Services under Chapter 42, |
|
Human Resources Code, if the facility is authorized by the |
|
department to take possession of the child; |
|
(2) a juvenile probation department; |
|
(3) the Department of Family and Protective Services; |
|
or |
|
(4) any other person authorized by law to take |
|
possession of the child. |
|
(b) Before a law enforcement officer may release a child to |
|
a person authorized by law to take possession of the child other |
|
than a governmental entity, the officer must: |
|
(1) verify with the National Crime Information Center |
|
that the child is not a missing child; |
|
(2) search the relevant databases of the National |
|
Crime Information Center system, including those pertaining to |
|
protection orders, historical protection orders, warrants, sex |
|
offender registries, and persons on supervised release to: |
|
(A) verify that the person to whom the child is |
|
being released: |
|
(i) does not have a protective order issued |
|
against the person; and |
|
(ii) is not registered as a sex offender |
|
unless the person is the child's parent or guardian and there are no |
|
restrictions regarding the person's contact with the child; and |
|
(B) obtain any other information the Department |
|
of Family and Protective Services considers: |
|
(i) relevant to protect the welfare of the |
|
child; or |
|
(ii) reflective of the responsibility of |
|
the person to whom the child is being released; |
|
(3) call the Department of Family and Protective |
|
Services Texas Abuse Hotline to determine whether the person to |
|
whom the child is being released is listed in the registry as a |
|
person who abused or neglected a child; |
|
(4) verify that the person to whom the child is being |
|
released is at least 18 years of age; and |
|
(5) maintain a record regarding the child's placement, |
|
including: |
|
(A) identifying information about the child, |
|
including the child's name or pseudonyms; and |
|
(B) the name and address of the person to whom the |
|
child is being released. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.273.) |
|
Art. 2A.059. NATIONALITY OR IMMIGRATION STATUS INQUIRY. |
|
(a) Subject to Subsection (b), in the course of investigating an |
|
alleged criminal offense, a peace officer may inquire as to the |
|
nationality or immigration status of a victim of or witness to the |
|
offense only if the officer determines that the inquiry is |
|
necessary to: |
|
(1) investigate the offense; or |
|
(2) provide the victim or witness with information |
|
about federal visas designed to protect individuals providing |
|
assistance to law enforcement. |
|
(b) Subsection (a) does not prevent a peace officer from: |
|
(1) conducting a separate investigation of any other |
|
alleged criminal offense; or |
|
(2) inquiring as to the nationality or immigration |
|
status of a victim of or witness to a criminal offense if the |
|
officer has probable cause to believe that the victim or witness has |
|
engaged in specific conduct constituting a separate criminal |
|
offense. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 2.13(d), (e).) |
|
Art. 2A.060. IMMIGRATION DETAINER REQUESTS. (a) A law |
|
enforcement agency that has custody of a person subject to an |
|
immigration detainer request issued by United States Immigration |
|
and Customs Enforcement shall: |
|
(1) comply with, honor, and fulfill any request made |
|
in the detainer request provided by the federal government; and |
|
(2) inform the person that the person is being held |
|
pursuant to an immigration detainer request issued by United States |
|
Immigration and Customs Enforcement. |
|
(b) A law enforcement agency is not required to perform a |
|
duty imposed by Subsection (a) with respect to a person who has |
|
provided proof that the person is a citizen of the United States or |
|
that the person has lawful immigration status in the United States, |
|
such as a Texas driver's license or similar government-issued |
|
identification. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.251.) |
|
Art. 2A.061. MISUSED IDENTITY NOTIFICATIONS. On receiving |
|
information that a person's identifying information was falsely |
|
given by an arrested person as the arrested person's identifying |
|
information, the local law enforcement agency responsible for |
|
collecting identifying information on arrested persons in the |
|
county in which the arrest was made shall: |
|
(1) notify the person that: |
|
(A) the person's identifying information was |
|
misused by another person arrested in the county; |
|
(B) the person may file a declaration with the |
|
Department of Public Safety under Section 411.0421, Government |
|
Code; and |
|
(C) the person is entitled to expunction of |
|
information contained in criminal records and files under Chapter |
|
55A; and |
|
(2) notify the Department of Public Safety regarding: |
|
(A) the misuse of the identifying information; |
|
(B) the actual identity of the person arrested, |
|
if known by the agency; and |
|
(C) whether the agency was able to notify the |
|
person whose identifying information was misused. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 2.28.) |
|
Art. 2A.062. EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON EYEWITNESS |
|
IDENTIFICATION. (a) In this article, "law enforcement agency" |
|
means an agency of the state or of a political subdivision of the |
|
state authorized by law to employ peace officers. |
|
(b) The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall establish |
|
a comprehensive education and training program on eyewitness |
|
identification, including material regarding: |
|
(1) variables that affect a witness's vision and |
|
memory; |
|
(2) practices for minimizing contamination; and |
|
(3) effective eyewitness identification protocols. |
|
(c) Each law enforcement agency shall require each peace |
|
officer who is employed by the agency and who performs eyewitness |
|
identification procedures to complete the education and training |
|
described by Subsection (b). (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.1386.) |
|
Art. 2A.063. SHERIFF AS CONSERVATOR OF THE PEACE. A sheriff |
|
is a conservator of the peace in the sheriff's county and shall: |
|
(1) arrest each person who commits an offense in the |
|
view or hearing of the sheriff and take the offender before the |
|
proper court for examination or trial; |
|
(2) suppress all assaults, affrays, insurrections, |
|
and unlawful assemblies; and |
|
(3) apprehend and commit to jail each person who |
|
commits an offense until an examination or trial can be held. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 2.17.) |
|
Art. 2A.064. SHERIFF'S DUTIES RELATED TO CUSTODY OF |
|
DEFENDANTS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a sheriff |
|
shall place in jail a defendant committed to jail by a warrant from |
|
a magistrate or court. |
|
(b) A sheriff may permit a defendant committed to jail by a |
|
warrant from a magistrate or court to remain out of jail for a |
|
reasonable time to procure bail if the defendant: |
|
(1) was committed for want of bail; or |
|
(2) was arrested in a bailable case. |
|
(c) A sheriff shall guard a defendant permitted to remain |
|
out of jail under Subsection (b) to prevent escape. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 2.18.) |
|
Art. 2A.065. DEPUTY OR OTHER OFFICER TO DISCHARGE SHERIFF'S |
|
DUTIES. (a) A sheriff's deputy may perform any duty imposed on the |
|
sheriff under this code. |
|
(b) If there is no sheriff in a county, the duties of the |
|
sheriff's office relating to criminal law are conferred on the |
|
officer empowered under law to discharge the duties of that office |
|
when the office is vacant. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.20.) |
|
Art. 2A.066. EXECUTION OF PROCESS BY COUNTY JAILER. (a) A |
|
jailer licensed under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, who has |
|
successfully completed a training program provided by the sheriff |
|
may execute lawful process issued to the jailer by any magistrate or |
|
court on a person confined in the jail at which the jailer is |
|
employed to the same extent that a peace officer is authorized to |
|
execute process under Article 2A.051(3), including: |
|
(1) a warrant under Chapter 15, 17, or 18; |
|
(2) a capias under Chapter 17 or 23; |
|
(3) a subpoena under Chapter 20A or 24; or |
|
(4) an attachment under Chapter 20A or 24. |
|
(b) A jailer licensed under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, |
|
may execute lawful process issued to the jailer by any magistrate or |
|
court on a person confined in the jail at which the jailer is |
|
employed to the same extent that a peace officer is authorized to |
|
execute process under Article 2A.051(3), including: |
|
(1) a warrant under Chapter 15, 17, or 18; |
|
(2) a capias under Chapter 17 or 23; |
|
(3) a subpoena under Chapter 20A or 24; or |
|
(4) an attachment under Chapter 20A or 24. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 2.31, as added Acts 82nd Leg., R.S., Chs. 176, 1341.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING STATE |
|
Art. 2A.101. GENERAL DUTIES OF ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING |
|
STATE. (a) The primary duty of an attorney representing the state, |
|
including a special prosecutor, is not to convict but to see that |
|
justice is done. |
|
(b) An attorney representing the state, including a special |
|
prosecutor, may not suppress facts or conceal witnesses capable of |
|
establishing the innocence of the defendant. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 2.01 (part).) |
|
Art. 2A.102. DUTIES OF DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. (a) Each |
|
district attorney shall represent the state in all criminal cases |
|
in the district courts of the attorney's district and in appeals |
|
from those cases. |
|
(b) Unless prevented by other official duties, a district |
|
attorney shall represent the state in any criminal proceeding |
|
before an examining court in the attorney's district or before a |
|
judge on habeas corpus, if the attorney is: |
|
(1) notified of the proceeding; and |
|
(2) in the attorney's district at the time. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 2.01 (part).) |
|
Art. 2A.103. DUTIES OF COUNTY ATTORNEYS. (a) Each county |
|
attorney shall attend the terms of court for trial courts other than |
|
district courts in the attorney's county and represent the state in |
|
all criminal cases under examination or prosecution in that county. |
|
(b) In the absence of the district attorney, the county |
|
attorney shall represent the state alone and, when requested by the |
|
district attorney, shall aid the district attorney in prosecuting a |
|
case in behalf of the state in district court. |
|
(c) The county attorney shall represent the state in the |
|
appeal of a case prosecuted by the county attorney. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 2.02.) |
|
Art. 2A.104. TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEY. (a) In |
|
this article, "attorney representing the state" means a county |
|
attorney with criminal jurisdiction, a district attorney, or a |
|
criminal district attorney. |
|
(b) If an attorney representing the state is disqualified to |
|
act in any case or proceeding, is absent from the county or |
|
district, or is otherwise unable to perform the duties of the |
|
attorney's office, or if there is no attorney representing the |
|
state, the judge of the court in which the attorney represents the |
|
state may appoint to perform the duties of the attorney's office |
|
during the attorney's absence or disqualification: |
|
(1) an attorney representing the state from any county |
|
or district; or |
|
(2) an assistant attorney general. |
|
(c) An attorney representing the state who is not |
|
disqualified to act may request the court to permit the attorney's |
|
recusal in a case for good cause, and on approval by the court, the |
|
attorney is disqualified. |
|
(d) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, the |
|
duties of the office appointed under Subsection (b) are additional |
|
duties of the appointed attorney's present office, and the attorney |
|
is not entitled to additional compensation. This subsection does |
|
not prevent a commissioners court of a county from contracting with |
|
another commissioners court to pay expenses and reimburse |
|
compensation paid by a county to an attorney who is appointed to |
|
perform additional duties. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.07.) |
|
Art. 2A.105. GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION. (a) A district |
|
attorney may not represent the state in a criminal case in which the |
|
attorney has been, before the attorney's election, employed |
|
adversely to the state. |
|
(b) A district or county attorney may not: |
|
(1) be of counsel adversely to the state in any case in |
|
any court; or |
|
(2) after the attorney ceases to be a district or |
|
county attorney, be of counsel adversely to the state in any case in |
|
which the attorney has been of counsel for the state. |
|
(c) A judge of a court in which a district or county attorney |
|
represents the state shall declare the attorney disqualified for |
|
purposes of Article 2A.104 on a showing that the attorney is the |
|
subject of a criminal investigation by a law enforcement agency if |
|
that investigation is based on credible evidence of criminal |
|
misconduct for an offense that is within the attorney's authority |
|
to prosecute. A disqualification under this subsection applies |
|
only to the attorney's access to the criminal investigation pending |
|
against the attorney and to any prosecution of a criminal charge |
|
resulting from that investigation. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 2.01 |
|
(part), 2.08.) |
|
Art. 2A.106. NEGLECT OR FAILURE OF DUTY; VIOLATION OF LAW. |
|
(a) An attorney representing the state shall present to the court |
|
with jurisdiction an information charging an officer with neglect |
|
or failure of duty if: |
|
(1) the attorney learns that the officer has neglected |
|
or failed to perform a duty imposed on the officer; and |
|
(2) the neglect or failure of duty can be presented by |
|
information. |
|
(b) An attorney representing the state shall notify the |
|
grand jury of any act that violated the law or any neglect or |
|
failure of duty by an officer if: |
|
(1) the attorney learns that the officer has in act |
|
violated a law or neglected or failed to perform a duty; and |
|
(2) the act that violated the law or the neglect or |
|
failure of duty cannot be presented by information. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 2.03(a).) |
|
Art. 2A.107. RECORDING AND FILING COMPLAINTS. (a) If a |
|
complaint is made before a district or county attorney that an |
|
offense has been committed in the attorney's district or county, as |
|
applicable, the attorney shall: |
|
(1) reduce the complaint to writing; |
|
(2) cause the complaint to be signed and sworn to by |
|
the complainant; |
|
(3) attest the complaint; and |
|
(4) as applicable: |
|
(A) if the offense is a misdemeanor and except as |
|
provided by Subsection (b), immediately prepare an information |
|
based on the complaint and file the information in the court having |
|
jurisdiction; or |
|
(B) if the offense is a felony, immediately file |
|
the complaint with a magistrate of the county. |
|
(b) In a county that does not have a county attorney or a |
|
criminal district court, a misdemeanor case may be tried based on |
|
complaint alone without an information. |
|
(c) For purposes of fulfilling the duties under this |
|
article, a district or county attorney may administer oaths. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Arts. 2.04, 2.05, 2.06.) |
|
Art. 2A.108. ASSISTANCE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL IN CERTAIN |
|
CASES. (a) In this article, "assistance" includes investigative, |
|
technical, and litigation assistance. |
|
(b) The attorney general may offer to a county or district |
|
attorney the assistance of the attorney general's office in the |
|
prosecution of an offense described by Article 66.102(h) the victim |
|
of which is younger than 17 years of age at the time the offense is |
|
committed. |
|
(c) On request of a county or district attorney, the |
|
attorney general shall assist in the prosecution of an offense |
|
described by Subsection (b). (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.021.) |
|
Art. 2A.109. ASSISTANCE OF TEXAS RANGERS IN CERTAIN CASES. |
|
The attorney representing the state may request the Texas Rangers |
|
division of the Department of Public Safety to provide assistance, |
|
including investigative, technical, and administrative assistance, |
|
to a local law enforcement agency investigating an offense that: |
|
(1) is alleged to have been committed by an elected |
|
officer of the political subdivision served by the local law |
|
enforcement agency; and |
|
(2) on conviction or adjudication, would subject the |
|
elected officer to registration as a sex offender under Chapter 62. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.022.) |
|
Art. 2A.110. NOTIFICATION TO TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL |
|
JUSTICE OF CERTAIN INDICTMENTS. (a) This article applies only to a |
|
defendant who, in connection with a previous conviction for an |
|
offense listed in Article 42A.054(a) or for which the judgment |
|
contains an affirmative finding under Article 42A.054(c) or (d): |
|
(1) received a sentence that included imprisonment at |
|
a facility operated by or under contract with the Texas Department |
|
of Criminal Justice; and |
|
(2) was subsequently released from the imprisonment, |
|
including a release on parole, to mandatory supervision, or |
|
following discharge of the defendant's sentence. |
|
(b) Not later than the 10th day after the date that a |
|
defendant described by Subsection (a) is indicted for an offense |
|
listed in Article 42A.054(a), the attorney representing the state |
|
shall notify an officer designated by the Texas Department of |
|
Criminal Justice of the offense charged in the indictment. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 2.023.) |
|
Art. 2A.111. TRACKING USE OF CERTAIN TESTIMONY. (a) In |
|
this article: |
|
(1) "Attorney representing the state" means a district |
|
attorney, a criminal district attorney, or a county attorney with |
|
criminal jurisdiction. |
|
(2) "Correctional facility" has the meaning assigned |
|
by Section 1.07, Penal Code. |
|
(b) An attorney representing the state shall track: |
|
(1) the use of testimony of a person to whom a |
|
defendant made a statement against the defendant's interest while |
|
the person was imprisoned or confined in the same correctional |
|
facility as the defendant, if known by the attorney representing |
|
the state, regardless of whether the testimony is presented at |
|
trial; and |
|
(2) any benefits offered or provided to a person in |
|
exchange for testimony described by Subdivision (1). (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 2.024.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. MAGISTRATES AND CLERKS |
|
Art. 2A.151. TYPES OF MAGISTRATES. The following officers |
|
are magistrates for purposes of this code: |
|
(1) a justice of the supreme court; |
|
(2) a judge of the court of criminal appeals; |
|
(3) a justice of the courts of appeals; |
|
(4) a judge of a district court; |
|
(5) an associate judge appointed by: |
|
(A) a judge of a district court or a statutory |
|
county court that gives preference to criminal cases in Jefferson |
|
County; |
|
(B) a judge of a district court or a statutory |
|
county court of Brazos County, Nueces County, or Williamson County; |
|
or |
|
(C) a judge of a district court under Chapter |
|
54A, Government Code; |
|
(6) a criminal magistrate appointed by: |
|
(A) the Brazoria County Commissioners Court; or |
|
(B) the Burnet County Commissioners Court; |
|
(7) a criminal law hearing officer for: |
|
(A) Harris County appointed under Subchapter L, |
|
Chapter 54, Government Code; or |
|
(B) Cameron County appointed under Subchapter |
|
BB, Chapter 54, Government Code; |
|
(8) a magistrate appointed: |
|
(A) by a judge of a district court of Bexar |
|
County, Dallas County, or Tarrant County that gives preference to |
|
criminal cases; |
|
(B) by a judge of a criminal district court of |
|
Dallas County or Tarrant County; |
|
(C) by a judge of a district court or statutory |
|
county court that gives preference to criminal cases in Travis |
|
County; |
|
(D) by the El Paso Council of Judges; |
|
(E) by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court; |
|
(F) by the Collin County Commissioners Court; or |
|
(G) under Subchapter JJ, Chapter 54, Government |
|
Code; |
|
(9) a magistrate or associate judge appointed by a |
|
judge of a district court of Lubbock County, Nolan County, or Webb |
|
County; |
|
(10) a county judge; |
|
(11) a judge of: |
|
(A) a statutory county court; |
|
(B) a county criminal court; or |
|
(C) a statutory probate court; |
|
(12) an associate judge appointed by a judge of a |
|
statutory probate court under Chapter 54A, Government Code; |
|
(13) a justice of the peace; and |
|
(14) a mayor or recorder of a municipality or a judge |
|
of a municipal court. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.09.) |
|
Art. 2A.152. GENERAL DUTIES OF MAGISTRATES. Each |
|
magistrate shall: |
|
(1) preserve the peace within the magistrate's |
|
jurisdiction using all lawful means; |
|
(2) issue all process intended to aid in preventing |
|
and suppressing crime; and |
|
(3) cause the arrest of offenders using lawful means |
|
so that the offenders may be brought to punishment. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 2.10.) |
|
Art. 2A.153. GENERAL DUTIES OF CLERKS. (a) In this |
|
article, "digital multimedia evidence" means evidence stored or |
|
transmitted in a binary form and includes data representing |
|
documents, audio, video metadata, and any other information |
|
attached to a digital file. |
|
(b) In a criminal proceeding, the clerk of a district or |
|
county court shall: |
|
(1) receive and file all papers; |
|
(2) receive all exhibits at the conclusion of the |
|
proceeding; |
|
(3) issue all process; |
|
(4) accept and file electronic documents received from |
|
the defendant, if the clerk accepts electronic documents from an |
|
attorney representing the state; |
|
(5) accept and file digital multimedia evidence |
|
received from the defendant, if the clerk accepts digital |
|
multimedia evidence from an attorney representing the state; and |
|
(6) perform all other duties imposed on the clerk by |
|
law. |
|
(c) A district clerk is exempt from the requirements of |
|
Subsections (b)(4) and (5) if the electronic filing system used by |
|
the clerk for accepting electronic documents or electronic digital |
|
media from an attorney representing the state does not have the |
|
capability of accepting electronic filings from a defendant and the |
|
system was established or procured before June 1, 2009. The |
|
exemption provided by this subsection no longer applies to an |
|
electronic filing system described by this subsection that is |
|
substantially upgraded or is replaced with a new system. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Arts. 2.21(a), (a-1), (k).) |
|
Art. 2A.154. DEPUTY CLERKS. A deputy clerk of a district or |
|
county court may perform any duty imposed on the clerk of that |
|
court. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.22.) |
|
Art. 2A.155. CLERK'S DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN EXHIBITS. (a) In |
|
this article, "eligible exhibit" means an exhibit filed with the |
|
clerk of a court that: |
|
(1) is not a firearm or contraband; |
|
(2) has not been ordered by the court to be returned to |
|
its owner; and |
|
(3) is not an exhibit in another pending criminal |
|
action. |
|
(b) An eligible exhibit may be disposed of as provided by |
|
this article: |
|
(1) on or after the first anniversary of the date on |
|
which a conviction becomes final in the case, if the case is a |
|
misdemeanor or a felony for which the sentence imposed by the court |
|
is five years or less; |
|
(2) on or after the second anniversary of the date on |
|
which a conviction becomes final in the case, if the case is a |
|
noncapital felony for which the sentence imposed by the court is |
|
greater than five years; |
|
(3) on or after the first anniversary of the date of |
|
the acquittal of the defendant; or |
|
(4) on or after the first anniversary of the date of |
|
the death of the defendant. |
|
(c) Subject to Subsections (d), (e), and (f), a clerk may |
|
dispose of an eligible exhibit, including by delivery of the |
|
exhibit to the county purchasing agent for disposal as surplus or |
|
salvage property under Section 263.152, Local Government Code, if |
|
on the date provided by Subsection (b) the clerk has not received a |
|
request for the exhibit from either the attorney representing the |
|
state in the case or the attorney representing the defendant. |
|
(d) Before a clerk in a county with a population of less than |
|
two million disposes of an eligible exhibit, the clerk must provide |
|
written notice by mail to the attorney representing the state in the |
|
case and the attorney representing the defendant. The notice must: |
|
(1) describe the exhibit; |
|
(2) include the name and address of the court holding |
|
the exhibit; and |
|
(3) state that the exhibit will be disposed of unless a |
|
written request is received by the clerk before the 31st day after |
|
the date of notice. |
|
(e) If a request is not received by a clerk to whom |
|
Subsection (d) applies before the 31st day after the date of notice, |
|
the clerk may dispose of the eligible exhibit in the manner |
|
permitted by this article. |
|
(f) If a request is timely received, the clerk shall deliver |
|
the eligible exhibit to the person making the request if the court |
|
determines the requestor is the owner of the exhibit. |
|
(g) Notwithstanding Section 263.156, Local Government Code, |
|
or any other law, the commissioners court shall remit 50 percent of |
|
any proceeds of the disposal of an eligible exhibit as surplus or |
|
salvage property as described by Subsection (c), less the |
|
reasonable expense of keeping the exhibit before disposal and the |
|
costs of that disposal, to each of the following: |
|
(1) the county treasury, to be used only to defray the |
|
costs incurred by the district clerk of the county for the |
|
management, maintenance, or destruction of eligible exhibits in the |
|
county; and |
|
(2) the state treasury to the credit of the |
|
compensation to victims of crime fund established under Subchapter |
|
J, Chapter 56B. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 2.21(d), (e), (f), (f-1), |
|
(g), (h), (i), (j).) |
|
Art. 2A.156. COURT REPORTER'S RELEASE OF FIREARMS AND |
|
CONTRABAND TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. (a) At any time during or after a |
|
criminal proceeding, the court reporter shall release for |
|
safekeeping any firearm or contraband received as an exhibit in |
|
that proceeding to: |
|
(1) the sheriff; or |
|
(2) in a county with a population of 500,000 or more, |
|
the law enforcement agency that collected, seized, or took |
|
possession of the firearm or contraband or produced the firearm or |
|
contraband at the proceeding. |
|
(b) The sheriff or the law enforcement agency, as |
|
applicable, shall receive and hold the exhibits released under |
|
Subsection (a) and: |
|
(1) release the exhibits only to a person authorized |
|
by the court in which those exhibits have been received; or |
|
(2) dispose of the exhibits as provided by Chapter 18. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 2.21(b), (c).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. REPORTING DUTIES |
|
Art. 2A.201. PEACE OFFICERS: REPORT IN CONNECTION WITH |
|
CERTAIN OFFENSES INVOLVING SENSITIVE INFORMATION. (a) A peace |
|
officer to whom an alleged violation of Section 31.17 or 32.51, |
|
Penal Code, is reported shall make to the law enforcement agency |
|
that employs the officer a written report that includes: |
|
(1) the name of the victim; |
|
(2) the name of the suspect, if known; |
|
(3) as applicable, either: |
|
(A) the type of financial sight order or payment |
|
card information obtained or transferred in violation of Section |
|
31.17, Penal Code; or |
|
(B) the type of identifying information |
|
obtained, possessed, transferred, or used in violation of Section |
|
32.51, Penal Code; and |
|
(4) the results of any investigation. |
|
(b) On the victim's request, the law enforcement agency |
|
shall provide the report made under Subsection (a) to the victim. |
|
In providing the report, the law enforcement agency shall redact |
|
any otherwise confidential information that is included in the |
|
report, other than the information described by Subsection (a). |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 2.29, 2.295.) |
|
Art. 2A.202. PEACE OFFICERS: REPORT CONCERNING CERTAIN |
|
ASSAULTIVE OR TERRORISTIC OFFENSES. (a) This article applies only |
|
to the following offenses: |
|
(1) assault under Section 22.01, Penal Code; |
|
(2) aggravated assault under Section 22.02, Penal |
|
Code; |
|
(3) sexual assault under Section 22.011, Penal Code; |
|
(4) aggravated sexual assault under Section 22.021, |
|
Penal Code; and |
|
(5) terroristic threat under Section 22.07, Penal |
|
Code. |
|
(b) A peace officer who investigates the alleged commission |
|
of an offense to which Subsection (a) applies shall prepare a |
|
written report that includes the information required under Article |
|
5.05(a). |
|
(c) On request of a victim of an offense to which Subsection |
|
(a) applies, the local law enforcement agency responsible for |
|
investigating the commission of the offense shall provide to the |
|
victim, at no cost to the victim, any information contained in the |
|
written report prepared under Subsection (b) that is: |
|
(1) described by Article 5.05(a)(1) or (2); and |
|
(2) not exempt from disclosure under Chapter 552, |
|
Government Code, or other law. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.30.) |
|
Art. 2A.203. SHERIFFS: REPORT OF WARRANT OR CAPIAS |
|
INFORMATION. Not later than the 30th day after the date a court |
|
clerk issues a warrant or capias, the sheriff: |
|
(1) shall report to the National Crime Information |
|
Center each warrant or capias issued for a defendant charged with a |
|
felony who fails to appear in court when summoned; and |
|
(2) may report to the National Crime Information |
|
Center each warrant or capias issued for a defendant charged with a |
|
misdemeanor other than a Class C misdemeanor who fails to appear in |
|
court when summoned. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.195.) |
|
Art. 2A.204. SHERIFFS: REPORT ON PRISONERS. On the first |
|
day of each month, the sheriff shall give written notice to the |
|
district or county attorney, as applicable, of each prisoner in the |
|
sheriff's custody, including: |
|
(1) the name of each prisoner; and |
|
(2) the authority under which the sheriff detains the |
|
prisoner. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.19.) |
|
Art. 2A.205. CERTAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: REPORT |
|
CONCERNING HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASES. (a) This article applies only |
|
to: |
|
(1) a municipal police department, sheriff's |
|
department, constable's office, county attorney's office, district |
|
attorney's office, and criminal district attorney's office, as |
|
applicable, in a county with a population of more than 50,000; and |
|
(2) the Department of Public Safety. |
|
(b) An entity to which this article applies that |
|
investigates the alleged commission of an offense under Chapter |
|
20A, Penal Code, or the alleged commission of an offense under |
|
Chapter 43, Penal Code, that may involve human trafficking, shall |
|
submit to the attorney general a report in the manner and form |
|
prescribed by the attorney general containing the following |
|
information: |
|
(1) the offense being investigated, including a brief |
|
description of the alleged prohibited conduct; |
|
(2) regarding each person suspected of committing the |
|
offense and each victim of the offense, as applicable: |
|
(A) the person's: |
|
(i) age; |
|
(ii) gender; and |
|
(iii) race or ethnicity, as defined by |
|
Article 2B.0051; and |
|
(B) the case number associated with the offense |
|
and with the person suspected of committing the offense; |
|
(3) the date, time, and location of the alleged |
|
offense; |
|
(4) the type of human trafficking involved, including: |
|
(A) forced labor or services, as defined by |
|
Section 20A.01, Penal Code; |
|
(B) causing the victim by force, fraud, or |
|
coercion to engage in prohibited conduct involving one or more |
|
sexual activities, including conduct described by Section |
|
20A.02(a)(3), Penal Code; or |
|
(C) causing a child victim by any means to engage |
|
in, or become the victim of, prohibited conduct involving one or |
|
more sexual activities, including conduct described by Section |
|
20A.02(a)(7), Penal Code; |
|
(5) if available, information regarding any victims' |
|
service organization or program to which the victim was referred as |
|
part of the investigation; and |
|
(6) the disposition of the investigation, if any, |
|
regardless of the manner of disposition. |
|
(c) An attorney representing the state who prosecutes the |
|
alleged commission of an offense under Chapter 20A, Penal Code, or |
|
the alleged commission of an offense under Chapter 43, Penal Code, |
|
that may involve human trafficking, shall submit to the attorney |
|
general the following information: |
|
(1) the offense being prosecuted, including a brief |
|
description of the alleged prohibited conduct; |
|
(2) any other charged offense that is part of the same |
|
criminal episode out of which the offense described by Subdivision |
|
(1) arose; |
|
(3) the information described by Subsections (b)(2), |
|
(3), (4), and (5); and |
|
(4) the disposition of the prosecution, regardless of |
|
the manner of disposition. |
|
(d) The attorney general may enter into a contract with a |
|
university that provides for the university's assistance in the |
|
collection and analysis of information received under this article. |
|
(e) In consultation with the entities described by |
|
Subsection (a), the attorney general shall adopt rules to |
|
administer this article, including rules prescribing: |
|
(1) the form and manner of submission of a report |
|
required by Subsection (b) or (c); and |
|
(2) additional information to include in a report |
|
required by Subsection (b) or (c). (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.305.) |
|
Art. 2A.206. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: REPORT FOR |
|
OFFICER-INVOLVED INJURIES OR DEATHS. (a) In this article: |
|
(1) "Deadly weapon" means: |
|
(A) a firearm or any object manifestly designed, |
|
made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious |
|
bodily injury; or |
|
(B) any object that in the manner of its use or |
|
intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. |
|
(2) "Officer-involved injury or death" means an |
|
incident during which a peace officer discharges a firearm causing |
|
injury or death to another. |
|
(b) The attorney general by rule shall create a written and |
|
electronic form for the reporting by law enforcement agencies of an |
|
officer-involved injury or death. The form must include spaces to |
|
report only the following information: |
|
(1) the date the incident occurred; |
|
(2) the location where the incident occurred; |
|
(3) the age, gender, and race or ethnicity of each |
|
peace officer involved in the incident; |
|
(4) if known, the age, gender, and race or ethnicity of |
|
each injured or deceased person involved in the incident; |
|
(5) whether the person was injured or died as a result |
|
of the incident; |
|
(6) whether each injured or deceased person used, |
|
exhibited, or was carrying a deadly weapon during the incident; |
|
(7) whether each peace officer involved in the |
|
incident was on duty during the incident; |
|
(8) whether each peace officer involved in the |
|
incident was responding to an emergency call or a request for |
|
assistance and, if so, whether the officer responded to that call or |
|
request with one or more other peace officers; and |
|
(9) whether the incident occurred during or as a |
|
result of: |
|
(A) the execution of a warrant; or |
|
(B) a hostage, barricade, or other emergency |
|
situation. |
|
(c) Not later than the 30th day after the date of an |
|
officer-involved injury or death, the law enforcement agency |
|
employing an officer involved in the incident shall complete and |
|
submit a written or electronic report, using the form created under |
|
Subsection (b), to the attorney general. The report must include |
|
all information described in Subsection (b). |
|
(d) Not later than the fifth day after the date of receipt of |
|
a report submitted under Subsection (c), the attorney general shall |
|
post a copy of the report on the attorney general's Internet |
|
website. |
|
(e) Not later than March 1 of each year, the attorney |
|
general shall submit a report regarding all officer-involved |
|
injuries or deaths that occurred during the preceding year to the |
|
governor and the standing legislative committees with primary |
|
jurisdiction over criminal justice matters. The report must |
|
include: |
|
(1) the total number of officer-involved injuries or |
|
deaths; |
|
(2) a summary of the reports submitted to the attorney |
|
general under this article; and |
|
(3) a copy of each report submitted to the attorney |
|
general under this article. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.139.) |
|
Art. 2A.207. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: REPORT FOR CERTAIN |
|
INJURIES OR DEATHS OF PEACE OFFICERS. (a) The attorney general by |
|
rule shall create a written and electronic form for the reporting by |
|
law enforcement agencies of an incident in which a person who is not |
|
a peace officer discharges a firearm and causes injury or death to a |
|
peace officer who is performing an official duty. The form must |
|
include spaces to report only the following information: |
|
(1) the date the incident occurred; |
|
(2) the location where the incident occurred; |
|
(3) the age, gender, and race or ethnicity of each |
|
injured or deceased peace officer involved in the incident; |
|
(4) if known, the age, gender, and race or ethnicity of |
|
each person who discharged a firearm and caused injury or death to a |
|
peace officer involved in the incident; and |
|
(5) whether the officer or any other person was |
|
injured or died as a result of the incident. |
|
(b) Not later than the 30th day after the date of the |
|
occurrence of an incident described by Subsection (a), the law |
|
enforcement agency employing the injured or deceased officer at the |
|
time of the incident shall complete and submit a written or |
|
electronic report, using the form created under that subsection, to |
|
the attorney general. The report must include all information |
|
described in Subsection (a). |
|
(c) Not later than March 1 of each year, the attorney |
|
general shall submit a report regarding all incidents described by |
|
Subsection (a) that occurred during the preceding year to the |
|
governor and the standing legislative committees with primary |
|
jurisdiction over criminal justice matters. The report must |
|
include: |
|
(1) the total number of incidents that occurred; |
|
(2) a summary of the reports submitted to the attorney |
|
general under this article; and |
|
(3) a copy of each report submitted to the attorney |
|
general under this article. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.1395.) |
|
Art. 2A.208. NOTICE OF VIOLATION OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS |
|
FOR CERTAIN INJURIES OR DEATHS; CIVIL PENALTY. (a) The attorney |
|
general shall conduct an investigation after receiving a written |
|
and signed report, on a form prescribed by the attorney general, |
|
asserting that a law enforcement agency failed to submit a report |
|
required by Article 2A.206 or 2A.207. If the attorney general |
|
determines that the law enforcement agency failed to submit the |
|
report, the attorney general shall provide notice of the failure to |
|
the agency. The notice must summarize the applicable reporting |
|
requirement and state that the agency may be subject to a civil |
|
penalty as provided by Subsection (b) or (c), as applicable. |
|
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a law enforcement |
|
agency that fails to submit the required report on or before the |
|
seventh day after the date of receiving notice under Subsection (a) |
|
is liable for a civil penalty in the amount of $1,000 for each day |
|
after the seventh day that the agency fails to submit the report. |
|
(c) Beginning on the day after the date of receiving notice |
|
under Subsection (a), a law enforcement agency that, in the |
|
five-year period preceding the date the agency received the notice, |
|
has been liable for a civil penalty under Subsection (b) or this |
|
subsection is liable for a civil penalty for each day the agency |
|
fails to submit the required report. The amount of a civil penalty |
|
under this subsection is $10,000 for the first day and $1,000 for |
|
each additional day that the agency fails to submit the report. |
|
(d) The attorney general may sue to collect a civil penalty |
|
under this article. |
|
(e) A civil penalty collected under this article shall be |
|
deposited to the credit of the compensation to victims of crime fund |
|
established under Subchapter J, Chapter 56B. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 2.13951.) |
|
Art. 2A.209. DUTIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY FILING CASE. |
|
(a) In this article: |
|
(1) "Attorney representing the state" means an |
|
attorney authorized by law to represent the state in a criminal |
|
case, including a district attorney, criminal district attorney, or |
|
county attorney with criminal jurisdiction. The term does not |
|
include an attorney representing the state in a justice or |
|
municipal court under Chapter 45. |
|
(2) "Law enforcement agency" means an agency of the |
|
state or an agency of a political subdivision of the state |
|
authorized by law to employ peace officers. |
|
(b) A law enforcement agency filing a case with an attorney |
|
representing the state shall submit to the attorney representing |
|
the state a written statement by an agency employee with knowledge |
|
of the case acknowledging that all documents, items, and |
|
information in the possession of the agency that are required to be |
|
disclosed to the defendant in the case under Article 39.14 have been |
|
disclosed to the attorney representing the state. |
|
(c) If at any time after a case is filed with an attorney |
|
representing the state the law enforcement agency discovers or |
|
acquires any additional document, item, or information required to |
|
be disclosed to the defendant under Article 39.14, an agency |
|
employee shall promptly disclose the document, item, or information |
|
to the attorney representing the state. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
2.1397.) |
|
Art. 2A.210. JUDGES: REPORTING OF CERTAIN ALIENS TO FEDERAL |
|
GOVERNMENT. A judge shall report to United States Immigration and |
|
Customs Enforcement a person who: |
|
(1) has been convicted of an offense or placed on |
|
deferred adjudication community supervision for a felony in the |
|
judge's court; and |
|
(2) is an illegal criminal alien as defined by Section |
|
493.015, Government Code. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.25.) |
|
Art. 2A.211. CLERKS: HATE CRIME REPORTING. (a) The clerk |
|
of a district or county court in which an affirmative finding under |
|
Article 42.014 is requested shall report that request to the Texas |
|
Judicial Council, along with a statement as to whether the request |
|
was granted by the court and, if so, whether the affirmative finding |
|
was entered in the judgment in the case. |
|
(b) The clerk shall make the report required by Subsection |
|
(a) not later than the 30th day after the date the judgment is |
|
entered in the case. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.211.) |
|
Art. 2A.212. CLERKS: WRIT OF ATTACHMENT REPORTING. Not |
|
later than the 30th day after the date a writ of attachment is |
|
issued in a district court, statutory county court, or county |
|
court, the clerk of the court shall report to the Texas Judicial |
|
Council: |
|
(1) the date the attachment was issued; |
|
(2) whether the attachment was issued in connection |
|
with a grand jury investigation, criminal trial, or other criminal |
|
proceeding; |
|
(3) the name of the person requesting and of the judge |
|
issuing the attachment; and |
|
(4) the statutory authority under which the attachment |
|
was issued. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.212.) |
|
Art. 2A.213. CLERKS, STATE AGENCIES, AND ATTORNEYS |
|
REPRESENTING STATE: REPORT TO ATTORNEY GENERAL. (a) On written |
|
request by the attorney general, the clerk of a district or county |
|
court shall report to the attorney general information in court |
|
records that relates to a criminal matter, including information |
|
requested for purposes of federal habeas review. The clerk shall |
|
provide the report: |
|
(1) not later than the 10th day after the date the |
|
request is received; and |
|
(2) in the form prescribed by the attorney general. |
|
(b) On written request by the attorney general, a state |
|
agency or the office of an attorney representing the state shall |
|
provide to the attorney general any record that is needed for |
|
purposes of federal habeas review. The agency or office shall |
|
provide the record: |
|
(1) not later than the 10th day after the date the |
|
request is received; and |
|
(2) in the form prescribed by the attorney general. |
|
(c) A district court, county court, state agency, or office |
|
of an attorney representing the state may not restrict or delay the |
|
reproduction or delivery of a record requested by the attorney general under this
article. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.23.) |
|
|
|
CHAPTER 2B. LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERACTIONS WITH PUBLIC |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Art. 2B.0001. DEFINITIONS |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. RACIAL PROFILING; MOTOR VEHICLE STOPS |
|
Art. 2B.0051. DEFINITIONS |
|
Art. 2B.0052. RACIAL PROFILING PROHIBITED |
|
Art. 2B.0053. LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICY ON RACIAL |
|
PROFILING |
|
Art. 2B.0054. REPORTS REQUIRED FOR MOTOR VEHICLE STOPS |
|
Art. 2B.0055. COMPILATION AND ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION |
|
COLLECTED |
|
Art. 2B.0056. PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE |
|
Art. 2B.0057. LIABILITY |
|
Art. 2B.0058. CIVIL PENALTY |
|
Art. 2B.0059. RULES |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. BODY WORN CAMERA PROGRAM |
|
Art. 2B.0101. DEFINITIONS |
|
Art. 2B.0102. GRANTS FOR BODY WORN CAMERAS |
|
Art. 2B.0103. GRANTS FOR BODY WORN CAMERA DATA STORAGE |
|
Art. 2B.0104. REPORTING |
|
Art. 2B.0105. INTERAGENCY OR INTERLOCAL CONTRACTS |
|
Art. 2B.0106. BODY WORN CAMERA POLICY |
|
Art. 2B.0107. TRAINING |
|
Art. 2B.0108. RECORDING INTERACTIONS WITH PUBLIC |
|
Art. 2B.0109. USE OF PERSONAL EQUIPMENT |
|
Art. 2B.0110. OFFENSE |
|
Art. 2B.0111. RECORDINGS AS EVIDENCE |
|
Art. 2B.0112. RELEASE OF INFORMATION RECORDED BY BODY |
|
WORN CAMERA |
|
Art. 2B.0113. BODY WORN CAMERA RECORDINGS; REQUEST FOR |
|
ATTORNEY GENERAL DECISION REGARDING |
|
PUBLIC INFORMATION |
|
Art. 2B.0114. PRODUCTION OF BODY WORN CAMERA RECORDING |
|
IN RESPONSE TO VOLUMINOUS PUBLIC |
|
INFORMATION REQUESTS |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. VIDEO AND AUDIO EQUIPMENT AND RECORDINGS OF MOTOR |
|
VEHICLE STOPS |
|
Art. 2B.0151. FEASIBILITY OF VIDEO AND AUDIO EQUIPMENT |
|
AND RECORDINGS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE STOPS |
|
Art. 2B.0152. PROVISION OF MONEY OR EQUIPMENT |
|
Art. 2B.0153. RULES |
|
Art. 2B.0154. VIDEO RECORDINGS OF ARRESTS FOR |
|
INTOXICATION OFFENSES |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. ELECTRONIC RECORDING OF CUSTODIAL INTERROGATIONS |
|
Art. 2B.0201. DEFINITIONS |
|
Art. 2B.0202. RECORDING OF CUSTODIAL INTERROGATION |
|
REQUIRED; EXCEPTIONS |
|
Art. 2B.0203. PUBLIC DISCLOSURE |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. USE OF FORCE |
|
Art. 2B.0251. INTERVENTION REQUIRED FOR EXCESSIVE |
|
FORCE; REPORT REQUIRED |
|
Art. 2B.0252. USE OF NECK RESTRAINTS DURING SEARCH OR |
|
ARREST PROHIBITED |
|
Art. 2B.0253. LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICY ON USE OF FORCE |
|
BY DRONE |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. DUTY TO REQUEST AND RENDER AID |
|
Art. 2B.0301. DUTY TO REQUEST AND RENDER AID |
|
CHAPTER 2B. LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERACTIONS WITH PUBLIC |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Art. 2B.0001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: |
|
(1) "Commission" means the Texas Commission on Law |
|
Enforcement. |
|
(2) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety |
|
of the State of Texas. (Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.651(2); New.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. RACIAL PROFILING; MOTOR VEHICLE STOPS |
|
Art. 2B.0051. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
|
(1) "Bodily injury" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Section 1.07, Penal Code. |
|
(2) "Motor vehicle stop" means an occasion in which a |
|
peace officer stops a motor vehicle for an alleged violation of a |
|
law or ordinance. |
|
(3) "Race or ethnicity" means the following |
|
categories: |
|
(A) Alaska native or American Indian; |
|
(B) Asian or Pacific Islander; |
|
(C) black; |
|
(D) Hispanic or Latino; and |
|
(E) white. |
|
(4) "Racial profiling" means a law |
|
enforcement-initiated action based on an individual's race, |
|
ethnicity, or national origin rather than on the individual's |
|
behavior or on information identifying the individual as having |
|
engaged in criminal activity. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. |
|
2.132(a)(2), (3), (b) (part), 2.133(a), (b) (part), 2.134(a), |
|
3.05.) |
|
Art. 2B.0052. RACIAL PROFILING PROHIBITED. A peace officer |
|
may not engage in racial profiling. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.131.) |
|
Art. 2B.0053. LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICY ON RACIAL PROFILING. |
|
(a) In this article, "law enforcement agency" means an agency of |
|
this state, or of a county, municipality, or other political |
|
subdivision of this state, that employs peace officers who make |
|
motor vehicle stops in the routine performance of the officers' |
|
official duties. |
|
(b) Each law enforcement agency shall adopt a detailed |
|
written policy on racial profiling. The policy must: |
|
(1) clearly define acts constituting racial |
|
profiling; |
|
(2) strictly prohibit peace officers employed by the |
|
agency from engaging in racial profiling; |
|
(3) implement a process by which an individual may |
|
file a complaint with the agency if the individual believes that a |
|
peace officer employed by the agency has engaged in racial |
|
profiling with respect to the individual; |
|
(4) provide public education relating to the agency's |
|
compliment and complaint process, including providing the |
|
telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address to make a |
|
compliment or complaint with respect to each ticket, citation, or |
|
warning issued by a peace officer; |
|
(5) require the agency employing a peace officer to |
|
take appropriate corrective action against the peace officer after |
|
an investigation shows that the peace officer has engaged in racial |
|
profiling in violation of the agency's policy adopted under this |
|
article; |
|
(6) require collection of information relating to |
|
motor vehicle stops in which a ticket, citation, or warning is |
|
issued and to arrests made as a result of those stops, including |
|
information relating to: |
|
(A) the race or ethnicity of the individual |
|
detained; |
|
(B) whether a search was conducted and, if so, |
|
whether the individual detained consented to the search; |
|
(C) whether the peace officer knew the race or |
|
ethnicity of the individual detained before detaining that |
|
individual; |
|
(D) whether the peace officer used physical force |
|
that resulted in bodily injury during the stop; |
|
(E) the location of the stop; and |
|
(F) the reason for the stop; and |
|
(7) require the chief administrator of the agency, |
|
regardless of whether the administrator is elected, employed, or |
|
appointed, to submit an annual report of the information collected |
|
under Subdivision (6) to: |
|
(A) the commission; and |
|
(B) the governing body of each county or |
|
municipality served by the agency, if the agency is an agency of a |
|
county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state. |
|
(c) On the commencement of an investigation by a law |
|
enforcement agency of a complaint described by Subsection (b)(3) in |
|
which there is a video or audio recording of the occurrence that is |
|
the basis for the complaint, the agency shall promptly provide a |
|
copy of the recording to the peace officer who is the subject of the |
|
complaint on written request by the officer for a copy of the |
|
recording. |
|
(d) A law enforcement agency shall review the data collected |
|
under Subsection (b)(6) to identify any improvements the agency |
|
could make in the agency's practices and policies regarding motor |
|
vehicle stops. |
|
(e) A report required under Subsection (b)(7) may not |
|
include identifying information about a peace officer who makes a |
|
motor vehicle stop or about an individual who is stopped or arrested |
|
by a peace officer. This subsection does not affect the collection |
|
of information required by a policy under Subsection (b)(6). |
|
(f) The commission shall begin disciplinary procedures |
|
against the chief administrator of a law enforcement agency if the |
|
commission finds that the chief administrator intentionally failed |
|
to submit a report required under Subsection (b)(7). (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Arts. 2.132(a)(1), (b) (part), (e), (f), (g), (h).) |
|
Art. 2B.0054. REPORTS REQUIRED FOR MOTOR VEHICLE STOPS. |
|
(a) A peace officer who makes a motor vehicle stop shall report to |
|
the law enforcement agency that employs the officer information |
|
relating to the stop, including: |
|
(1) a physical description of any individual operating |
|
the motor vehicle who is detained as a result of the stop, |
|
including: |
|
(A) the individual's gender; and |
|
(B) the individual's race or ethnicity, as stated |
|
by the individual or, if the individual does not state the |
|
individual's race or ethnicity, as determined by the officer to the |
|
best of the officer's ability; |
|
(2) the initial reason for the stop; |
|
(3) whether the officer conducted a search as a result |
|
of the stop and, if so: |
|
(A) whether the individual detained consented to |
|
the search; |
|
(B) the reason for the search, including whether: |
|
(i) any contraband or other evidence was in |
|
plain view; |
|
(ii) any probable cause or reasonable |
|
suspicion existed to perform the search; or |
|
(iii) the search was performed because the |
|
motor vehicle was towed or because of the arrest of any individual |
|
in the motor vehicle; and |
|
(C) whether any contraband or other evidence was |
|
discovered during the search and a description of the contraband or |
|
evidence; |
|
(4) whether the officer made an arrest as a result of |
|
the stop or the search and, if so, a statement of: |
|
(A) whether the arrest was based on: |
|
(i) a violation of the Penal Code; |
|
(ii) a violation of a traffic law or |
|
ordinance; or |
|
(iii) an outstanding warrant; and |
|
(B) the offense charged; |
|
(5) the street address or approximate location of the |
|
stop; |
|
(6) whether the officer issued a verbal or written |
|
warning or a ticket or citation as a result of the stop; and |
|
(7) whether the officer used physical force that |
|
resulted in bodily injury during the stop. |
|
(b) The chief administrator of a law enforcement agency, |
|
regardless of whether the administrator is elected, employed, or |
|
appointed, is responsible for auditing reports under Subsection (a) |
|
to ensure that the race or ethnicity of the individual operating the |
|
motor vehicle is reported. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 2.133(b) |
|
(part), (c).) |
|
Art. 2B.0055. COMPILATION AND ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION |
|
COLLECTED. (a) A law enforcement agency shall compile and analyze |
|
the information contained in each report received by the agency |
|
under Article 2B.0054. |
|
(b) Not later than March 1 of each year, each law |
|
enforcement agency shall submit a report containing the |
|
incident-based data compiled during the previous calendar year to: |
|
(1) the commission; and |
|
(2) the governing body of each county or municipality |
|
served by the agency, if the law enforcement agency is a local law |
|
enforcement agency. |
|
(c) A report required under Subsection (b) must be submitted |
|
by the chief administrator of the law enforcement agency, |
|
regardless of whether the administrator is elected, employed, or |
|
appointed. The report must include: |
|
(1) a comparative analysis of the information compiled |
|
under Article 2B.0054 to: |
|
(A) evaluate and compare the number of motor |
|
vehicle stops, within the applicable jurisdiction, of: |
|
(i) individuals recognized as members of |
|
racial or ethnic minority groups; and |
|
(ii) individuals not recognized as members |
|
of racial or ethnic minority groups; |
|
(B) examine the disposition of motor vehicle |
|
stops made by officers employed by the agency, categorized |
|
according to the race or ethnicity of the individuals affected, as |
|
appropriate, including any searches resulting from stops within the |
|
applicable jurisdiction; and |
|
(C) evaluate and compare the number of searches |
|
resulting from motor vehicle stops within the applicable |
|
jurisdiction and whether contraband or other evidence was |
|
discovered during those searches; and |
|
(2) information relating to each complaint filed with |
|
the agency alleging that a peace officer employed by the agency has |
|
engaged in racial profiling. |
|
(d) A report required under Subsection (b) may not include |
|
identifying information about a peace officer who makes a motor |
|
vehicle stop or about an individual who is stopped or arrested by a |
|
peace officer. This subsection does not affect the reporting of |
|
information required under Article 2B.0054(a)(1). |
|
(e) The commission, in accordance with Section 1701.162, |
|
Occupations Code, shall develop guidelines for compiling and |
|
reporting information as required by this article. |
|
(f) The commission shall begin disciplinary procedures |
|
against the chief administrator of a law enforcement agency if the |
|
commission finds that the chief administrator intentionally failed |
|
to submit a report required under Subsection (b). (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Arts. 2.134(b), (c), (d), (e), (g).) |
|
Art. 2B.0056. PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE. The data collected as a |
|
result of the reporting requirements of Articles 2B.0053 and |
|
2B.0055 does not constitute prima facie evidence of racial |
|
profiling. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 2.132(c), 2.134(f).) |
|
Art. 2B.0057. LIABILITY. A peace officer is not liable for |
|
damages arising from an act relating to the collection or reporting |
|
of information as required by Article 2B.0054 or under a policy |
|
adopted under Article 2B.0053. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.136.) |
|
Art. 2B.0058. CIVIL PENALTY. (a) If the chief |
|
administrator of a local law enforcement agency intentionally fails |
|
to submit the incident-based data required by Article 2B.0055, the |
|
agency is liable to the state for a civil penalty in an amount not to |
|
exceed $5,000 for each violation. The attorney general may sue to |
|
collect a civil penalty under this subsection. |
|
(b) From money appropriated to the agency for the |
|
administration of the agency, the executive director of a state law |
|
enforcement agency that intentionally fails to submit the |
|
incident-based data required by Article 2B.0055 shall remit to the |
|
comptroller the amount of $1,000 for each violation. |
|
(c) Money collected under this article shall be deposited in |
|
the state treasury to the credit of the general revenue fund. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 2.1385.) |
|
Art. 2B.0059. RULES. The department may adopt rules to |
|
implement Articles 2B.0052, 2B.0053, 2B.0054, 2B.0055, 2B.0056, |
|
and 2B.0057. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.138.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. BODY WORN CAMERA PROGRAM |
|
Art. 2B.0101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
|
(1) "Body worn camera" means a recording device that |
|
is: |
|
(A) capable of recording, or transmitting to be |
|
recorded remotely, video or audio; and |
|
(B) worn on the person of a peace officer, which |
|
includes being attached to the officer's clothing or worn as |
|
glasses. |
|
(2) "Officer" and "peace officer" have the meanings |
|
assigned by Section 1701.001, Occupations Code. |
|
(3) "Private space" means a location in which an |
|
individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy, including an |
|
individual's home. (Occ. Code, Secs. 1701.651(1), (3); New.) |
|
Art. 2B.0102. GRANTS FOR BODY WORN CAMERAS. (a) A police |
|
department of a municipality in this state, a sheriff of a county in |
|
this state who has received the approval of the commissioners court |
|
for the purpose, or the department may apply to the governor's |
|
office for a grant to defray the cost of implementing this |
|
subchapter and to equip peace officers with body worn cameras if |
|
that law enforcement agency employs officers who: |
|
(1) engage in traffic or highway patrol or otherwise |
|
regularly detain or stop motor vehicles; or |
|
(2) are primary responders who respond directly to |
|
calls for assistance from the public. |
|
(b) The governor's office shall set deadlines for |
|
applications for grants under this subchapter. |
|
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), the governor's |
|
office shall create and implement a matching grant program under |
|
which matching funds from federal, state, local, and other funding |
|
sources may be required as a condition of the grant. A law |
|
enforcement agency that receives a grant under this article is |
|
required to match 25 percent of the grant money. |
|
(d) The department is eligible for grants under this |
|
subchapter but is not subject to any requirement for matching |
|
funds. |
|
(e) The governor's office may conditionally award a grant to |
|
a law enforcement agency that has not adopted and implemented the |
|
policy under Article 2B.0106 or implemented the training required |
|
under Article 2B.0107. Money may not be disbursed to the law |
|
enforcement agency until the agency fully complies with those |
|
articles. (Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.652.) |
|
Art. 2B.0103. GRANTS FOR BODY WORN CAMERA DATA |
|
STORAGE. (a) A law enforcement agency in this state that provides |
|
body worn cameras to its peace officers may apply to the office of |
|
the governor for a grant to defray the cost of data storage for |
|
recordings created with the body worn cameras. |
|
(b) The grant program established by this article may be |
|
funded by federal funds or by gifts, grants, and donations. (Occ. |
|
Code, Sec. 1701.6521.) |
|
Art. 2B.0104. REPORTING. (a) As a condition of receiving a |
|
grant under this subchapter, a law enforcement agency shall report |
|
to the commission annually regarding the costs of implementing a |
|
body worn camera program, including all known equipment costs and |
|
costs for data storage. |
|
(b) The commission shall compile the information submitted |
|
under Subsection (a) into a report and submit the report to the |
|
governor's office and the legislature not later than December 1 of |
|
each year. (Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.653.) |
|
Art. 2B.0105. INTERAGENCY OR INTERLOCAL CONTRACTS. A law |
|
enforcement agency in this state may enter into an interagency or |
|
interlocal contract to receive body worn camera services and have |
|
the identified operations performed through a program established |
|
by the Department of Information Resources. (Occ. Code, Sec. |
|
1701.654.) |
|
Art. 2B.0106. BODY WORN CAMERA POLICY. (a) A law |
|
enforcement agency that receives a grant to provide body worn |
|
cameras to the agency's peace officers or that otherwise operates a |
|
body worn camera program shall adopt a policy for the use of body |
|
worn cameras. |
|
(b) A policy described by Subsection (a) must ensure that a |
|
body worn camera is activated only for a law enforcement purpose and |
|
must include: |
|
(1) guidelines for when a peace officer should |
|
activate a camera or discontinue a recording currently in progress, |
|
considering the need for privacy in certain situations and at |
|
certain locations; |
|
(2) provisions relating to: |
|
(A) data retention, including a provision |
|
requiring the retention of video for at least 90 days; |
|
(B) storage of video and audio; |
|
(C) creation of backup copies of the video and |
|
audio; |
|
(D) maintenance of data security; and |
|
(E) the collection of a body worn camera, |
|
including the applicable video and audio recorded by the camera, as |
|
evidence; |
|
(3) guidelines for public access, through open records |
|
requests, to recordings that are public information; |
|
(4) provisions entitling an officer to access any |
|
recording of an incident involving the officer before the officer |
|
is required to make a statement about the incident; |
|
(5) procedures for supervisory or internal review; and |
|
(6) provisions for the handling and documenting of |
|
equipment and malfunctions of equipment. |
|
(c) A policy described by Subsection (a) may not require a |
|
peace officer to keep a body worn camera activated for the entire |
|
period of the officer's shift. |
|
(d) A policy described by Subsection (a) must require a |
|
peace officer who is equipped with a body worn camera and actively |
|
participating in an investigation to keep the camera activated for |
|
the entirety of the officer's active participation in the |
|
investigation unless the camera has been deactivated in compliance |
|
with that policy. |
|
(e) A policy adopted under this article must be consistent |
|
with the Federal Rules of Evidence and Texas Rules of Evidence. |
|
(Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.655.) |
|
Art. 2B.0107. TRAINING. (a) Before a law enforcement |
|
agency may operate a body worn camera program, the agency must |
|
provide training to: |
|
(1) peace officers who will wear the body worn |
|
cameras; and |
|
(2) any other personnel who will come into contact |
|
with video and audio data obtained from the use of body worn |
|
cameras. |
|
(b) The commission, in consultation with the department, |
|
the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, |
|
the Caruth Police Institute at Dallas, and the Texas Police Chiefs |
|
Association, shall develop or approve a curriculum for a training |
|
program under this article. (Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.656.) |
|
Art. 2B.0108. RECORDING INTERACTIONS WITH PUBLIC. (a) A |
|
peace officer equipped with a body worn camera shall act in a manner |
|
that is consistent with the policy of the law enforcement agency |
|
that employs the officer with respect to when and under what |
|
circumstances a body worn camera must be activated. |
|
(b) A peace officer equipped with a body worn camera may |
|
choose not to activate a camera or may choose to discontinue a |
|
recording currently in progress for any encounter with an |
|
individual that is not related to an investigation. |
|
(c) A peace officer who does not activate a body worn camera |
|
in response to a call for assistance shall include in the officer's |
|
incident report or otherwise note in the case file or record the |
|
reason for not activating the camera. |
|
(d) Any justification for failing to activate the body worn |
|
camera because it is unsafe, unrealistic, or impracticable must be |
|
based on whether a reasonable officer under the same or similar |
|
circumstances would have made the same decision. (Occ. Code, Sec. |
|
1701.657.) |
|
Art. 2B.0109. USE OF PERSONAL EQUIPMENT. (a) If a law |
|
enforcement agency receives a grant under Article 2B.0102, a peace |
|
officer who is employed by the agency and who is on duty may only use |
|
a body worn camera that is issued and maintained by that agency. |
|
(b) Notwithstanding any previous policy, an agency may not |
|
allow its peace officers to use privately owned body worn cameras |
|
after receiving a grant described by this article. |
|
(c) A peace officer who is employed by a law enforcement |
|
agency that has not received a grant described by this article or |
|
who has not otherwise been provided with a body worn camera by the |
|
agency that employs the officer may operate a body worn camera that |
|
is privately owned only if permitted by the employing agency. |
|
(d) An agency that authorizes the use of privately owned |
|
body worn cameras under Subsection (c) must make provisions for the |
|
security and compatibility of the recordings made by those cameras. |
|
(Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.658.) |
|
Art. 2B.0110. OFFENSE. (a) A peace officer or other |
|
employee of a law enforcement agency commits an offense if the |
|
officer or employee releases a recording created with a body worn |
|
camera under this subchapter without permission of the applicable |
|
law enforcement agency. |
|
(b) An offense under this article is a Class A misdemeanor. |
|
(Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.659.) |
|
Art. 2B.0111. RECORDINGS AS EVIDENCE. (a) Except as |
|
provided by Subsections (b) and (c), a recording created with a body |
|
worn camera that documents an incident that involves the use of |
|
deadly force by a peace officer or that is otherwise related to an |
|
administrative or criminal investigation of an officer may not be |
|
deleted, destroyed, or released to the public until all criminal |
|
matters have been finally adjudicated and all related |
|
administrative investigations have concluded. |
|
(b) A law enforcement agency may permit an individual who is |
|
depicted in a recording of an incident described by Subsection (a) |
|
or, if the individual is deceased, the individual's authorized |
|
representative, to view the recording, if the law enforcement |
|
agency determines that the viewing furthers a law enforcement |
|
purpose and any authorized representative who is permitted to view |
|
the recording was not a witness to the incident. An individual |
|
viewing a recording under this subsection may not duplicate the |
|
recording or capture video or audio from the recording. A permitted |
|
viewing of a recording under this subsection is not considered to be |
|
a release of public information for purposes of Chapter 552, |
|
Government Code. |
|
(c) A law enforcement agency may release to the public a |
|
recording described by Subsection (a) if the law enforcement agency |
|
determines that the release furthers a law enforcement purpose. |
|
(d) This article does not affect the authority of a law |
|
enforcement agency to withhold under Section 552.108, Government |
|
Code, information related to a closed criminal investigation that |
|
did not result in a conviction or a grant of deferred adjudication |
|
community supervision. (Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.660.) |
|
Art. 2B.0112. RELEASE OF INFORMATION RECORDED BY BODY WORN |
|
CAMERA. (a) A member of the public who submits a written request to |
|
a law enforcement agency for information recorded by a body worn |
|
camera must include with the request: |
|
(1) the date and approximate time of the recording; |
|
(2) the specific location where the recording |
|
occurred; and |
|
(3) the name of one or more individuals known to be a |
|
subject of the recording. |
|
(b) Failure to provide all of the information required by |
|
Subsection (a) does not preclude the requestor from making a future |
|
request for the same recorded information. |
|
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), information |
|
recorded by a body worn camera and held by a law enforcement agency |
|
under this subchapter is not subject to Section 552.021, Government |
|
Code. |
|
(d) Information that is or could be used as evidence in a |
|
criminal prosecution is subject to Section 552.021, Government |
|
Code. |
|
(e) A law enforcement agency may: |
|
(1) seek to withhold information subject to Subsection |
|
(d) in accordance with procedures provided by Section 552.301, |
|
Government Code; |
|
(2) assert any exception to disclosure under Chapter |
|
552, Government Code, or other law; or |
|
(3) release information requested in accordance with |
|
Subsection (a) after the agency redacts any information made |
|
confidential under Chapter 552, Government Code, or other law. |
|
(f) A law enforcement agency may not release any portion of |
|
a recording made in a private space, or of a recording involving the |
|
investigation of conduct that constitutes a misdemeanor punishable |
|
by fine only and does not result in arrest, without written |
|
authorization from the individual who is the subject of that |
|
portion of the recording or, if the individual is deceased, from the |
|
individual's authorized representative. |
|
(g) The attorney general shall set a proposed fee to be |
|
charged to members of the public who seek to obtain a copy of a |
|
recording under this article in an amount sufficient to cover the |
|
cost of reviewing and making the recording. A law enforcement |
|
agency may provide a copy without charge or at a reduced charge if |
|
the agency determines that waiver or reduction of the charge is in |
|
the public interest. |
|
(h) A recording is confidential and excepted from the |
|
requirements of Chapter 552, Government Code, if the recording: |
|
(1) was not required to be made under this subchapter, |
|
another law, or a policy adopted by the appropriate law enforcement |
|
agency; and |
|
(2) does not relate to a law enforcement purpose. |
|
(Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.661.) |
|
Art. 2B.0113. BODY WORN CAMERA RECORDINGS; REQUEST FOR |
|
ATTORNEY GENERAL DECISION REGARDING PUBLIC INFORMATION. (a) |
|
Notwithstanding Section 552.301(b), Government Code, a |
|
governmental body's request for a decision from the attorney |
|
general about whether a requested body worn camera recording falls |
|
within an exception to public disclosure is considered timely if |
|
made not later than the 20th business day after the date of receipt |
|
of the written request. |
|
(b) Notwithstanding Section 552.301(d), Government Code, a |
|
governmental body's response to a requestor regarding a requested |
|
body worn camera recording is considered timely if made not later |
|
than the 20th business day after the date of receipt of the written |
|
request. |
|
(c) Notwithstanding Section 552.301(e), Government Code, a |
|
governmental body's submission to the attorney general of the |
|
information required by that subsection regarding a requested body |
|
worn camera recording is considered timely if made not later than |
|
the 25th business day after the date of receipt of the written |
|
request. |
|
(d) Notwithstanding Section 552.301(e-1), Government Code, |
|
a governmental body's submission to a requestor of the information |
|
required by that subsection regarding a requested body worn camera |
|
recording is considered timely if made not later than the 25th |
|
business day after the date of receipt of the written request. |
|
(Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.662.) |
|
Art. 2B.0114. PRODUCTION OF BODY WORN CAMERA RECORDING IN |
|
RESPONSE TO VOLUMINOUS PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUESTS. (a) For |
|
purposes of this article, "voluminous request" includes: |
|
(1) a request for body worn camera recordings from |
|
more than five separate incidents; |
|
(2) more than five separate requests for body worn |
|
camera recordings from the same individual in a 24-hour period, |
|
regardless of the number of incidents included in each request; and |
|
(3) a request or multiple requests from the same |
|
individual in a 24-hour period for body worn camera recordings |
|
that, taken together, constitute more than five hours of video |
|
footage. |
|
(b) Notwithstanding Section 552.221(d), Government Code, an |
|
officer for public information who is employed by a governmental |
|
body and who receives a voluminous request in accordance with |
|
Article 2B.0112(a) is considered to have promptly produced the |
|
information for purposes of Section 552.221, Government Code, if |
|
the officer takes the actions required under Section 552.221 not |
|
later than the 20th business day after the date of receipt of the |
|
written request. (Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.663.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. VIDEO AND AUDIO EQUIPMENT AND RECORDINGS OF MOTOR |
|
VEHICLE STOPS |
|
Art. 2B.0151. FEASIBILITY OF VIDEO AND AUDIO EQUIPMENT AND |
|
RECORDINGS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE STOPS. (a) In this article: |
|
(1) "Law enforcement agency" has the meaning assigned |
|
by Article 2B.0053. |
|
(2) "Motor vehicle stop" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Article 2B.0051. |
|
(b) On adoption of a policy under Article 2B.0053(b), a law |
|
enforcement agency shall examine the feasibility of: |
|
(1) installing video camera and transmitter-activated |
|
equipment in each agency law enforcement motor vehicle that is |
|
regularly used to make motor vehicle stops; |
|
(2) installing transmitter-activated equipment in |
|
each agency law enforcement motorcycle regularly used to make motor |
|
vehicle stops; and |
|
(3) equipping with a body worn camera, as that term is |
|
defined by Article 2B.0101, each peace officer who regularly |
|
detains or stops motor vehicles. |
|
(c) If a law enforcement agency installs video or audio |
|
equipment or equips peace officers with body worn cameras as |
|
provided by this article, the policy adopted by the agency under |
|
Article 2B.0053(b) must include standards for reviewing video and |
|
audio documentation. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.132(d); New.) |
|
Art. 2B.0152. PROVISION OF MONEY OR EQUIPMENT. (a) The |
|
department shall adopt rules for providing money or video and audio |
|
equipment to law enforcement agencies to: |
|
(1) install video and audio equipment in law |
|
enforcement motor vehicles and motorcycles; or |
|
(2) equip peace officers with body worn cameras. |
|
(b) The rules described by Subsection (a) must specify |
|
criteria to prioritize money or equipment provided to law |
|
enforcement agencies. The criteria may include consideration of |
|
tax effort, financial hardship, available revenue, and budget |
|
surpluses. The criteria must give priority to: |
|
(1) law enforcement agencies that employ peace |
|
officers whose primary duty is traffic enforcement; |
|
(2) smaller jurisdictions; and |
|
(3) municipal and county law enforcement agencies. |
|
(c) The department shall collaborate with an institution of |
|
higher education to identify law enforcement agencies that need |
|
money or video and audio equipment for a purpose described by |
|
Subsection (a). The collaboration may include the use of a survey to |
|
assist in developing criteria to prioritize money or equipment |
|
provided to law enforcement agencies. |
|
(d) To receive money or video and audio equipment from the |
|
state for a purpose described by Subsection (a), the governing body |
|
of a county or municipality, in conjunction with the law |
|
enforcement agency serving the county or municipality, shall |
|
certify to the department that the law enforcement agency needs |
|
money or video and audio equipment for that purpose. |
|
(e) On receipt of money or video and audio equipment from |
|
the state for a purpose described by Subsection (a), the governing |
|
body of a county or municipality, in conjunction with the law |
|
enforcement agency serving the county or municipality, shall |
|
certify to the department that the law enforcement agency: |
|
(1) has taken the necessary actions to use the video |
|
and audio equipment or body worn cameras for that purpose; and |
|
(2) is using the video and audio equipment or body worn |
|
cameras for that purpose. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.137.) |
|
Art. 2B.0153. RULES. The department may adopt rules to |
|
implement Articles 2B.0151 and 2B.0152. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
2.138.) |
|
Art. 2B.0154. VIDEO RECORDINGS OF ARRESTS FOR INTOXICATION |
|
OFFENSES. An individual stopped or arrested on suspicion of an |
|
offense under Section 49.04, 49.045, 49.07, or 49.08, Penal Code, |
|
is entitled to receive from the law enforcement agency employing |
|
the peace officer who made the stop or arrest a copy of any video |
|
made by or at the direction of the officer that contains footage of: |
|
(1) the stop; |
|
(2) the arrest; |
|
(3) the conduct of the individual stopped during any |
|
interaction with the officer, including during the administration |
|
of a field sobriety test; or |
|
(4) a procedure in which a specimen of the individual's |
|
breath or blood is taken. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.1396.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. ELECTRONIC RECORDING OF CUSTODIAL INTERROGATIONS |
|
Art. 2B.0201. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
|
(1) "Electronic recording" means an audiovisual |
|
electronic recording, or an audio recording if an audiovisual |
|
electronic recording is unavailable, that is authentic, accurate, |
|
and unaltered. |
|
(2) "Law enforcement agency" means an agency of this |
|
state, or of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision |
|
of this state, that employs peace officers who, in the routine |
|
performance of the officers' duties, conduct custodial |
|
interrogations of individuals suspected of committing criminal |
|
offenses. |
|
(3) "Place of detention" means a police station or |
|
other building that is a place of operation for a law enforcement |
|
agency, including a municipal police department or county sheriff's |
|
department, and is owned or operated by the law enforcement agency |
|
to detain individuals in connection with the suspected violation of |
|
a penal law. The term does not include a courthouse. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 2.32(a).) |
|
Art. 2B.0202. RECORDING OF CUSTODIAL INTERROGATION |
|
REQUIRED; EXCEPTIONS. (a) Unless good cause exists that makes |
|
electronic recording infeasible, a law enforcement agency shall |
|
make a complete and contemporaneous electronic recording of any |
|
custodial interrogation that occurs in a place of detention and is |
|
of an individual suspected of committing or charged with the |
|
commission of an offense under the following provisions of the |
|
Penal Code: |
|
(1) Section 19.02 (murder); |
|
(2) Section 19.03 (capital murder); |
|
(3) Section 20.03 (kidnapping); |
|
(4) Section 20.04 (aggravated kidnapping); |
|
(5) Section 20A.02 (trafficking of persons); |
|
(6) Section 20A.03 (continuous trafficking of |
|
persons); |
|
(7) Section 21.02 (continuous sexual abuse of young |
|
child or disabled individual); |
|
(8) Section 21.11 (indecency with a child); |
|
(9) Section 21.12 (improper relationship between |
|
educator and student); |
|
(10) Section 22.011 (sexual assault); |
|
(11) Section 22.021 (aggravated sexual assault); or |
|
(12) Section 43.25 (sexual performance by a child). |
|
(b) For purposes of Subsection (a), an electronic recording |
|
of a custodial interrogation is complete only if the recording: |
|
(1) begins at or before the time the individual being |
|
interrogated enters the area of the place of detention in which the |
|
custodial interrogation will take place or receives a warning |
|
described by Section 2(a), Article 38.22, whichever is earlier; and |
|
(2) continues until the time the interrogation ends. |
|
(c) For purposes of Subsection (a), good cause that makes |
|
electronic recording infeasible includes the following: |
|
(1) the individual being interrogated refused to |
|
respond or cooperate in a custodial interrogation at which an |
|
electronic recording was being made, provided that: |
|
(A) a contemporaneous recording of the refusal |
|
was made; or |
|
(B) the peace officer or agent of the law |
|
enforcement agency conducting the interrogation attempted, in good |
|
faith, to record the individual's refusal but the individual was |
|
unwilling to have the refusal recorded, and the peace officer or |
|
agent contemporaneously, in writing, documented the refusal; |
|
(2) the statement was not made as the result of a |
|
custodial interrogation, including a statement that was made |
|
spontaneously by the accused and not in response to a question by a |
|
peace officer; |
|
(3) the peace officer or agent of the law enforcement |
|
agency conducting the interrogation attempted, in good faith, to |
|
record the interrogation but: |
|
(A) the recording equipment did not function; |
|
(B) the officer or agent inadvertently operated |
|
the equipment incorrectly; or |
|
(C) the equipment malfunctioned or stopped |
|
operating without the knowledge of the officer or agent; |
|
(4) exigent public safety concerns prevented or |
|
rendered infeasible the making of an electronic recording of the |
|
statement; or |
|
(5) the peace officer or agent of the law enforcement |
|
agency conducting the interrogation reasonably believed at the time |
|
the interrogation commenced that the individual being interrogated |
|
was not taken into custody for or being interrogated concerning the |
|
commission of an offense listed in Subsection (a). (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Arts. 2.32(b), (c), (d).) |
|
Art. 2B.0203. PUBLIC DISCLOSURE. A recording of a |
|
custodial interrogation that complies with this subchapter is |
|
exempt from public disclosure as provided by Section 552.108, |
|
Government Code. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.32(e).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. USE OF FORCE |
|
Art. 2B.0251. INTERVENTION REQUIRED FOR EXCESSIVE FORCE; |
|
REPORT REQUIRED. (a) A peace officer has a duty to intervene to |
|
stop or prevent another peace officer from using force against a |
|
person suspected of committing an offense if: |
|
(1) the amount of force exceeds that which is |
|
reasonable under the circumstances; and |
|
(2) the officer knows or should know that the other |
|
officer's use of force: |
|
(A) violates state or federal law; |
|
(B) puts a person at risk of bodily injury, as |
|
defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, and is not immediately |
|
necessary to avoid imminent bodily injury to a peace officer or |
|
other person; and |
|
(C) is not required to apprehend the person |
|
suspected of committing an offense. |
|
(b) A peace officer who witnesses the use of excessive force |
|
by another peace officer shall promptly make a detailed report of |
|
the incident and deliver the report to the supervisor of the peace |
|
officer making the report. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.1387.) |
|
Art. 2B.0252. USE OF NECK RESTRAINTS DURING SEARCH OR |
|
ARREST PROHIBITED. A peace officer may not intentionally use a |
|
choke hold, carotid artery hold, or similar neck restraint in |
|
searching or arresting a person unless the restraint is necessary |
|
to prevent serious bodily injury to or the death of the officer or |
|
another person. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.33, as added Acts 87th |
|
Leg., R.S., Ch. 534.) |
|
Art. 2B.0253. LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICY ON USE OF FORCE BY |
|
DRONE. (a) In this article: |
|
(1) "Drone" means an unmanned aircraft, watercraft, or |
|
ground vehicle or a robotic device that: |
|
(A) is controlled remotely by a human operator; |
|
or |
|
(B) operates autonomously through computer |
|
software or other programming. |
|
(2) "Law enforcement agency" means an agency of the |
|
state or an agency of a political subdivision of the state |
|
authorized by law to employ peace officers. |
|
(b) Each law enforcement agency that uses or intends to use |
|
a drone for law enforcement purposes shall: |
|
(1) adopt a written policy regarding the agency's use |
|
of force by means of a drone, before the agency first uses a drone, |
|
and update the policy as necessary; and |
|
(2) not later than January 1 of each even-numbered |
|
year, submit the policy to the commission in the manner prescribed |
|
by the commission. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.33, as added Acts 87th |
|
Leg., R.S., Ch. 1011.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. DUTY TO REQUEST AND RENDER AID |
|
Art. 2B.0301. DUTY TO REQUEST AND RENDER AID. (a) Except |
|
as provided by Subsection (b), a peace officer who encounters an |
|
injured person while discharging the officer's official duties |
|
shall immediately and as necessary: |
|
(1) request emergency medical services personnel to |
|
provide the person with emergency medical services; and |
|
(2) while waiting for emergency medical services |
|
personnel to arrive, provide first aid or treatment to the person to |
|
the extent of the officer's skill and training. |
|
(b) The peace officer is not required to request emergency |
|
medical services or provide first aid or treatment under Subsection |
|
(a) if: |
|
(1) making the request or providing the treatment |
|
would expose the officer or another person to a risk of bodily |
|
injury; or |
|
(2) the officer is injured and physically unable to |
|
make the request or provide the treatment. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 2.33, as added
Acts 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 979.) |
|
|
|
CHAPTER 13A. VENUE |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Art. 13A.001. VENUE GENERALLY |
|
Art. 13A.002. PLEADING AND PROVING VENUE |
|
Art. 13A.003. WHEN VENUE CANNOT BE DETERMINED |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. VENUE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES |
|
Art. 13A.051. OFFENSE COMMITTED WHOLLY OR PARTLY |
|
OUTSIDE THIS STATE |
|
Art. 13A.052. OFFENSE COMMITTED OUTSIDE THIS STATE BY |
|
PERSON ACTING FOR STATE |
|
Art. 13A.053. OFFENSE COMMITTED ON OR NEAR BOUNDARY |
|
Art. 13A.054. PERSON INJURED IN ONE COUNTY AND DYING |
|
IN ANOTHER |
|
Art. 13A.055. OFFENSE COMMITTED ON VESSEL |
|
Art. 13A.056. CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED AGAINST A |
|
CHILD |
|
Art. 13A.057. VENUE BY CONSENT |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. INCHOATE OFFENSES |
|
Art. 13A.101. CONSPIRACY |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON |
|
Art. 13A.151. TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS, FALSE |
|
IMPRISONMENT, KIDNAPPING, AND |
|
SMUGGLING OF PERSONS |
|
Art. 13A.152. SEXUAL ASSAULT |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. OFFENSES AGAINST THE FAMILY |
|
Art. 13A.201. BIGAMY |
|
Art. 13A.202. CRIMINAL NONSUPPORT |
|
Art. 13A.203. PROTECTIVE ORDER OFFENSES |
|
Art. 13A.204. CONTINUOUS VIOLENCE AGAINST THE FAMILY |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY |
|
Art. 13A.251. THEFT; ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT; CARGO |
|
THEFT |
|
Art. 13A.252. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A VEHICLE |
|
Art. 13A.253. UNAUTHORIZED ACQUISITION OR TRANSFER OF |
|
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
|
Art. 13A.254. FORGERY |
|
Art. 13A.255. CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT CARD ABUSE |
|
Art. 13A.256. HINDERING SECURED CREDITORS |
|
Art. 13A.257. ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT OF AN ATHLETE |
|
Art. 13A.258. MISAPPLICATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY |
|
Art. 13A.259. CERTAIN DECEPTIVE PRACTICES |
|
Art. 13A.260. FRAUDULENT USE OR POSSESSION OF |
|
IDENTIFYING INFORMATION |
|
Art. 13A.261. FRAUDULENT, SUBSTANDARD, OR FICTITIOUS |
|
DEGREE |
|
Art. 13A.262. MORTGAGE FRAUD |
|
Art. 13A.263. COMPUTER OFFENSES |
|
Art. 13A.264. TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFENSES |
|
Art. 13A.265. MONEY LAUNDERING |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION |
|
Art. 13A.301. OBSTRUCTION OR RETALIATION |
|
Art. 13A.302. PERJURY |
|
Art. 13A.303. RECORD OF A FRAUDULENT COURT |
|
Art. 13A.304. ESCAPE; UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE |
|
SUBCHAPTER H. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY |
|
Art. 13A.451. FALSE REPORT TO INDUCE EMERGENCY |
|
RESPONSE |
|
SUBCHAPTER I. ORGANIZED CRIME |
|
Art. 13A.501. ENGAGING IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY |
|
SUBCHAPTER J. OFFENSES OUTSIDE PENAL CODE |
|
Art. 13A.551. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SEX OFFENDER |
|
REGISTRATION STATUTE |
|
Art. 13A.552. CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED AGAINST CHILD |
|
COMMITTED TO TEXAS JUVENILE JUSTICE |
|
DEPARTMENT |
|
Art. 13A.553. POSSESSION AND DELIVERY OF MARIHUANA |
|
Art. 13A.554. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SEXUALLY VIOLENT |
|
PREDATOR CIVIL COMMITMENT REQUIREMENT |
|
CHAPTER 13A. VENUE |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Art. 13A.001. VENUE GENERALLY. If venue is not |
|
specifically stated for an offense, the offense may be prosecuted |
|
in the county in which the offense was committed. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 13.18.) |
|
Art. 13A.002. PLEADING AND PROVING VENUE. (a) In each case |
|
described by this chapter, the indictment or information or any |
|
other pleading may allege that the offense was committed in the |
|
county in which the prosecution is conducted. |
|
(b) An allegation of venue under this article may be |
|
sustained if the attorney representing the state proves by a |
|
preponderance of the evidence that, based on the facts in the case, |
|
the county in which the prosecution is conducted has venue. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 13.17.) |
|
Art. 13A.003. WHEN VENUE CANNOT BE DETERMINED. If an |
|
offense has been committed in this state and the county in which the |
|
offense was committed cannot be readily determined, the offense may |
|
be prosecuted in the county: |
|
(1) in which the defendant resides; |
|
(2) in which the defendant is apprehended; or |
|
(3) to which the defendant is extradited. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 13.19.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. VENUE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES |
|
Art. 13A.051. OFFENSE COMMITTED WHOLLY OR PARTLY OUTSIDE |
|
THIS STATE. (a) An offense committed wholly or partly outside this |
|
state under circumstances that give this state jurisdiction to |
|
prosecute the defendant may be prosecuted in any county in which: |
|
(1) the defendant is found; or |
|
(2) an element of the offense occurs. |
|
(b) Criminal homicide committed wholly or partly outside |
|
this state under circumstances that give this state jurisdiction to |
|
prosecute the defendant may be prosecuted in the county in which: |
|
(1) the injury was inflicted; |
|
(2) the defendant was located when the defendant |
|
inflicted the injury; or |
|
(3) the victim died or the victim's body was found. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 13.01, 13.05.) |
|
Art. 13A.052. OFFENSE COMMITTED OUTSIDE THIS STATE BY |
|
PERSON ACTING FOR STATE. An offense committed outside this state by |
|
any officer acting under the authority of this state under |
|
circumstances that give this state jurisdiction to prosecute the |
|
defendant may be prosecuted in: |
|
(1) the county in which the defendant resides; or |
|
(2) if a nonresident of this state, Travis County. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.10.) |
|
Art. 13A.053. OFFENSE COMMITTED ON OR NEAR BOUNDARY. (a) |
|
An offense committed on or within 400 yards of the boundaries of two |
|
or more counties may be prosecuted in any one of those counties. |
|
(b) An offense committed on the premises of an airport |
|
operated jointly by two municipalities and located in two counties |
|
may be prosecuted in either county. |
|
(c) An offense punishable by fine only committed on or near |
|
the boundary of contiguous municipalities that have entered into an |
|
agreement authorized by Article 4.14(f) of this code and Section |
|
29.003(h), Government Code, may be prosecuted in either of those |
|
municipalities as provided in the agreement. |
|
(d) An offense committed on a river or stream forming the |
|
boundary of this state may be prosecuted in the county: |
|
(1) the boundary of which is on the river or stream; |
|
and |
|
(2) the county seat of which is nearest the place where |
|
the offense was committed. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 13.04, 13.045, |
|
13.06.) |
|
Art. 13A.054. PERSON INJURED IN ONE COUNTY AND DYING IN |
|
ANOTHER. An offense in which a person is injured in one county and, |
|
as a result of the injury, dies in another county, may be prosecuted |
|
in the county in which: |
|
(1) the injury was received; |
|
(2) the death occurred; or |
|
(3) the person's body is found. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 13.07.) |
|
Art. 13A.055. OFFENSE COMMITTED ON VESSEL. An offense |
|
committed on board a vessel that at the time of the offense is on a |
|
navigable water in the boundaries of this State may be prosecuted |
|
in: |
|
(1) any county through which the vessel is navigated |
|
in the course of the voyage; or |
|
(2) the county in which the voyage commences or |
|
terminates. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.11.) |
|
Art. 13A.056. CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED AGAINST A CHILD. |
|
An offense under Title 5, Penal Code, involving a victim younger |
|
than 18 years of age, or an offense under Section 25.03, Penal Code, |
|
that results in bodily injury to a child younger than 18 years of |
|
age, may be prosecuted in the county in which: |
|
(1) an element of the offense was committed; |
|
(2) the defendant is apprehended; |
|
(3) the victim resides; or |
|
(4) the defendant resides. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
13.075.) |
|
Art. 13A.057. VENUE BY CONSENT. With the consent of the |
|
defendant in writing, the defendant's attorney, and the attorney |
|
representing the state, the trial of a felony case without a jury |
|
may be held in any county in a judicial district for the county in |
|
which venue is otherwise authorized by law. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
13.20.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. INCHOATE OFFENSES |
|
Art. 13A.101. CONSPIRACY. (a) Criminal conspiracy may be |
|
prosecuted in any county in which: |
|
(1) the conspiracy was entered into; |
|
(2) the conspiracy was agreed to be executed; or |
|
(3) one or more of the conspirators acts to effect an |
|
object of the conspiracy. |
|
(b) If an object of a criminal conspiracy is an offense |
|
classified as a felony under the Tax Code, the conspiracy may be |
|
prosecuted in any county in which venue is proper under the Tax Code |
|
for the offense, regardless of whether the offense was committed. |
|
(c) If a criminal conspiracy was entered into outside this |
|
state under circumstances that give this state jurisdiction to |
|
prosecute the defendant, the conspiracy may be prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which the conspiracy was agreed to be |
|
executed; |
|
(2) any county in which any of the conspirators were |
|
found; or |
|
(3) Travis County. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.13.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON |
|
Art. 13A.151. TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS, FALSE IMPRISONMENT, |
|
KIDNAPPING, AND SMUGGLING OF PERSONS. Trafficking of persons, |
|
false imprisonment, kidnapping, or smuggling of persons may be |
|
prosecuted in any county: |
|
(1) in which the offense was committed; or |
|
(2) through, into, or out of which the victim may have |
|
been taken. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.12.) |
|
Art. 13A.152. SEXUAL ASSAULT. Sexual assault may be |
|
prosecuted in any county: |
|
(1) in which the offense was committed; or |
|
(2) in which the victim was abducted, if applicable, |
|
or through or into which the victim was transported in the course of |
|
the abduction and sexual assault. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.15 |
|
(part).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. OFFENSES AGAINST THE FAMILY |
|
Art. 13A.201. BIGAMY. Bigamy may be prosecuted in any |
|
county in which: |
|
(1) the bigamous marriage occurred; |
|
(2) the parties to the bigamous marriage live together |
|
as spouses; or |
|
(3) a party to the bigamous marriage not charged with |
|
the offense resides. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.14.) |
|
Art. 13A.202. CRIMINAL NONSUPPORT. Criminal nonsupport may |
|
be prosecuted in the county in which the person for whom support is |
|
not provided resides at the time the information or indictment is |
|
presented. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.16.) |
|
Art. 13A.203. PROTECTIVE ORDER OFFENSES. An offense under |
|
Section 25.07 or 25.072, Penal Code, may be prosecuted in any county |
|
in which: |
|
(1) the protective order was issued; or |
|
(2) the offense was committed, without regard to the |
|
identity or location of the court that issued the protective order. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.38.) |
|
Art. 13A.204. CONTINUOUS VIOLENCE AGAINST THE FAMILY. An |
|
offense under Section 25.11, Penal Code, may be prosecuted in any |
|
county in which the defendant engaged in the conduct constituting |
|
an offense under Section 22.01(a)(1), Penal Code, against a person |
|
described by Section 25.11(a), Penal Code. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
13.072.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY |
|
Art. 13A.251. THEFT; ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT; CARGO THEFT. |
|
(a) An offense involving property that is stolen in one county and |
|
removed to another county may be prosecuted in any county: |
|
(1) in which the property was stolen; or |
|
(2) through or into which the property was removed. |
|
(b) An offense under Section 31.16 or 31.18, Penal Code, may |
|
be prosecuted in any county in which an underlying theft could have |
|
been prosecuted as a separate offense. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
13.08.) |
|
Art. 13A.252. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A VEHICLE. Unauthorized |
|
use of a vehicle may be prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which the unauthorized use of the |
|
vehicle occurred; or |
|
(2) the county in which the vehicle was originally |
|
reported stolen. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.23.) |
|
Art. 13A.253. UNAUTHORIZED ACQUISITION OR TRANSFER OF |
|
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION. An offense under Section 31.17, |
|
Penal Code, may be prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which the offense was committed; or |
|
(2) the county in which the victim resides. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 13.295.) |
|
Art. 13A.254. FORGERY. Forgery may be prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which the writing was: |
|
(A) forged; |
|
(B) used or passed or attempted to be used or |
|
passed; or |
|
(C) deposited or placed with another person, |
|
firm, association, or corporation for collection or credit for the |
|
account of any person, firm, association, or corporation; or |
|
(2) if the forging and the uttering, using, or passing |
|
of a forged instrument in writing concerns or affects the title to |
|
real property in this state, a county in which any part of the |
|
property is located. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.02.) |
|
Art. 13A.255. CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT CARD ABUSE. An offense |
|
under Section 32.31, Penal Code, may be prosecuted in any county in |
|
which: |
|
(1) the offense was committed; or |
|
(2) any person whose credit card or debit card was |
|
unlawfully possessed or used resides. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
13.291.) |
|
Art. 13A.256. HINDERING SECURED CREDITORS. An offense |
|
involving secured property that is taken from one county and |
|
unlawfully disposed of in another county or state may be prosecuted |
|
in the county: |
|
(1) in which the secured property was disposed of; |
|
(2) from which the secured property was removed; or |
|
(3) in which the security agreement is filed. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 13.09.) |
|
Art. 13A.257. ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT OF AN ATHLETE. Illegal |
|
recruitment of an athlete may be prosecuted in any county in which: |
|
(1) the offense was committed; or |
|
(2) is located the institution of higher education in |
|
which the athlete agreed or was influenced to enroll. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 13.24.) |
|
Art. 13A.258. MISAPPLICATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY. (a) |
|
Except as provided by Subsection (b), an offense involving the |
|
misapplication of property held as a fiduciary or property of a |
|
financial institution in one county and the removal of that |
|
property to another county may be prosecuted in any county: |
|
(1) in which the property was misapplied; |
|
(2) through or into which the property was removed; or |
|
(3) in which the fiduciary was appointed to serve, if |
|
applicable. |
|
(b) An offense related to misapplication of construction |
|
trust funds under Chapter 162, Property Code, must be prosecuted in |
|
the county in which the construction project is located. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 13.32.) |
|
Art. 13A.259. CERTAIN DECEPTIVE PRACTICES. An offense |
|
under Section 32.46, 32.48, or 32.49, Penal Code, may be prosecuted |
|
in any county: |
|
(1) from which any material document was sent; or |
|
(2) in which any material document was delivered. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.27 (part).) |
|
Art. 13A.260. FRAUDULENT USE OR POSSESSION OF IDENTIFYING |
|
INFORMATION. An offense under Section 32.51, Penal Code, may be |
|
prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which the offense was committed; or |
|
(2) the county in which the victim resides. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 13.29.) |
|
Art. 13A.261. FRAUDULENT, SUBSTANDARD, OR FICTITIOUS |
|
DEGREE. An offense under Section 32.52, Penal Code, may be |
|
prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which an element of the offense |
|
occurs; or |
|
(2) Travis County. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.30.) |
|
Art. 13A.262. MORTGAGE FRAUD. (a) In this article, "real |
|
estate transaction" means a sale, lease, trade, exchange, gift, |
|
grant, or other conveyance of a real property interest. |
|
(b) Any offense under Chapter 32, Penal Code, that involves |
|
a real estate transaction may be prosecuted in: |
|
(1) the county in which the property is located; |
|
(2) any county in which part of the transaction |
|
occurred, including the generation of documentation supporting the |
|
transaction; or |
|
(3) if the offense is an offense under Section 32.46, |
|
32.48, or 32.49, Penal Code, any county described by Subdivision |
|
(1) or (2) or authorized by Article 13A.259. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 13.271.) |
|
Art. 13A.263. COMPUTER OFFENSES. (a) In this article, |
|
"access," "computer," "computer network," "computer program," |
|
"computer system," and "owner" have the meanings assigned by |
|
Section 33.01, Penal Code. |
|
(b) An offense under Chapter 33, Penal Code, may be |
|
prosecuted in any county: |
|
(1) that is the principal place of business of the |
|
owner or lessee of a computer, computer network, or computer system |
|
involved in the offense; |
|
(2) in which a defendant had control or possession of: |
|
(A) any proceeds of the offense; or |
|
(B) any books, records, documents, property, |
|
negotiable instruments, computer programs, or other material used |
|
in furtherance of the offense; |
|
(3) from which, to which, or through which access to a |
|
computer, computer network, computer program, or computer system |
|
was made in violation of Chapter 33, Penal Code, whether by wires, |
|
electromagnetic waves, microwaves, or any other means of |
|
communication; or |
|
(4) in which an individual who is a victim of the |
|
offense resides. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.25.) |
|
Art. 13A.264. TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFENSES. An offense |
|
under Chapter 33A, Penal Code, may be prosecuted in any county: |
|
(1) in which the telecommunications service |
|
originated or terminated; or |
|
(2) to which the bill for the telecommunications |
|
service was or would have been delivered. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
13.26.) |
|
Art. 13A.265. MONEY LAUNDERING. Money laundering may be |
|
prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which the offense was committed; or |
|
(2) if the prosecution is based on an offense |
|
classified as a felony under the Tax Code, any county in which venue |
|
is proper under the Tax Code for the offense. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 13.35.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION |
|
Art. 13A.301. OBSTRUCTION OR RETALIATION. An offense under |
|
Section 36.06(a)(1), Penal Code, may be prosecuted in any county in |
|
which: |
|
(1) the harm occurs; or |
|
(2) the threat to do harm originated or was received. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.37.) |
|
Art. 13A.302. PERJURY. Perjury or aggravated perjury may |
|
be prosecuted in any county in which: |
|
(1) the offense was committed; or |
|
(2) the false statement is used or attempted to be |
|
used. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.03.) |
|
Art. 13A.303. RECORD OF A FRAUDULENT COURT. An offense |
|
under Section 37.13, Penal Code, may be prosecuted in any county: |
|
(1) from which any material document was sent; or |
|
(2) in which any material document was delivered. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.27 (part).) |
|
Art. 13A.304. ESCAPE; UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE. An offense |
|
under Section 38.06 or 38.113, Penal Code, may be prosecuted in any |
|
county in which: |
|
(1) the offense was committed; or |
|
(2) the defendant committed the offense for which the |
|
defendant was placed in custody, detained, or required to submit to |
|
treatment. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.28.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER H. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY |
|
Art. 13A.451. FALSE REPORT TO INDUCE EMERGENCY RESPONSE. |
|
An offense under Section 42.0601, Penal Code, may be prosecuted in |
|
any county in which: |
|
(1) the defendant resides; |
|
(2) the false report was made; or |
|
(3) a law enforcement agency or other emergency |
|
responder responded to the false report. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
13.40.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER I. ORGANIZED CRIME |
|
Art. 13A.501. ENGAGING IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. |
|
Engaging in organized criminal activity may be prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which an act is committed to effect |
|
an objective of the combination; or |
|
(2) if the prosecution is based on an offense |
|
classified as a felony under the Tax Code, any county in which venue |
|
is proper under the Tax Code for the offense. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 13.21.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER J. OFFENSES OUTSIDE PENAL CODE |
|
Art. 13A.551. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SEX OFFENDER |
|
REGISTRATION STATUTE. An offense under Chapter 62 may be |
|
prosecuted in any county in which: |
|
(1) an element of the offense occurs; |
|
(2) the defendant last registered, verified |
|
registration, or otherwise complied with a requirement under |
|
Chapter 62; |
|
(3) the defendant has indicated that the defendant |
|
intends to reside, regardless of whether the defendant establishes |
|
or attempts to establish residency in that county; |
|
(4) the defendant is placed under custodial arrest for |
|
an offense subsequent to the defendant's most recent reportable |
|
conviction or adjudication under Chapter 62; or |
|
(5) the defendant resides or is found by a peace |
|
officer, regardless of how long the defendant has been in the county |
|
or intends to stay in the county. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.31.) |
|
Art. 13A.552. CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED AGAINST CHILD |
|
COMMITTED TO TEXAS JUVENILE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT. An offense |
|
described by Article 104.003(a) committed by an employee or officer |
|
of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or a person providing |
|
services under a contract with the department against a child |
|
committed to the department may be prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which an element of the offense |
|
occurred; or |
|
(2) Travis County. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.34.) |
|
Art. 13A.553. POSSESSION AND DELIVERY OF MARIHUANA. |
|
Possession or delivery of marihuana may be prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which the offense was committed; or |
|
(2) with the consent of the defendant, any county that |
|
is adjacent to and in the same judicial district as any county in |
|
which the offense was committed. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.22.) |
|
Art. 13A.554. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SEXUALLY VIOLENT |
|
PREDATOR CIVIL COMMITMENT REQUIREMENT. An offense under Section |
|
841.085, Health and Safety Code, may be prosecuted in: |
|
(1) any county in which an element of the offense |
|
occurs; or |
|
(2) the court that retains jurisdiction over the civil |
|
commitment proceeding under Section 841.082, Health and Safety Code. (Code Crim.
Proc., Art. 13.315.) |
|
|
|
CHAPTER 31A. CHANGE OF VENUE |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. AUTHORITY TO CHANGE VENUE |
|
Art. 31A.001. CHANGE OF VENUE ON JUDGE'S OWN MOTION |
|
Art. 31A.002. COURT REQUIRED TO CHANGE VENUE IN |
|
CERTAIN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES |
|
Art. 31A.003. CHANGE OF VENUE ON STATE'S MOTION |
|
Art. 31A.004. CHANGE OF VENUE ON DEFENDANT'S MOTION |
|
Art. 31A.005. CONTESTING MOTION TO CHANGE VENUE; |
|
HEARING |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. ON CHANGE OF VENUE |
|
Art. 31A.051. CLERK'S DUTIES ON CHANGE OF VENUE |
|
Art. 31A.052. USE OF SERVICES OF ORIGINAL VENUE |
|
Art. 31A.053. REMOVAL OF DEFENDANT IN CUSTODY |
|
Art. 31A.054. NO EFFECT ON SUBPOENA, ATTACHMENT, OR |
|
BAIL OF WITNESSES |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. RETURNING VENUE AFTER TRIAL |
|
Art. 31A.151. RETURN TO COUNTY IN WHICH INDICTMENT OR |
|
INFORMATION FILED; SUBSEQUENT |
|
PROCEEDINGS |
|
Art. 31A.152. CLERK'S DUTIES ON RETURN TO COUNTY IN |
|
WHICH INDICTMENT OR INFORMATION FILED |
|
CHAPTER 31A. CHANGE OF VENUE |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. AUTHORITY TO CHANGE VENUE |
|
Art. 31A.001. CHANGE OF VENUE ON JUDGE'S OWN MOTION. (a) |
|
In a felony or misdemeanor case punishable by confinement, if the |
|
judge is satisfied that a fair and impartial trial cannot be held |
|
for any reason in the county in which the case is pending, the judge |
|
may on the judge's own motion, after providing reasonable notice to |
|
the defendant and the state and hearing evidence on the motion, |
|
order a change of venue to: |
|
(1) any county in the same judicial district as the |
|
county in which the case is pending or in an adjoining judicial |
|
district; or |
|
(2) any county not described by Subdivision (1), after |
|
10 days' notice is provided. |
|
(b) An order changing venue under Subsection (a) must state |
|
the grounds for the change of venue. |
|
(c) An order changing venue under Subsection (a)(2) is |
|
grounds for reversal if, on timely contest by the defendant, the |
|
record of the contest affirmatively shows that any county described |
|
by Subsection (a)(1) is not subject to the same conditions that |
|
required the change of venue. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 31.01.) |
|
Art. 31A.002. COURT REQUIRED TO CHANGE VENUE IN CERTAIN |
|
SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES. In a sexual assault case, a district court |
|
shall order a change of venue when necessary to secure a speedy |
|
trial. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 13.15 (part).) |
|
Art. 31A.003. CHANGE OF VENUE ON STATE'S MOTION. (a) In a |
|
felony or misdemeanor case punishable by confinement, the attorney |
|
representing the state may file a written motion requesting a |
|
change of venue on the basis that: |
|
(1) a fair and impartial trial cannot be safely and |
|
speedily held because of: |
|
(A) existing combinations or influences in favor |
|
of the defendant; or |
|
(B) the lawless condition of affairs in the |
|
county; or |
|
(2) the life of the prisoner or of any witness would be |
|
jeopardized by a trial in the county in which the case is pending. |
|
(b) On receipt of a motion filed under Subsection (a), the |
|
judge shall: |
|
(1) hear evidence on the motion; and |
|
(2) if the judge is satisfied that the motion is |
|
sufficiently supported and that justice will be served by granting |
|
the motion, order a change of venue to any county in the judicial |
|
district in which the case is pending or in an adjoining judicial |
|
district. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 31.02.) |
|
Art. 31A.004. CHANGE OF VENUE ON DEFENDANT'S MOTION. (a) |
|
In a felony or misdemeanor case punishable by confinement, the |
|
court may grant a change of venue on the written motion of the |
|
defendant, supported by the defendant's affidavit and the affidavit |
|
of at least two credible persons who are residents of the county in |
|
which the prosecution is commenced, if the court determines that |
|
the defendant cannot obtain a fair and impartial trial in the county |
|
in which the prosecution is commenced as a result of: |
|
(1) a prejudice against the defendant in the county; |
|
or |
|
(2) a dangerous combination against the defendant in |
|
the county instigated by influential persons. |
|
(b) An order changing venue under Subsection (a) to a county |
|
other than a county in the same judicial district as the county in |
|
which the case is pending or in an adjoining judicial district is |
|
grounds for reversal, if on timely contest by the defendant, the |
|
record of the contest affirmatively shows that any county in the |
|
judicial district in which the case is pending or in the adjoining |
|
judicial district is not subject to the same conditions that |
|
required the change of venue. |
|
(c) On the defendant's motion and with the consent of the |
|
attorney representing the state, the court may transfer the case to |
|
another judicial district: |
|
(1) for the convenience of the parties and witnesses |
|
and in the interest of justice; or |
|
(2) if the defendant stipulates that the defendant |
|
will enter a plea of guilty. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 31.03.) |
|
Art. 31A.005. CONTESTING MOTION TO CHANGE VENUE; HEARING. |
|
(a) The credibility or the means of knowledge of a person making an |
|
affidavit for change of venue may be attacked by the affidavit of a |
|
credible person. |
|
(b) If an affidavit is filed to contest an affidavit for |
|
change of venue as provided by Subsection (a), the judge shall hold |
|
a hearing on the issue and grant or refuse the motion based on the |
|
law and facts in the case. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 31.04.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. ON CHANGE OF VENUE |
|
Art. 31A.051. CLERK'S DUTIES ON CHANGE OF VENUE. If a court |
|
orders a change of venue in a criminal case, the clerk of the court |
|
in which the prosecution is pending shall prepare and transmit to |
|
the clerk of the court to which the venue is changed: |
|
(1) a certified copy of the court's order directing the |
|
change of venue; |
|
(2) a certified copy of the defendant's bail bond or |
|
personal bond, if any; |
|
(3) the original papers in the case; and |
|
(4) a certificate of the transmitting clerk under that |
|
clerk's official seal that the papers described by Subdivision (3) |
|
are all the papers on file in the case in the court in which the |
|
prosecution is pending. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 31.05.) |
|
Art. 31A.052. USE OF SERVICES OF ORIGINAL VENUE. (a) A |
|
judge ordering a change of venue under this chapter may, with the |
|
written consent of the defendant, the defendant's attorney, and the |
|
attorney representing the state: |
|
(1) maintain the original case number on the court's |
|
docket; |
|
(2) preside over the case; and |
|
(3) use the services of the court reporter, the court |
|
coordinator, and the clerk of the court of original venue. |
|
(b) If a judge takes the actions described by Subsection |
|
(a): |
|
(1) the court shall use the courtroom facilities and |
|
any other services or facilities of the judicial district or county |
|
to which venue is changed; |
|
(2) the jury, if required, must consist of residents |
|
of the judicial district or county to which venue is changed; and |
|
(3) notwithstanding Article 31A.051, the clerk of the |
|
court of original venue shall: |
|
(A) maintain the original papers of the case, |
|
including the defendant's bail bond or personal bond, if any; |
|
(B) make the papers described by Paragraph (A) |
|
available for trial; and |
|
(C) act as the clerk in the case. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 31.09.) |
|
Art. 31A.053. REMOVAL OF DEFENDANT IN CUSTODY. If the |
|
defendant is in custody when venue is changed in a criminal case: |
|
(1) an order shall be entered for: |
|
(A) the defendant's removal to the county to |
|
which the venue is changed; and |
|
(B) the defendant's delivery to the sheriff of |
|
the county to which the venue is changed before the next succeeding |
|
term of the court of that county; and |
|
(2) the sheriff with custody of the defendant shall |
|
deliver the defendant as directed in the order described by |
|
Subdivision (1). (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 31.06.) |
|
Art. 31A.054. NO EFFECT ON SUBPOENA, ATTACHMENT, OR BAIL OF |
|
WITNESSES. When venue is changed in a criminal case, any witness |
|
who has been subpoenaed, attached, or bailed to appear and testify |
|
in the case: |
|
(1) is not required to be again subpoenaed, attached, |
|
or bailed; and |
|
(2) shall appear before the court to which venue has |
|
been changed as if there had been no change of venue. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 31.07.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. RETURNING VENUE AFTER TRIAL |
|
Art. 31A.151. RETURN TO COUNTY IN WHICH INDICTMENT OR |
|
INFORMATION FILED; SUBSEQUENT PROCEEDINGS. (a) On the completion |
|
of a trial in which a change of venue has been ordered and, if |
|
applicable, after the jury has been discharged, the court, with the |
|
consent of counsel for the state and the defendant, may return the |
|
case to the county in which the indictment or information was filed. |
|
Except as provided by Subsection (b), all subsequent and ancillary |
|
proceedings, including the pronouncement of sentence after appeals |
|
have been exhausted, must be heard in the county in which the |
|
indictment or information was filed. |
|
(b) A motion for new trial alleging jury misconduct must be |
|
heard in the county in which the case was tried. The county in which |
|
the indictment or information was filed must pay the costs of the |
|
prosecution of the motion. |
|
(c) Except for the review of a death sentence under Section |
|
2(h), Article 37.071, or under Section 2(h), Article 37.072, an |
|
appeal taken in a case returned under this article to the county in |
|
which the indictment or information was filed must be docketed in |
|
the appellate district in which that county is located. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 31.08, Secs. 1, 3.) |
|
Art. 31A.152. CLERK'S DUTIES ON RETURN TO COUNTY IN WHICH |
|
INDICTMENT OR INFORMATION FILED. (a) Except as provided by |
|
Subsection (b), on an order returning a case to the county in which |
|
the indictment or information was filed as provided by Article |
|
31A.151, the clerk of the county in which the case was tried shall: |
|
(1) make a certified copy of: |
|
(A) the court's order directing the return; and |
|
(B) the defendant's bail bond, personal bond, or |
|
appeal bond, if any; |
|
(2) gather the original papers in the case and certify |
|
under official seal that the papers are all the original papers on |
|
file in the court in which the case was tried; and |
|
(3) transmit the items described by Subdivisions (1) |
|
and (2) to the clerk of the court in which the indictment or |
|
information was filed. |
|
(b) This article does not apply to a proceeding in which the |
|
clerk of the court in which the indictment or information was filed |
|
was present and performed the duties as clerk for the court under Article 31A.052.
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 31.08, Sec. 2.) |
|
|
|
CHAPTER 45A. JUSTICE AND MUNICIPAL COURTS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Art. 45A.001. CHAPTER PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES |
|
Art. 45A.002. DEFINITIONS |
|
Art. 45A.003. APPLICABILITY |
|
Art. 45A.004. RULES OF EVIDENCE |
|
Art. 45A.005. PROSECUTING ATTORNEY |
|
Art. 45A.006. GENERAL DUTIES OF MUNICIPAL ATTORNEYS |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. COURT RECORDS |
|
Art. 45A.051. ELECTRONIC RECORDS |
|
Art. 45A.052. COURT SEAL |
|
Art. 45A.053. DOCKET |
|
Art. 45A.054. FILING BY MAIL |
|
Art. 45A.055. CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS RELATED TO |
|
FINE-ONLY MISDEMEANORS |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. PRETRIAL PROCEEDINGS |
|
Art. 45A.101. COMPLAINT |
|
Art. 45A.102. OBJECTION TO CHARGING INSTRUMENT |
|
Art. 45A.103. SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR MUNICIPAL COURT |
|
Art. 45A.104. ARREST WARRANT |
|
Art. 45A.105. ARREST WARRANT WITHOUT COMPLAINT |
|
Art. 45A.106. DEFENDANT PLACED IN JAIL |
|
Art. 45A.107. BAIL |
|
Art. 45A.108. FELONY OFFENSE COMMITTED IN ANOTHER |
|
COUNTY |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. TRIAL |
|
Art. 45A.151. DEFENDANT'S PLEA |
|
Art. 45A.152. DEFENDANT'S REFUSAL TO PLEAD |
|
Art. 45A.153. PLEA OF GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE |
|
GENERALLY |
|
Art. 45A.154. PLEA OF GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE BY |
|
DEFENDANT IN JAIL |
|
Art. 45A.155. JURY WAIVER |
|
Art. 45A.156. JURY SUMMONED |
|
Art. 45A.157. FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR JURY TRIAL |
|
Art. 45A.158. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING STATE NOT PRESENT |
|
FOR TRIAL |
|
Art. 45A.159. JURY SELECTION AND FORMATION |
|
Art. 45A.160. DEFENDANT'S RIGHT TO ATTORNEY |
|
Art. 45A.161. ORDER OF ARGUMENT |
|
Art. 45A.162. DIRECTED VERDICT |
|
Art. 45A.163. JURY CHARGE |
|
Art. 45A.164. JURY KEPT TOGETHER DURING DELIBERATION |
|
Art. 45A.165. MISTRIAL |
|
Art. 45A.166. VERDICT |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. NEW TRIAL AND APPEAL |
|
Art. 45A.201. NEW TRIAL |
|
Art. 45A.202. APPEAL |
|
Art. 45A.203. APPEAL BOND |
|
Art. 45A.204. EFFECT OF APPEAL |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. JUDGMENT, FINES, AND COSTS |
|
Art. 45A.251. JUDGMENT |
|
Art. 45A.252. SUFFICIENCY OF RESOURCES TO PAY FINES OR |
|
COSTS |
|
Art. 45A.253. DISCHARGING FINES OR COSTS |
|
Art. 45A.254. COMMUNITY SERVICE TO SATISFY FINES OR |
|
COSTS |
|
Art. 45A.255. COMMUNITY SERVICE IN CERTAIN CASES |
|
INVOLVING DEFERRED DISPOSITION |
|
Art. 45A.256. FORFEITURE OF CASH BOND TO SATISFY FINES |
|
AND COSTS; MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL |
|
Art. 45A.257. WAIVER OF PAYMENT OF FINES AND COSTS |
|
Art. 45A.258. RECONSIDERATION OF SATISFACTION OF FINES |
|
OR COSTS |
|
Art. 45A.259. CAPIAS PRO FINE |
|
Art. 45A.260. APPEARANCE BY TELEPHONE OR |
|
VIDEOCONFERENCE |
|
Art. 45A.261. COMMITMENT |
|
Art. 45A.262. DISCHARGED FROM JAIL |
|
Art. 45A.263. CIVIL COLLECTION OF FINES AND COSTS |
|
AFTER JUDGMENT |
|
Art. 45A.264. COLLECTION OF FINES AND COSTS BY |
|
MUNICIPALITY |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. DEFERRED DISPOSITION |
|
Art. 45A.301. APPLICABILITY |
|
Art. 45A.302. DEFERRED DISPOSITION |
|
Art. 45A.303. DEFERRED DISPOSITION REQUIREMENTS |
|
Art. 45A.304. DEFERRED DISPOSITION REQUIREMENTS: |
|
MOVING VIOLATION COMMITTED BY YOUNG |
|
DEFENDANT |
|
Art. 45A.305. DISMISSAL OF COMPLAINT ON COMPLIANCE |
|
WITH JUDICIAL REQUIREMENTS |
|
Art. 45A.306. SHOW CAUSE HEARING ON FAILURE TO COMPLY |
|
WITH JUDICIAL REQUIREMENTS |
|
Art. 45A.307. JUDICIAL ACTIONS ON SHOW CAUSE HEARING |
|
SUBCHAPTER H. DRIVING SAFETY OR MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR COURSE |
|
DISMISSAL |
|
Art. 45A.351. APPLICABILITY |
|
Art. 45A.352. DRIVING SAFETY OR MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR |
|
TRAINING COURSE COMPLETION |
|
Art. 45A.353. CERTAIN DEFENDANTS ENTITLED TO COMPLETE |
|
DRIVING SAFETY OR MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR |
|
TRAINING COURSE |
|
Art. 45A.354. CONTENT OF NOTICE TO APPEAR |
|
Art. 45A.355. EXTENSION FOR GOOD CAUSE |
|
Art. 45A.356. JUDICIAL ACTIONS FOLLOWING PLEA; SHOW |
|
CAUSE HEARING |
|
Art. 45A.357. EFFECT OF DISMISSAL OR COURSE COMPLETION |
|
Art. 45A.358. ADDITIONAL FINES AND FEES RELATING TO |
|
COURSE REQUEST |
|
Art. 45A.359. DRIVING RECORD RETRIEVAL AND RELATED FEE |
|
SUBCHAPTER I. OTHER DISMISSALS |
|
Art. 45A.401. DISMISSAL OF MISDEMEANOR CHARGE ON |
|
COMPLETION OF TEEN COURT PROGRAM |
|
Art. 45A.402. DISMISSAL OF COMPLAINT ON COMMITMENT OF |
|
PERSON WITH CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY |
|
Art. 45A.403. DISMISSAL OF PARENT CONTRIBUTING TO |
|
NONATTENDANCE CHARGE |
|
SUBCHAPTER J. CASES INVOLVING JUVENILES |
|
Art. 45A.451. JUVENILE CASE MANAGERS |
|
Art. 45A.452. PLEA; APPEARANCE BY DEFENDANT AND PARENT |
|
Art. 45A.453. CHILD TAKEN INTO CUSTODY |
|
Art. 45A.454. CONDUCT ALLEGED ON SCHOOL PROPERTY |
|
Art. 45A.455. CHILD TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOR VIOLATION |
|
OF JUVENILE CURFEW OR ORDER |
|
Art. 45A.456. CONTINUING OBLIGATION TO APPEAR FOR |
|
UNADJUDICATED CHILD, NOW ADULT; |
|
OFFENSE |
|
Art. 45A.457. FINDING THAT OFFENSE COMMITTED |
|
Art. 45A.458. FINDING OF ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF |
|
CERTAIN VISUAL MATERIAL DEPICTING |
|
MINOR |
|
Art. 45A.459. COMMUNITY SERVICE TO SATISFY FINES OR |
|
COSTS FOR CERTAIN JUVENILE DEFENDANTS |
|
Art. 45A.460. COMMUNITY SERVICE TO SATISFY FINES OR |
|
COSTS FOR CERTAIN JUVENILE DEFENDANTS |
|
FOR OFFENSES ON SCHOOL GROUNDS |
|
Art. 45A.461. FAILURE TO PAY FINE OR APPEAR |
|
Art. 45A.462. CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS RELATED TO CERTAIN |
|
CHARGES AGAINST OR CONVICTIONS OF |
|
CHILD |
|
Art. 45A.463. EXPUNCTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS OF CHILD |
|
OR MINOR |
|
Art. 45A.464. EXPUNCTION OF RECORDS RELATED TO FAILURE |
|
TO ATTEND SCHOOL |
|
CHAPTER 45A. JUSTICE AND MUNICIPAL COURTS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
|
Art. 45A.001. CHAPTER PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES. (a) The |
|
purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures for processing |
|
cases under the criminal jurisdiction of the justice and municipal |
|
courts. |
|
(b) This chapter is intended and shall be construed to |
|
achieve the following objectives: |
|
(1) to provide fair notice and a meaningful |
|
opportunity to be heard to a person appearing in a criminal |
|
proceeding in a justice or municipal court; |
|
(2) to ensure appropriate dignity in court procedure |
|
without undue formalism; |
|
(3) to promote adherence to rules with sufficient |
|
flexibility to serve the ends of justice; and |
|
(4) to process cases without unnecessary expense or |
|
delay. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.001.) |
|
Art. 45A.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: |
|
(1) "Complaint" means a sworn allegation charging an |
|
accused person with the commission of an offense. |
|
(2) "Cost" includes any fee, including a reimbursement |
|
fee, imposed on a defendant by a justice or judge, unless the |
|
context clearly indicates otherwise. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. |
|
45.004, 45.018(a).) |
|
Art. 45A.003. APPLICABILITY. (a) A criminal proceeding in |
|
a justice or municipal court shall be conducted in accordance with |
|
this chapter. |
|
(b) If this chapter does not provide a rule of procedure |
|
governing an aspect of a case, the justice or judge shall apply the |
|
other general provisions of this code to the extent necessary to |
|
achieve the objectives of this chapter. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
45.002.) |
|
Art. 45A.004. RULES OF EVIDENCE. The rules of evidence that |
|
apply to the trial of a criminal action in a district court apply to |
|
a criminal proceeding in a justice or municipal court. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 45.011.) |
|
Art. 45A.005. PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. (a) A county or |
|
district attorney or a deputy county or district attorney shall |
|
conduct each prosecution in a justice court. |
|
(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, a district attorney |
|
or a deputy district attorney with the consent of the county |
|
attorney may prosecute an appeal from a justice court. |
|
(c) A municipal attorney or a deputy municipal attorney |
|
shall conduct each prosecution in a municipal court. |
|
(d) The county attorney of the county in which a |
|
municipality is located may also represent the state in a |
|
prosecution in a municipal court in that municipality. The county |
|
attorney is not entitled to receive any fees or other compensation |
|
for representing the state in a prosecution described by this |
|
subsection. |
|
(e) With the consent of the county attorney, a municipal |
|
attorney or a deputy municipal attorney may prosecute an appeal |
|
from a municipal court to a county court, county court at law, or |
|
appellate court. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.101, 45.201(a), (b), |
|
(c).) |
|
Art. 45A.006. GENERAL DUTIES OF MUNICIPAL ATTORNEYS. The |
|
primary duty of a municipal attorney is not to convict, but to see |
|
that justice is done. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.201(d).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. COURT RECORDS |
|
Art. 45A.051. ELECTRONIC RECORDS. (a) Notwithstanding any |
|
other law, a document issued or maintained by a justice or municipal |
|
court or a notice or a citation issued by a law enforcement officer |
|
may be created by electronic means, including: |
|
(1) optical imaging; |
|
(2) optical disk; |
|
(3) digital imaging; or |
|
(4) another electronic reproduction technique that |
|
does not permit changes, additions, or deletions to the originally |
|
created document. |
|
(b) A justice or municipal court may use electronic means |
|
to: |
|
(1) produce a document required by law to be written; |
|
(2) record an instrument, paper, or notice that is |
|
permitted or required by law to be recorded or filed; or |
|
(3) maintain a docket. |
|
(c) Information in a docket may be processed and stored |
|
using electronic data processing equipment, at the discretion of |
|
the justice or judge. |
|
(d) A justice or municipal court shall maintain original |
|
documents as provided by law. |
|
(e) An electronically recorded judgment has the same force |
|
and effect as a written signed judgment. |
|
(f) A record created by electronic means is an original |
|
record or a certification of the original record. |
|
(g) A printed copy of an optical image of the original |
|
record printed from an optical disk system is an accurate copy of |
|
the original record. |
|
(h) A statutory requirement that a document contain the |
|
signature of any person, including a judge, clerk of the court, or |
|
defendant, is satisfied if the document contains that signature as |
|
captured on an electronic device. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. |
|
45.012(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (h), 45.017(b).) |
|
Art. 45A.052. COURT SEAL. (a) A justice or municipal court |
|
shall have a court seal. |
|
(b) The impression of the court seal must be: |
|
(1) attached to all papers issued out of the justice or |
|
municipal court except subpoenas; and |
|
(2) used to authenticate the official acts of the |
|
clerk and of the recorder. |
|
(c) A court seal may be created by electronic means, |
|
including: |
|
(1) optical imaging; |
|
(2) optical disk; or |
|
(3) another electronic reproduction technique that |
|
does not permit changes, additions, or deletions to an original |
|
document created by the same type of system. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 45.012(g).) |
|
Art. 45A.053. DOCKET. The justice or judge of a justice or |
|
municipal court or, if directed by the justice or judge, the clerk |
|
of the court shall keep a docket containing the following |
|
information: |
|
(1) the style and file number of each criminal action; |
|
(2) the nature of the offense charged; |
|
(3) the plea offered by the defendant and the date the |
|
plea was entered; |
|
(4) the date the warrant, if any, was issued and the |
|
return made on the warrant; |
|
(5) the date the examination or trial was held; |
|
(6) if a trial was held, whether it was by a jury or by |
|
the justice or judge; |
|
(7) the verdict of the jury, if any, and the date of |
|
the verdict; |
|
(8) the judgment and sentence of the court and the date |
|
each was entered; |
|
(9) the motion for new trial, if any, and the decision |
|
made on the motion; and |
|
(10) whether an appeal was taken and the date of that |
|
action. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.017(a).) |
|
Art. 45A.054. FILING BY MAIL. (a) Notwithstanding any |
|
other law, for purposes of this chapter, a document is considered |
|
timely filed with the clerk of a justice or municipal court if: |
|
(1) the document is deposited with the United States |
|
Postal Service in a first class postage prepaid envelope properly |
|
addressed to the clerk on or before the date the document is |
|
required to be filed with the clerk; and |
|
(2) the clerk receives the document not later than the |
|
10th day after the date the document is required to be filed with |
|
the clerk. |
|
(b) A legible postmark affixed by the United States Postal |
|
Service is prima facie evidence of the date the document is |
|
deposited with the United States Postal Service. |
|
(c) In this article, "day" does not include Saturday, |
|
Sunday, or a legal holiday. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.013.) |
|
Art. 45A.055. CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS RELATED TO FINE-ONLY |
|
MISDEMEANORS. (a) Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c), |
|
following the fifth anniversary of the date of a final conviction |
|
of, or of a dismissal after deferral of disposition for, a |
|
misdemeanor offense punishable by fine only, all records and files |
|
and information stored by electronic means or otherwise, from which |
|
a record or file could be generated, that are held or stored by or |
|
for a justice or municipal court and relate to the person who was |
|
convicted of, or who received a dismissal after deferral of |
|
disposition for, the offense are confidential and may not be |
|
disclosed to the public. |
|
(b) Records, files, and information subject to Subsection |
|
(a) may be open to inspection only: |
|
(1) by a judge or court staff; |
|
(2) by a criminal justice agency for a criminal |
|
justice purpose, as those terms are defined by Section 411.082, |
|
Government Code; |
|
(3) by the Department of Public Safety; |
|
(4) by the attorney representing the state; |
|
(5) by the defendant or the defendant's counsel; |
|
(6) if the offense is a traffic offense, by an |
|
insurance company or surety company authorized to write motor |
|
vehicle liability insurance in this state; or |
|
(7) for the purpose of complying with a requirement |
|
under federal law, including a disclosure that is required as a |
|
condition of receiving federal highway funds. |
|
(c) This article does not apply to records, files, and |
|
information described by Subsection (a) that relate to an offense |
|
that is sexual in nature, as determined by the holder of the |
|
records, files, or information. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0218.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. PRETRIAL PROCEEDINGS |
|
Art. 45A.101. COMPLAINT. (a) A complaint is sufficient, |
|
without regard to form, if the complaint substantially satisfies |
|
the following requirements: |
|
(1) is in writing; |
|
(2) begins with "In the name and by the authority of |
|
the State of Texas"; |
|
(3) either: |
|
(A) states the name of the accused person; or |
|
(B) if the name of the accused person is unknown, |
|
includes a reasonably definite description of the accused person; |
|
(4) either: |
|
(A) shows that the accused person has committed |
|
an offense against the law of this state; or |
|
(B) states that the affiant has good reason to |
|
believe and does believe that the accused person has committed an |
|
offense against the law of this state; |
|
(5) states the date the offense was committed as |
|
definitely as the affiant is able to provide; |
|
(6) bears the signature or mark of the affiant; and |
|
(7) concludes with the words "Against the peace and |
|
dignity of the State." |
|
(b) If the offense charged is an offense under a municipal |
|
ordinance only, the complaint may also conclude with the words |
|
"Contrary to the said ordinance." |
|
(c) A complaint must allege that the offense was committed: |
|
(1) in the county in which the complaint is made, if |
|
filed in justice court; or |
|
(2) in the territorial limits of the municipality in |
|
which the complaint is made, if filed in municipal court. |
|
(d) A complaint may be sworn to before any officer |
|
authorized to administer oaths. |
|
(e) A complaint in a municipal court may be sworn to before: |
|
(1) the municipal judge; |
|
(2) the clerk of the court or a deputy clerk; |
|
(3) the municipal secretary; or |
|
(4) the municipal attorney or a deputy municipal |
|
attorney. |
|
(f) In a county with a population of more than two million |
|
that does not have a county attorney, a complaint for an offense |
|
under Section 32.41, Penal Code, must be approved by the district |
|
attorney, regardless of whether a collection proceeding is |
|
initiated by the district attorney under Subsection (e) of that |
|
section. |
|
(g) A defendant is entitled to notice of a complaint against |
|
the defendant not later than the day before the date of any |
|
proceeding in the prosecution of the defendant under the complaint. |
|
The defendant may waive the right to notice granted by this |
|
subsection. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.018(b), 45.019(a), (b), |
|
(c), (d), (e), (g).) |
|
Art. 45A.102. OBJECTION TO CHARGING INSTRUMENT. If the |
|
defendant does not object to a defect, error, or irregularity of |
|
form or substance in a charging instrument before the date the trial |
|
on the merits begins, the defendant waives and forfeits the right to |
|
object to the defect, error, or irregularity. This article does not |
|
prohibit a trial court from requiring that an objection to a |
|
charging instrument be made at an earlier time. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 45.019(f).) |
|
Art. 45A.103. SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR MUNICIPAL COURT. (a) |
|
All process issued by a municipal court: |
|
(1) may be served by a peace officer or marshal of the |
|
municipality in which the court is located; and |
|
(2) shall be served by a peace officer or marshal |
|
described by Subdivision (1) if directed by the court. |
|
(b) Process must be served under Subsection (a) in |
|
accordance with the law governing a sheriff's or constable's |
|
service of process issued by a justice court, as applicable. |
|
(c) A peace officer or marshal of a municipality may serve |
|
process issued by a municipal court in that municipality anywhere |
|
in the county or counties in which the municipality is located. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.202.) |
|
Art. 45A.104. ARREST WARRANT. (a) If a sworn complaint or |
|
affidavit based on probable cause has been filed before a justice or |
|
municipal court, the justice or judge may issue a warrant for the |
|
arrest of the defendant and deliver the warrant to the proper |
|
officer to be executed. |
|
(b) A warrant is sufficient if the warrant: |
|
(1) is issued in the name of "The State of Texas"; |
|
(2) is directed to the proper peace officer or other |
|
person specifically named in the warrant; |
|
(3) includes a command that the defendant be taken, |
|
and brought before the authority issuing the warrant, at the time |
|
and place stated in the warrant; |
|
(4) either: |
|
(A) states the defendant's name; or |
|
(B) if the defendant's name is not known, |
|
describes the defendant as provided in the complaint; |
|
(5) states that the defendant is accused of an offense |
|
against the law of this state, naming the offense; and |
|
(6) is signed by the justice or judge, naming the |
|
office of the justice or judge either in the body of the warrant or |
|
in connection with the signature of the justice or judge. |
|
(c) Except as inconsistent or in conflict with this chapter, |
|
Chapter 15 applies to a warrant of arrest issued under this article. |
|
(d) In a county with a population of more than two million |
|
that does not have a county attorney, a justice or judge may not |
|
issue a warrant under this article for an offense under Section |
|
32.41, Penal Code, unless the district attorney has approved the |
|
complaint or affidavit on which the warrant is based. |
|
(e) A justice or judge may not issue an arrest warrant for |
|
the defendant's failure to appear at the initial court setting, |
|
including failure to appear as required by a citation issued under |
|
Article 14.06(b), unless: |
|
(1) the justice or judge provides by telephone or |
|
regular mail to the defendant notice that includes: |
|
(A) a date and time, occurring within the 30-day |
|
period following the date that notice is provided, when the |
|
defendant must appear before the justice or judge; |
|
(B) the name and address of the court with |
|
jurisdiction in the case; |
|
(C) information regarding alternatives to the |
|
full payment of any fines or costs owed by the defendant, if the |
|
defendant is unable to pay that amount; |
|
(D) a statement that the defendant may be |
|
entitled to a credit toward any fines or costs owed by the defendant |
|
if the defendant was confined in jail or prison after the commission |
|
of the offense for which the notice is given; and |
|
(E) an explanation of the consequences if the |
|
defendant fails to appear before the justice or judge as required by |
|
this article; and |
|
(2) the defendant fails to appear before the justice |
|
or judge as required by this article. |
|
(f) A defendant who receives notice under Subsection (e) may |
|
request an alternative date or time to appear before the justice or |
|
judge if the defendant is unable to appear on the date and time |
|
included in the notice. |
|
(g) A justice or judge shall recall an arrest warrant for |
|
the defendant's failure to appear if the defendant voluntarily |
|
appears and makes a good faith effort to resolve the arrest warrant |
|
before the warrant is executed. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.014, as |
|
amended Acts 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1127.) |
|
Art. 45A.105. ARREST WARRANT WITHOUT COMPLAINT. If a |
|
criminal offense that a justice of the peace has jurisdiction to try |
|
is committed within the view of the justice, the justice may issue a |
|
warrant for the arrest of the offender. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
45.103.) |
|
Art. 45A.106. DEFENDANT PLACED IN JAIL. If a peace officer |
|
is authorized by this title to retain a defendant in custody, the |
|
officer may place the defendant in jail in accordance with this code |
|
or other law. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.015.) |
|
Art. 45A.107. BAIL. (a) A justice or judge may require a |
|
defendant to give a personal bond to secure the defendant's |
|
appearance in accordance with this code. |
|
(b) A justice or judge may not, either instead of or in |
|
addition to the personal bond, require a defendant to give a bail |
|
bond unless: |
|
(1) the defendant fails to appear in accordance with |
|
this code with respect to the applicable offense; and |
|
(2) the justice or judge determines that: |
|
(A) the defendant has sufficient resources or |
|
income to give a bail bond; and |
|
(B) a bail bond is necessary to secure the |
|
defendant's appearance in accordance with this code. |
|
(c) If a defendant required to give a bail bond in |
|
accordance with Subsection (b) does not give the bail bond within 48 |
|
hours after the issuance of the applicable order, the justice or |
|
judge: |
|
(1) shall reconsider the requirement for the defendant |
|
to give the bail bond and presume that the defendant does not have |
|
sufficient resources or income to give the bond; and |
|
(2) may require the defendant to give a personal bond. |
|
(d) A defendant may be held in custody if the defendant: |
|
(1) refuses to give a personal bond; or |
|
(2) except as provided by Subsection (c), refuses or |
|
otherwise fails to give a bail bond. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
45.016, as amended Acts 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1127.) |
|
Art. 45A.108. FELONY OFFENSE COMMITTED IN ANOTHER COUNTY. |
|
If a complaint is made before a justice of the peace that a felony |
|
has been committed in a county other than the county in which the |
|
complaint is made, the justice shall issue a warrant for the arrest |
|
of the defendant, directed as provided in other cases, commanding |
|
that the defendant be arrested and taken before a magistrate of the |
|
county in which the felony is alleged to have been committed, |
|
immediately, for examination as provided in other cases. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 45.102.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. TRIAL |
|
Art. 45A.151. DEFENDANT'S PLEA. (a) A pleading of a |
|
defendant in a justice or municipal court may be oral or in writing |
|
as directed by the court. |
|
(b) After a jury is impaneled, or after the defendant has |
|
waived trial by jury, the defendant may enter: |
|
(1) a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere; |
|
or |
|
(2) a special plea of double jeopardy as described by |
|
Article 27.05. |
|
(c) If a defendant is detained in jail before trial, the |
|
justice or judge may permit the defendant to enter any of the pleas |
|
described by Subsection (b). |
|
(d) If a defendant is charged with an offense involving |
|
family violence, as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code, the |
|
justice or judge must take the defendant's plea in open court. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.021, 45.0211, 45.023(a), (b).) |
|
Art. 45A.152. DEFENDANT'S REFUSAL TO PLEAD. If a defendant |
|
refuses to plead, the justice or judge shall enter a plea of not |
|
guilty. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.024.) |
|
Art. 45A.153. PLEA OF GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE GENERALLY. |
|
(a) On the entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, the justice |
|
or municipal court may hear proof regarding the offense and assess |
|
the punishment. |
|
(b) A justice or judge may not accept a plea of guilty or |
|
nolo contendere from a defendant in open court unless it appears to |
|
the justice or judge that the defendant is mentally competent and |
|
the plea is free and voluntary. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.022, |
|
45.0241.) |
|
Art. 45A.154. PLEA OF GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDERE BY |
|
DEFENDANT IN JAIL. (a) If a defendant who is detained in jail |
|
enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, the justice or judge |
|
may, after complying with Article 15.17 and advising the defendant |
|
of the defendant's right to trial by jury, as appropriate: |
|
(1) accept the defendant's plea; |
|
(2) assess a fine, determine costs, and accept payment |
|
of the fine and costs; |
|
(3) give the defendant credit for time served; |
|
(4) determine whether the defendant is indigent; or |
|
(5) discharge the defendant. |
|
(b) Notwithstanding Article 45A.201(a), following a plea of |
|
guilty or nolo contendere entered by a defendant detained in jail, a |
|
motion for new trial must be made not later than the 10th day after |
|
the imposition of judgment and sentence. The justice or judge shall |
|
grant a motion for new trial made under this subsection. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.023(c), (d).) |
|
Art. 45A.155. JURY WAIVER. (a) A defendant may waive a |
|
trial by jury in writing. |
|
(b) If a defendant waives a trial by jury, the justice or |
|
judge shall hear and determine the case without a jury. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 45.025.) |
|
Art. 45A.156. JURY SUMMONED. (a) If a defendant does not |
|
waive a trial by jury, the justice or judge shall issue a writ |
|
commanding the proper officer to summon a venire from which six |
|
qualified persons shall be selected to serve as jurors in the case. |
|
(b) Jurors summoned as provided by Subsection (a) shall |
|
remain in attendance, as jurors in all cases that may come up for |
|
hearing, until discharged by the justice or municipal court. |
|
(c) A person summoned as provided by Subsection (a) who |
|
fails to attend may be fined an amount not to exceed $100 for |
|
contempt. |
|
(d) If a sufficient number of jurors are not in attendance |
|
as a result of challenges or any other reason, the justice or judge |
|
shall order the proper officer to summon a sufficient number of |
|
qualified persons to form the jury. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. |
|
45.027, 45.028.) |
|
Art. 45A.157. FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR JURY TRIAL. (a) A |
|
justice or municipal court may order a defendant who does not waive |
|
a jury trial in a justice or municipal court and who fails to appear |
|
for the trial to pay a reimbursement fee for the costs incurred for |
|
impaneling the jury. |
|
(b) The justice or municipal court for good cause may |
|
release a defendant from the obligation to pay the reimbursement |
|
fee under this article. |
|
(c) An order issued by a justice or municipal court under |
|
this article may be enforced by contempt as provided by Section |
|
21.002(c), Government Code. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.026.) |
|
Art. 45A.158. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING STATE NOT PRESENT FOR |
|
TRIAL. If an attorney representing the state is not present when |
|
the case is called for trial, the justice or judge may: |
|
(1) postpone the trial to a specified date; |
|
(2) appoint an attorney pro tem as provided by this |
|
code to represent the state; or |
|
(3) proceed to trial. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.031.) |
|
Art. 45A.159. JURY SELECTION AND FORMATION. (a) In a jury |
|
trial in a justice or municipal court, the state, and each defendant |
|
in the case, is entitled to three peremptory challenges. |
|
(b) The justice or judge shall form the jury and administer |
|
the appropriate oath in accordance with Chapter 35. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Arts. 45.029, 45.030.) |
|
Art. 45A.160. DEFENDANT'S RIGHT TO ATTORNEY. The defendant |
|
has a right to appear by an attorney as in all other cases. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 45.020(a).) |
|
Art. 45A.161. ORDER OF ARGUMENT. The attorney representing |
|
the state may open and conclude the argument in the case. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 45.020(b).) |
|
Art. 45A.162. DIRECTED VERDICT. If, on the trial of a case |
|
in a justice or municipal court, the state fails to prove a prima |
|
facie case of the offense alleged in the complaint, the defendant is |
|
entitled to a directed verdict of not guilty. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 45.032.) |
|
Art. 45A.163. JURY CHARGE. (a) The judge shall charge the |
|
jury. |
|
(b) The charge may be made orally or in writing, except that |
|
the charge shall be made in writing if required by other law. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 45.033.) |
|
Art. 45A.164. JURY KEPT TOGETHER DURING DELIBERATION. When |
|
the case is submitted to the jury, the jury shall retire in the |
|
charge of an officer and be kept together until: |
|
(1) the jury agrees to a verdict; |
|
(2) the jury is discharged; or |
|
(3) the court recesses. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
45.034.) |
|
Art. 45A.165. MISTRIAL. (a) A justice or municipal court |
|
shall discharge a jury if the jury fails to agree to a verdict after |
|
being kept together a reasonable period. |
|
(b) If a jury is discharged under Subsection (a), the |
|
justice or judge may impanel another jury as soon as practicable to |
|
try the case. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.035.) |
|
Art. 45A.166. VERDICT. (a) When the jury has agreed on a |
|
verdict, the jury shall bring the verdict into court. |
|
(b) The justice or judge shall ensure that the verdict is in |
|
the proper form and impose the proper judgment and sentence on the |
|
verdict. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.036.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. NEW TRIAL AND APPEAL |
|
Art. 45A.201. NEW TRIAL. (a) A motion for a new trial must |
|
be made not later than the fifth day after the imposition of |
|
judgment and sentence. |
|
(b) Subject to Subsection (e), not later than the 10th day |
|
after the date that the judgment is entered, a justice or judge may |
|
grant the defendant a new trial for good cause shown if the justice |
|
or judge considers that justice has not been done the defendant in |
|
the trial of the case. |
|
(c) If a motion for a new trial is not granted before the |
|
11th day after the date that the judgment is entered, the motion is |
|
considered denied. |
|
(d) If a new trial is granted, the justice or judge shall |
|
proceed to try the case again as soon as practicable. |
|
(e) A defendant may be granted not more than one new trial in |
|
the same case. |
|
(f) The state is not entitled to a new trial in any case. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.037, 45.038, 45.039, 45.040.) |
|
Art. 45A.202. APPEAL. (a) An appeal from a justice or |
|
municipal court, including an appeal from a final judgment in a bond |
|
forfeiture proceeding, shall be heard by the county court or, if the |
|
county court has no jurisdiction over the case, the proper court in |
|
the county. |
|
(b) A de novo trial shall be held on appeal unless the appeal |
|
is: |
|
(1) taken from a municipal court of record; and |
|
(2) based on error reflected in the record. |
|
(c) An appeal may not be dismissed because of: |
|
(1) the defendant's failure to give notice of appeal in |
|
open court; or |
|
(2) the presence of a defect in the transcript. |
|
(d) In an appeal from the judgment and sentence of a justice |
|
or municipal court, if the defendant is in custody, the defendant |
|
shall be committed to jail unless the defendant is released on bail. |
|
(e) If the court that issued the judgment and sentence being |
|
appealed is in session, the court must approve the bail. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Arts. 45.042, 45.0425(a) (part), 45.0426(c).) |
|
Art. 45A.203. APPEAL BOND. (a) An appeal is perfected when |
|
the appeal bond has been filed: |
|
(1) with the justice or judge who tried the case; and |
|
(2) not later than the 10th day after the date the |
|
judgment was entered. |
|
(b) If an appeal bond is not timely filed, the appellate |
|
court does not have jurisdiction over the case and shall remand the |
|
case to the justice or municipal court for execution of the |
|
sentence. |
|
(c) The amount of an appeal bond may not be less than the |
|
greater of: |
|
(1) twice the amount of the fine and costs adjudged |
|
against the defendant; or |
|
(2) $50. |
|
(d) If an appeal bond otherwise meets the requirements of |
|
this code, the court, without requiring a court appearance by the |
|
defendant, shall approve the appeal bond in the amount the court |
|
notified the defendant would be approved under Article 27.14(b). |
|
(e) An appeal bond must be made payable to the State of Texas |
|
and must: |
|
(1) state that the defendant was convicted in the case |
|
and has appealed; and |
|
(2) be conditioned on the defendant: |
|
(A) making a personal appearance before the court |
|
to which the appeal is taken: |
|
(i) immediately, if the court is in |
|
session; or |
|
(ii) if the court is not in session, at the |
|
next regular term of the court, provided that the bond states the |
|
time and place of that session; and |
|
(B) remaining at the court from day to day and |
|
term to term to answer in the case. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. |
|
45.0425(a) (part), (b), 45.0426(a), (b).) |
|
Art. 45A.204. EFFECT OF APPEAL. All further proceedings in |
|
the case in the justice or municipal court must cease when a |
|
defendant files the appeal bond required by law with the justice or |
|
municipal court. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.043.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. JUDGMENT, FINES, AND COSTS |
|
Art. 45A.251. JUDGMENT. (a) The judgment and sentence for |
|
a conviction in a criminal action before a justice or judge is that |
|
the defendant pay the amount of the fine and costs to the state. |
|
(b) Subject to Articles 45A.253(a) and (b) and Article |
|
45A.257, the justice or judge may direct the defendant: |
|
(1) to pay: |
|
(A) the entire fine and costs when the sentence |
|
is pronounced; |
|
(B) the entire fine and costs at a later date; or |
|
(C) a specified portion of the fine and costs at |
|
designated intervals; |
|
(2) if applicable, to make restitution to a victim of |
|
the offense; and |
|
(3) to satisfy any other sanction authorized by law. |
|
(c) Restitution made under Subsection (b)(2) may not exceed |
|
$5,000 for an offense under Section 32.41, Penal Code. |
|
(d) The justice or judge shall credit the defendant for time |
|
served in jail as provided by Article 42.03. The credit under this |
|
subsection shall be applied to the amount of the fine and costs at |
|
the rate provided by Article 45A.262. |
|
(e) In addition to credit under Subsection (d), in imposing |
|
a fine and costs in a case involving a misdemeanor punishable by |
|
fine only, the justice or judge shall credit the defendant for any |
|
period the defendant was confined in jail or prison while serving a |
|
sentence for another offense if that confinement occurred after the |
|
commission of the misdemeanor. The credit under this subsection |
|
shall be applied to the amount of the fine and costs at the rate of |
|
not less than $150 for each day of confinement. |
|
(f) All judgments, sentences, and final orders of the |
|
justice or judge shall be imposed in open court. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Arts. 45.041(a), (b), (b-1), (c), (c-1), (d).) |
|
Art. 45A.252. SUFFICIENCY OF RESOURCES TO PAY FINES OR |
|
COSTS. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, |
|
Article 45A.251, or Article 45A.253, during or immediately after |
|
imposing a sentence in a case in which the defendant entered a plea |
|
in open court as provided by Article 27.14(a) or 27.16(a), the |
|
justice or judge shall inquire whether the defendant has sufficient |
|
resources or income to immediately pay all or part of the fine and |
|
costs. |
|
(b) If the justice or judge determines that the defendant |
|
does not have sufficient resources or income to immediately pay all |
|
or part of the fine and costs, the justice or judge shall determine |
|
whether the fine and costs should be: |
|
(1) subject to Article 45A.253(a), required to be paid |
|
at a later date or in a specified portion at designated intervals; |
|
(2) discharged by performing community service under, |
|
as applicable, Article 45A.254, 45A.459, or 45A.460; |
|
(3) waived in full or in part under Article 45A.257; or |
|
(4) satisfied through any combination of methods under |
|
Subdivision (1), (2), or (3). (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.041(a-1).) |
|
Art. 45A.253. DISCHARGING FINES OR COSTS. (a) In imposing |
|
a fine and costs, the justice or judge shall allow the defendant to |
|
pay the fine and costs in specified portions at designated |
|
intervals if the justice or judge determines that the defendant is |
|
unable to immediately pay the fine and costs. |
|
(b) A judge may allow a defendant who is a child, as defined |
|
by Article 45A.453(a), to elect at the time of conviction, as |
|
defined by Section 133.101, Local Government Code, to discharge the |
|
fine and costs by: |
|
(1) performing community service or receiving |
|
tutoring under Article 45A.460, regardless of whether the |
|
applicable offense occurred at a location specified by Subsection |
|
(a) of that article; or |
|
(2) paying the fine and costs in a manner described by |
|
Article 45A.251(b). |
|
(c) The defendant must make the election under Subsection |
|
(b) in writing. The defendant and, if present, the defendant's |
|
parent, guardian, or managing conservator must sign the election. |
|
The court shall maintain the written election as a record of the |
|
court and provide a copy to the defendant. |
|
(d) Notwithstanding Article 45A.252 or any other provision |
|
of this chapter, in imposing a fine and costs, the justice or judge |
|
may not require a defendant who is under the conservatorship of the |
|
Department of Family and Protective Services or in extended foster |
|
care as provided by Subchapter G, Chapter 263, Family Code, to pay |
|
any amount of the fine and costs. In lieu of the payment of fine and |
|
costs, the justice or judge may require the defendant to perform |
|
community service as provided by Article 45A.254, 45A.459, or |
|
45A.460, as appropriate. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.041(b-2), |
|
(b-3), (b-4), (b-5), (b-6).) |
|
Art. 45A.254. COMMUNITY SERVICE TO SATISFY FINES OR COSTS. |
|
(a) A justice or judge may require a defendant who fails to pay a |
|
previously assessed fine or cost, or who is determined by the court |
|
to have insufficient resources or income to pay a fine or cost, to |
|
discharge all or part of the fine or cost by performing community |
|
service. |
|
(b) An order requiring a defendant to perform community |
|
service under this article must specify: |
|
(1) the number of hours of community service the |
|
defendant is required to perform; and |
|
(2) the date by which the defendant must submit to the |
|
court documentation verifying that the defendant completed the |
|
community service. |
|
(c) The justice or judge may order the defendant to perform |
|
community service under this article: |
|
(1) by attending: |
|
(A) a work and job skills training program; |
|
(B) a preparatory class for the high school |
|
equivalency examination administered under Section 7.111, |
|
Education Code; |
|
(C) an alcohol or drug abuse program; |
|
(D) a rehabilitation program; |
|
(E) a counseling program, including a |
|
self-improvement program; |
|
(F) a mentoring program; or |
|
(G) any similar activity; or |
|
(2) for: |
|
(A) a governmental entity; |
|
(B) a nonprofit organization or another |
|
organization that provides to the general public services that |
|
enhance social welfare and the general well-being of the community, |
|
as determined by the justice or judge; or |
|
(C) an educational institution. |
|
(d) A justice or judge may not order a defendant to perform |
|
more than 16 hours each week of community service under this article |
|
unless the justice or judge determines that requiring the defendant |
|
to perform additional hours does not impose an undue hardship on the |
|
defendant or the defendant's dependents. |
|
(e) A defendant is considered to have discharged not less |
|
than $100 of fines or costs for each eight hours of community |
|
service performed under this article. |
|
(f) A defendant may discharge an obligation to perform |
|
community service under this article by paying at any time the fine |
|
and costs assessed. |
|
(g) A community supervision and corrections department or a |
|
court-related services office may provide the administrative and |
|
other services necessary to supervise a defendant required to |
|
perform community service under this article. |
|
(h) An entity that accepts a defendant to perform community |
|
service under this article must agree to: |
|
(1) supervise, either on-site or remotely, the |
|
defendant in the performance of the defendant's community service; |
|
and |
|
(2) report on the defendant's community service to the |
|
justice or judge who ordered the service. |
|
(i) A sheriff, employee of a sheriff's department, county |
|
commissioner, county employee, county judge, justice of the peace, |
|
municipal court judge, or officer or employee of a political |
|
subdivision other than a county or an entity that accepts a |
|
defendant to perform community service under this article is not |
|
liable for damages arising from an act or failure to act in |
|
connection with the community service if the act or failure to act: |
|
(1) was performed pursuant to court order; and |
|
(2) was not intentional, wilfully or wantonly |
|
negligent, or performed with conscious indifference or reckless |
|
disregard for the safety of others. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. |
|
45.049(a), (b), (c), (c-1), (d), (e), (f), (i).) |
|
Art. 45A.255. COMMUNITY SERVICE IN CERTAIN CASES INVOLVING |
|
DEFERRED DISPOSITION. (a) This article applies only to a defendant |
|
who is a resident of this state and who is charged with: |
|
(1) a traffic offense; or |
|
(2) an offense under Section 106.05, Alcoholic |
|
Beverage Code. |
|
(b) If under Article 45A.303(b)(10) the judge requires a |
|
defendant described by Subsection (a) to perform community service |
|
as a condition of the deferral, the defendant is entitled to elect |
|
whether to perform the required service in the county in which: |
|
(1) the court is located; or |
|
(2) the defendant resides, but only if the applicable |
|
entity agrees to: |
|
(A) supervise, either on-site or remotely, the |
|
defendant in the performance of the defendant's community service; |
|
and |
|
(B) report to the court on the defendant's |
|
community service. |
|
(c) If a defendant described by Subsection (a)(2) elects to |
|
perform the required community service in the county in which the |
|
defendant resides under Subsection (b)(2), the community service |
|
must comply with Sections 106.071(d) and (e), Alcoholic Beverage |
|
Code, except that if the educational programs or services described |
|
by Section 106.071(e) are not available in the county of the |
|
defendant's residence, the court may order community service that |
|
the court considers appropriate for rehabilitative purposes. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.049(g), (h).) |
|
Art. 45A.256. FORFEITURE OF CASH BOND TO SATISFY FINES AND |
|
COSTS; MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL. (a) A justice or judge may enter a |
|
judgment of conviction and forfeit a cash bond posted by the |
|
defendant to satisfy the defendant's fine and costs if the |
|
defendant: |
|
(1) has entered a written and signed plea of nolo |
|
contendere and a waiver of jury trial; and |
|
(2) fails to appear according to the conditions of the |
|
defendant's release. |
|
(b) A justice or judge who enters a judgment of conviction |
|
and forfeiture of bond under Subsection (a) shall immediately |
|
notify the defendant in writing, by regular mail addressed to the |
|
defendant at the defendant's last known address, that: |
|
(1) a judgment of conviction and forfeiture of bond |
|
was entered against the defendant on a specified date and the |
|
forfeiture satisfies the defendant's fine and costs in the case; |
|
and |
|
(2) the defendant has a right to a new trial in the |
|
case if the defendant applies for the new trial not later than the |
|
10th day after the date of judgment and forfeiture. |
|
(c) Notwithstanding Article 45A.201, the defendant may file |
|
a motion for a new trial within the period provided by Subsection |
|
(b), and the court shall grant the motion if the motion is made |
|
within that period. On the new trial, the court shall permit the |
|
defendant to withdraw the previously entered plea of nolo |
|
contendere and waiver of jury trial. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
45.044.) |
|
Art. 45A.257. WAIVER OF PAYMENT OF FINES AND COSTS. (a) A |
|
municipal court, regardless of whether the court is a court of |
|
record, or a justice court may waive payment of all or part of a fine |
|
imposed on a defendant if the court determines that: |
|
(1) the defendant: |
|
(A) is indigent or does not have sufficient |
|
resources or income to pay all or part of the fine; or |
|
(B) was, at the time the offense was committed, a |
|
child as defined by Article 45A.453(a); and |
|
(2) discharging the fine under Article 45A.254 or as |
|
otherwise authorized by this chapter would impose an undue hardship |
|
on the defendant. |
|
(b) A municipal court, regardless of whether the court is a |
|
court of record, or a justice court may waive payment of all or part |
|
of the costs imposed on a defendant if the court determines that the |
|
defendant: |
|
(1) is indigent or does not have sufficient resources |
|
or income to pay all or part of the costs; or |
|
(2) was, at the time the offense was committed, a child |
|
as defined by Article 45A.453(a). |
|
(c) A defendant is presumed to be indigent or to not have |
|
sufficient resources or income to pay all or part of the fines or |
|
costs for purposes of Subsection (a) or (b) if the defendant: |
|
(1) is in the conservatorship of the Department of |
|
Family and Protective Services, or was in the conservatorship of |
|
that department at the time of the offense; or |
|
(2) is designated, or was designated at the time of the |
|
offense, as a homeless child or youth or an unaccompanied youth, as |
|
those terms are defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11434a. |
|
(d) A determination of undue hardship made under Subsection |
|
(a)(2) is in the court's discretion. In making that determination, |
|
the court may consider, as applicable, the defendant's: |
|
(1) significant physical or mental impairment or |
|
disability; |
|
(2) pregnancy and childbirth; |
|
(3) substantial family commitments or |
|
responsibilities, including child or dependent care; |
|
(4) work responsibilities and hours; |
|
(5) transportation limitations; |
|
(6) homelessness or housing insecurity; and |
|
(7) any other factor the court determines relevant. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0491.) |
|
Art. 45A.258. RECONSIDERATION OF SATISFACTION OF FINES OR |
|
COSTS. (a) If the defendant notifies the justice or judge that the |
|
defendant has difficulty paying the fine and costs in compliance |
|
with the judgment, the justice or judge shall hold a hearing to |
|
determine whether the judgment imposes an undue hardship on the |
|
defendant. |
|
(b) For purposes of Subsection (a), a defendant may notify |
|
the justice or judge by: |
|
(1) voluntarily appearing and informing the justice or |
|
judge or the clerk of the court in the manner established by the |
|
justice or judge for that purpose; |
|
(2) filing a motion with the justice or judge; |
|
(3) mailing a letter to the justice or judge; or |
|
(4) any other method established by the justice or |
|
judge for that purpose. |
|
(c) If the justice or judge determines at a hearing under |
|
Subsection (a) that the judgment imposes an undue hardship on the |
|
defendant, the justice or judge shall consider whether to allow the |
|
defendant to satisfy the fine and costs through one or more methods |
|
listed under Article 45A.252. |
|
(d) The justice or judge may decline to hold a hearing under |
|
Subsection (a) if the justice or judge: |
|
(1) previously held a hearing under that subsection |
|
with respect to the case and is able to determine without holding a |
|
hearing that the judgment does not impose an undue hardship on the |
|
defendant; or |
|
(2) is able to determine without holding a hearing |
|
that: |
|
(A) the judgment imposes an undue hardship on the |
|
defendant; and |
|
(B) the fine and costs should be satisfied |
|
through one or more methods listed under Article 45A.252. |
|
(e) The justice or judge retains jurisdiction for the |
|
purpose of making a determination under this article. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 45.0445.) |
|
Art. 45A.259. CAPIAS PRO FINE. (a) If the defendant is not |
|
in custody when the judgment is imposed or if the defendant fails to |
|
satisfy the judgment according to the terms of the judgment, the |
|
court may order a capias pro fine, as defined by Article 43.015, |
|
issued for the defendant's arrest. |
|
(b) The capias pro fine ordered under Subsection (a) must: |
|
(1) state the amount of the judgment and sentence; and |
|
(2) command the appropriate peace officer to: |
|
(A) bring the defendant before the court |
|
immediately; or |
|
(B) place the defendant in jail until the first |
|
business day following the date of the defendant's arrest if the |
|
defendant cannot be brought before the court immediately. |
|
(c) If the court that issued the capias pro fine is |
|
unavailable, the arresting officer may, in lieu of placing the |
|
defendant in jail, take the defendant to: |
|
(1) a justice court or county criminal law magistrate |
|
court with jurisdiction over Class C misdemeanors that is located |
|
in the same county, if the court that issued the capias pro fine was |
|
a justice court; or |
|
(2) a municipal court that is located in the same |
|
municipality, if the court that issued the capias pro fine was a |
|
municipal court. |
|
(d) The court may not issue a capias pro fine for the |
|
defendant's failure to satisfy the judgment according to the terms |
|
of the judgment unless the court holds a hearing to determine |
|
whether the judgment imposes an undue hardship on the defendant and |
|
the defendant fails to: |
|
(1) appear at the hearing; or |
|
(2) comply with an order issued under Subsection (f) |
|
as a result of the hearing. |
|
(e) If the justice or judge determines at the hearing under |
|
Subsection (d) that the judgment imposes an undue hardship on the |
|
defendant, the justice or judge shall determine whether the fine |
|
and costs should be satisfied through one or more methods listed |
|
under Article 45A.252. The justice or judge retains jurisdiction |
|
for the purpose of making a determination under this subsection. |
|
(f) If the justice or judge determines at the hearing under |
|
Subsection (d) that the judgment does not impose an undue hardship |
|
on the defendant, the justice or judge shall order the defendant to |
|
comply with the judgment not later than the 30th day after the date |
|
that determination is made. |
|
(g) The court shall recall a capias pro fine if, before the |
|
capias pro fine is executed, the defendant: |
|
(1) provides notice to the justice or judge under |
|
Article 45A.258 and a hearing is set under that article; or |
|
(2) voluntarily appears and makes a good faith effort |
|
to resolve the capias pro fine. |
|
(h) A capias pro fine may not be issued for a person |
|
convicted for an offense committed before the person's 17th |
|
birthday unless: |
|
(1) the person is 17 years of age or older; |
|
(2) the court finds that the issuance of the capias pro |
|
fine is justified after considering: |
|
(A) the sophistication and maturity of the |
|
person; |
|
(B) the criminal record and history of the |
|
person; and |
|
(C) the reasonable likelihood of bringing about |
|
the discharge of the judgment through the use of procedures and |
|
services currently available to the court; and |
|
(3) the court has proceeded under Article 45A.461 to |
|
compel the person to discharge the judgment. |
|
(i) This article does not limit the authority of a court to |
|
order a child taken into custody under Article 45A.453 or 45A.455. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.045(a), (a-1) as added Acts 84th Leg., |
|
R.S., Ch. 1171, (a-2), (a-3), (a-4), (a-5), (b), (c).) |
|
Art. 45A.260. APPEARANCE BY TELEPHONE OR VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
|
If the justice or judge determines that requiring a defendant to |
|
appear before the justice or judge in person for a hearing under |
|
Article 45A.258 or 45A.259 would impose an undue hardship on the |
|
defendant, the justice or judge may allow the defendant to appear by |
|
telephone or videoconference. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0201.) |
|
Art. 45A.261. COMMITMENT. (a) If a judgment and sentence |
|
have been entered against a defendant and the defendant defaults in |
|
the discharge of the judgment, the judge may order the defendant |
|
confined in jail until discharged by law if the judge at a hearing |
|
makes a written determination that: |
|
(1) the defendant is not indigent and has failed to |
|
make a good faith effort to discharge the fines or costs; or |
|
(2) the defendant is indigent and: |
|
(A) has failed to make a good faith effort to |
|
discharge the fines or costs under Article 45A.254; and |
|
(B) could have discharged the fines or costs |
|
under Article 45A.254 without experiencing any undue hardship. |
|
(b) A certified copy of the judgment, sentence, and order is |
|
sufficient to authorize confinement under Subsection (a). |
|
(c) For purposes of a hearing described by Subsection (a), a |
|
defendant may be brought before the court in person or by means of |
|
an electronic broadcast system through which an image of the |
|
defendant is presented to the court. For purposes of this |
|
subsection, "electronic broadcast system" means a two-way |
|
electronic communication of image and sound between the defendant |
|
and the court and includes secure Internet videoconferencing. |
|
(d) For purposes of a hearing described by Subsection (a), |
|
if the court that issued the capias pro fine is unavailable, the |
|
following may conduct the hearing: |
|
(1) a justice court or county criminal law magistrate |
|
court with jurisdiction over Class C misdemeanors that is located |
|
in the same county as the issuing court, if the issuing court was a |
|
justice court; or |
|
(2) a municipal court that is located in the same |
|
municipality as the issuing court, if the issuing court was a |
|
municipal court. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.046(a), (b), (c), (d) |
|
as added Acts 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1171.) |
|
Art. 45A.262. DISCHARGED FROM JAIL. (a) A defendant placed |
|
in jail due to failure to pay the fine and costs shall be discharged |
|
on habeas corpus by showing that the defendant: |
|
(1) is indigent and cannot pay the fine and costs; or |
|
(2) has remained in jail for a cumulative period that |
|
is sufficient to satisfy the fine and costs, at the rate of not less |
|
than $150 for each separate period served, as specified by the |
|
convicting court in the judgment in the case. |
|
(b) A convicting court may specify a period that is not less |
|
than eight hours or more than 24 hours as the period for which a |
|
defendant who fails to pay the fine and costs in the case must |
|
remain in jail to satisfy $150 of the fine and costs. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 45.048.) |
|
Art. 45A.263. CIVIL COLLECTION OF FINES AND COSTS AFTER |
|
JUDGMENT. If, after a judgment and sentence is entered, the |
|
defendant defaults in payment of a fine, the justice or judge may |
|
order the fine and costs collected by execution against the |
|
defendant's property in the same manner as a judgment in a civil |
|
suit. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.047.) |
|
Art. 45A.264. COLLECTION OF FINES AND COSTS BY |
|
MUNICIPALITY. (a) The governing body of each municipality shall by |
|
ordinance prescribe rules as proper to enforce the collection of |
|
fines imposed by a municipal court. |
|
(b) In addition to any other method of enforcement, the |
|
municipality may enforce the collection of fines by: |
|
(1) execution against the property of the defendant; |
|
or |
|
(2) confinement of the defendant. |
|
(c) The governing body of a municipality may adopt rules |
|
concerning the practice and procedure in the municipal court that |
|
the governing body considers proper. |
|
(d) After notice, the governing body of a municipality may |
|
by ordinance prescribe the collection of a fine not to exceed $25 |
|
for an offense under Section 38.10(e), Penal Code, or Section |
|
543.009, Transportation Code. Money collected from the fine shall |
|
be paid into the municipal treasury for the use and benefit of the |
|
municipality. |
|
(e) Costs may not be imposed or collected in criminal cases |
|
in municipal court by municipal ordinance. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
45.203.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. DEFERRED DISPOSITION |
|
Art. 45A.301. APPLICABILITY. This subchapter does not |
|
apply to: |
|
(1) an offense to which Section 542.404, |
|
Transportation Code, applies; or |
|
(2) a violation of a state law or local ordinance |
|
relating to motor vehicle control, other than a parking violation, |
|
committed by a person who: |
|
(A) holds a commercial driver's license; or |
|
(B) held a commercial driver's license when the |
|
offense was committed. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.051(f).) |
|
Art. 45A.302. DEFERRED DISPOSITION. (a) On a plea of |
|
guilty or nolo contendere by a defendant or on a finding of guilt in |
|
a misdemeanor case punishable by fine only and payment of all court |
|
costs, a judge may defer further proceedings for a period not to |
|
exceed 180 days without entering an adjudication of guilt. |
|
(b) In issuing the order of deferral, the judge may impose a |
|
fine on the defendant in an amount not to exceed the amount of the |
|
fine that could be imposed on the defendant as punishment for the |
|
offense. |
|
(c) The fine described by Subsection (b) may be collected at |
|
any time before the date on which the period of deferral ends. A |
|
judge who orders the collection of the fine must require that the |
|
amount of the fine be credited toward the payment of the amount of |
|
any fine imposed by the judge as punishment for the offense. |
|
(d) The judge may elect not to impose the fine for good cause |
|
shown by the defendant. |
|
(e) An order of deferral under this article terminates any |
|
liability under a bond given for the charge. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 45.051(a).) |
|
Art. 45A.303. DEFERRED DISPOSITION REQUIREMENTS. (a) |
|
Notwithstanding any other law, as an alternative to requiring a |
|
defendant charged with one or more offenses to pay all fines and |
|
court costs as required by Article 45A.302, the judge may: |
|
(1) allow the defendant to enter into an agreement to |
|
pay those fines and costs in installments during the defendant's |
|
period of deferral; |
|
(2) require an eligible defendant to discharge all or |
|
part of those fines and costs by performing community service or |
|
attending a tutoring program under Article 45A.254 or 45A.460; |
|
(3) waive all or part of those fines and costs under |
|
Article 45A.257; or |
|
(4) take any combination of actions authorized by |
|
Subdivision (1), (2), or (3). |
|
(b) During the deferral period, the judge may require the |
|
defendant to: |
|
(1) secure payment of the fine by posting a bond in |
|
the amount of the fine assessed as punishment for the offense; |
|
(2) pay restitution to the victim of the offense in an |
|
amount not to exceed the amount of the fine assessed as punishment |
|
for the offense; |
|
(3) submit to professional counseling; |
|
(4) submit to diagnostic testing for alcohol or a |
|
controlled substance or drug; |
|
(5) submit to a psychosocial assessment; |
|
(6) successfully complete an alcohol or drug abuse |
|
treatment or education program, such as: |
|
(A) a drug education program that is designed to |
|
educate persons on the dangers of drug abuse in accordance with |
|
Section 521.374(a)(1), Transportation Code, and that is regulated |
|
by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Chapter |
|
171, Government Code; or |
|
(B) an alcohol awareness program described by |
|
Section 106.115, Alcoholic Beverage Code, that is regulated by the |
|
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Chapter 171, |
|
Government Code; |
|
(7) pay the costs of any diagnostic testing, |
|
psychosocial assessment, or treatment or education program |
|
participation as reimbursement fees: |
|
(A) directly; or |
|
(B) through the court as court costs; |
|
(8) complete a driving safety course approved under |
|
Chapter 1001, Education Code, or another course as directed by the |
|
judge; |
|
(9) present to the court satisfactory evidence that |
|
the defendant has complied with each requirement imposed by the |
|
judge under this subchapter; and |
|
(10) comply with any other reasonable condition. |
|
(c) A judge who requires a defendant to successfully |
|
complete an alcohol awareness program or drug education program as |
|
described by Subsection (b)(6) shall require the defendant to pay a |
|
reimbursement fee for the cost of the program, unless the judge |
|
determines that the defendant is indigent and unable to pay the |
|
cost. |
|
(d) The judge may allow the defendant to pay the fee |
|
described by Subsection (c) in installments during the deferral |
|
period. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.051(a-1), (b), (g).) |
|
Art. 45A.304. DEFERRED DISPOSITION REQUIREMENTS: MOVING |
|
VIOLATION COMMITTED BY YOUNG DEFENDANT. (a) This article applies |
|
to a defendant who: |
|
(1) is younger than 25 years of age; and |
|
(2) committed a traffic offense classified as a moving |
|
violation. |
|
(b) Notwithstanding Article 45A.303(b)(8), during a |
|
deferral period ordered under this subchapter, the judge shall |
|
require that a defendant described by Subsection (a): |
|
(1) complete a driving safety course approved under |
|
Chapter 1001, Education Code; and |
|
(2) if the defendant holds a provisional license, be |
|
examined by the Department of Public Safety as required by Section |
|
521.161(b)(2), Transportation Code. |
|
(c) A defendant remains subject to the examination required |
|
by Subsection (b)(2) regardless of whether the defendant was |
|
examined previously. |
|
(d) A defendant examined as required by Subsection (b)(2) |
|
must pay a $10 reimbursement fee for the examination. |
|
(e) The reimbursement fee collected under Subsection (d) |
|
must be deposited to the credit of a special account in the general |
|
revenue fund and may be used only by the Department of Public Safety |
|
for the administration of Chapter 521, Transportation Code. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.051(b-1), (b-2), (b-3).) |
|
Art. 45A.305. DISMISSAL OF COMPLAINT ON COMPLIANCE WITH |
|
JUDICIAL REQUIREMENTS. (a) On determining that the defendant has |
|
complied with the requirements imposed by the judge under this |
|
subchapter, the judge shall dismiss the complaint. |
|
(b) If a complaint is dismissed under Subsection (a), there |
|
is not a final conviction and the complaint may not be used against |
|
the person for any purpose. |
|
(c) The docket must clearly note that the judge dismissed |
|
the complaint and that there is not a final conviction. |
|
(d) Records relating to a complaint dismissed as provided by |
|
Subsection (a) may be expunged under Subchapter A, B, or C, Chapter |
|
55A. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.051(c), (e).) |
|
Art. 45A.306. SHOW CAUSE HEARING ON FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH |
|
JUDICIAL REQUIREMENTS. If the defendant fails to present within |
|
the deferral period satisfactory evidence of compliance with the |
|
requirements imposed by the judge under this subchapter, the court |
|
shall: |
|
(1) notify the defendant in writing, mailed to the |
|
address on file with the court or appearing on the notice to appear, |
|
of that failure; and |
|
(2) require the defendant to appear at the time and |
|
place stated in the notice to show cause why the order of deferral |
|
should not be revoked. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.051(c-1).) |
|
Art. 45A.307. JUDICIAL ACTIONS ON SHOW CAUSE HEARING. (a) |
|
On the defendant's showing of good cause for failure to present |
|
satisfactory evidence of compliance with the requirements imposed |
|
by the judge under this subchapter, the court may allow an |
|
additional period during which the defendant may present evidence |
|
of the defendant's compliance with the requirements. |
|
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), if on the date of a |
|
show cause hearing under Article 45A.306 or, if applicable, by the |
|
conclusion of an additional period provided under Subsection (a), |
|
the defendant does not present satisfactory evidence that the |
|
defendant complied with the requirements imposed by the judge under |
|
this subchapter, the judge may impose the fine assessed or a lesser |
|
fine. The imposition of the fine or lesser fine constitutes a final |
|
conviction of the defendant. |
|
(c) If the defendant was required to complete a driving |
|
safety course or an examination under Article 45A.304(b) and on the |
|
date of a show cause hearing under Article 45A.306 or, if |
|
applicable, by the conclusion of an additional period provided |
|
under Subsection (a), the defendant does not present satisfactory |
|
evidence that the defendant completed that course or examination, |
|
the judge shall impose the fine assessed. The imposition of the |
|
fine constitutes a final conviction of the defendant. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Arts. 45.051(c-2), (d) (part), (d-1).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER H. DRIVING SAFETY OR MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR COURSE |
|
DISMISSAL |
|
Art. 45A.351. APPLICABILITY. (a) Except as provided by |
|
Subsections (b) and (c), this subchapter applies only to an alleged |
|
offense that: |
|
(1) is within the jurisdiction of a justice or |
|
municipal court; |
|
(2) involves the operation of a motor vehicle; and |
|
(3) is defined by: |
|
(A) Section 472.022, Transportation Code; |
|
(B) Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code; or |
|
(C) Section 729.001(a)(3), Transportation Code. |
|
(b) If the defendant is younger than 25 years of age, this |
|
subchapter applies to any alleged offense that: |
|
(1) is within the jurisdiction of a justice or |
|
municipal court; |
|
(2) involves the operation of a motor vehicle; and |
|
(3) is classified as a moving violation. |
|
(c) This subchapter does not apply to an offense committed |
|
by a person who: |
|
(1) holds a commercial driver's license; or |
|
(2) held a commercial driver's license when the |
|
offense was committed. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.0511(a), (a-1), |
|
(s); New.) |
|
Art. 45A.352. DRIVING SAFETY OR MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR |
|
TRAINING COURSE COMPLETION. (a) The judge shall require a |
|
defendant to successfully complete a driving safety course approved |
|
by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or a course |
|
under the motorcycle operator training and safety program approved |
|
by the designated state agency under Chapter 662, Transportation |
|
Code, if: |
|
(1) the defendant elects driving safety course or |
|
motorcycle operator training course dismissal under this |
|
subchapter; |
|
(2) the defendant: |
|
(A) has a Texas driver's license or permit; or |
|
(B) is a member, or the spouse or dependent child |
|
of a member, of the United States military forces serving on active |
|
duty; |
|
(3) either: |
|
(A) the defendant has not completed an approved |
|
driving safety course or motorcycle operator training course, as |
|
appropriate, within the 12-month period preceding the date of the |
|
offense; or |
|
(B) the defendant: |
|
(i) does not have a Texas driver's license |
|
or permit; |
|
(ii) is a member, or the spouse or dependent |
|
child of a member, of the United States military forces serving on |
|
active duty; and |
|
(iii) has not completed a driving safety |
|
course or motorcycle operator training course, as appropriate, in |
|
another state within the 12-month period preceding the date of the |
|
offense; |
|
(4) on or before the answer date on the notice to |
|
appear, the defendant enters, under Article 45A.151(a), a plea of |
|
nolo contendere or guilty in person or in writing and: |
|
(A) presents in person or by counsel to the court |
|
a request to take a course; or |
|
(B) sends to the court by certified mail, return |
|
receipt requested, postmarked on or before the answer date on the |
|
notice to appear, a written request to take a course; |
|
(5) the defendant is charged with an offense to which |
|
this subchapter applies, other than speeding at a speed of: |
|
(A) 95 miles per hour or more; or |
|
(B) 25 miles per hour or more over the posted |
|
speed limit; and |
|
(6) the defendant provides evidence of financial |
|
responsibility as required by Chapter 601, Transportation Code. |
|
(b) The court may dismiss only one charge for each |
|
completion of a course described by Subsection (a). |
|
(c) Notwithstanding Subsections (a)(3) and (4), before the |
|
final disposition of the case, the court may grant a request to take |
|
a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training course |
|
under this subchapter. |
|
(d) A request to take a driving safety course or motorcycle |
|
operator training course made at or before the time and at the place |
|
at which a defendant is required to appear in court is an appearance |
|
in compliance with the defendant's promise to appear. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Arts. 45.0511(b), (d), (e), (m).) |
|
Art. 45A.353. CERTAIN DEFENDANTS ENTITLED TO COMPLETE |
|
DRIVING SAFETY OR MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR TRAINING COURSE. The court |
|
shall advise a defendant charged with a misdemeanor under Section |
|
472.022, Transportation Code, Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation |
|
Code, or Section 729.001(a)(3), Transportation Code, committed |
|
while operating a motor vehicle of the defendant's right under this |
|
subchapter to successfully complete a driving safety course or, if |
|
the offense was committed while operating a motorcycle, a |
|
motorcycle operator training course. The right to complete a |
|
course does not apply to a defendant charged with: |
|
(1) a violation of Section 545.066, 550.022, or |
|
550.023, Transportation Code; |
|
(2) a serious traffic violation; or |
|
(3) an offense to which Section 542.404, |
|
Transportation Code, applies. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0511(p).) |
|
Art. 45A.354. CONTENT OF NOTICE TO APPEAR. (a) A notice to |
|
appear issued for an offense to which this subchapter applies must |
|
inform a defendant charged with an offense under Section 472.022, |
|
Transportation Code, an offense under Subtitle C, Title 7, |
|
Transportation Code, or an offense under Section 729.001(a)(3), |
|
Transportation Code, committed while operating a motor vehicle of |
|
the defendant's right to complete a driving safety course or, if the |
|
offense was committed while operating a motorcycle, of the |
|
defendant's right to complete a motorcycle operator training |
|
course. The notice required by this subsection must read |
|
substantially as follows: |
|
"You may be able to require that this charge be dismissed by |
|
successfully completing a driving safety course or a motorcycle |
|
operator training course. You will lose that right if, on or before |
|
your appearance date, you do not provide the court with notice of |
|
your request to take the course." |
|
(b) If the notice required by Subsection (a) is not provided |
|
to the defendant charged with the offense, the defendant may |
|
continue to exercise the defendant's right to take a driving safety |
|
course or a motorcycle operator training course until the notice |
|
required by Subsection (a) is provided to the defendant or there is |
|
a final disposition of the case. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. |
|
45.0511(q), (r).) |
|
Art. 45A.355. EXTENSION FOR GOOD CAUSE. On a defendant's |
|
showing of good cause for failure to provide evidence to the court, |
|
the court may allow an additional period during which the defendant |
|
may present: |
|
(1) a uniform certificate of course completion as |
|
evidence that the defendant successfully completed the driving |
|
safety course; or |
|
(2) a verification of course completion as evidence |
|
that the defendant successfully completed the motorcycle operator |
|
training course. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0511(k).) |
|
Art. 45A.356. JUDICIAL ACTIONS FOLLOWING PLEA; SHOW CAUSE |
|
HEARING. (a) The court shall enter judgment on a defendant's plea |
|
of nolo contendere or guilty at the time the plea is made, defer |
|
imposition of the judgment, and allow the defendant a 90-day period |
|
to successfully complete the approved driving safety course or |
|
motorcycle operator training course and present to the court: |
|
(1) a uniform certificate of completion of the driving |
|
safety course or a verification of completion of the motorcycle |
|
operator training course; |
|
(2) unless the judge proceeds under Article 45A.359, |
|
the defendant's driving record as maintained by the Department of |
|
Public Safety, if any, showing that the defendant has not completed |
|
an approved driving safety course or motorcycle operator training |
|
course, as applicable, within the 12-month period preceding the |
|
date of the offense; |
|
(3) an affidavit stating that the defendant: |
|
(A) was not taking a driving safety course or |
|
motorcycle operator training course, as applicable, under this |
|
subchapter on the date the request to take the course was made; and |
|
(B) has not completed, within the 12-month period |
|
preceding the date of the offense, a course described by Paragraph |
|
(A) that is not shown on the defendant's driving record; and |
|
(4) if the defendant does not have a Texas driver's |
|
license or permit and is a member, or the spouse or dependent child |
|
of a member, of the United States military forces serving on active |
|
duty, an affidavit stating that the defendant: |
|
(A) was not taking a driving safety course or |
|
motorcycle operator training course, as applicable, in another |
|
state on the date the request to take the course was made; and |
|
(B) has not completed a course described by |
|
Paragraph (A) within the 12-month period preceding the date of the |
|
offense. |
|
(b) If the judge proceeds under Article 45A.359 and the copy |
|
of the defendant's driving record provided to the judge under |
|
Subsection (c) of that article shows that the defendant has not |
|
completed an approved driving safety course or motorcycle operator |
|
training course, as applicable, within the 12-month period |
|
preceding the date of the offense, the judge shall allow the |
|
defendant to complete the appropriate course as provided by this |
|
article. |
|
(c) If a defendant satisfies the requirements of Subsection |
|
(a), the court shall: |
|
(1) remove the judgment and dismiss the charge; |
|
(2) report the fact that the defendant successfully |
|
completed a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training |
|
course and the date of completion to the Department of Public Safety |
|
for inclusion in the defendant's driving record; and |
|
(3) state in the report under Subdivision (2) whether |
|
the course was taken under this subchapter to provide information |
|
necessary to determine eligibility to take a subsequent course |
|
under Article 45A.352(a). |
|
(d) An order of deferral under Subsection (a) terminates any |
|
liability under a bond given for the charge. |
|
(e) If a defendant requesting a course under this subchapter |
|
fails to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a), the court |
|
shall: |
|
(1) notify the defendant in writing, mailed to the |
|
address on file with the court or appearing on the notice to appear, |
|
of that failure; and |
|
(2) require the defendant to appear at the time and |
|
place stated in the notice to show cause why the evidence was not |
|
timely submitted to the court. |
|
(f) If the defendant fails to appear at the time and place |
|
stated in the notice under Subsection (e), or appears at the time |
|
and place stated in the notice but does not show good cause for the |
|
defendant's failure to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a), |
|
the court shall enter an adjudication of guilt and impose sentence. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.0511(c), (c-1) (part), (i), (j), (l), |
|
(t).) |
|
Art. 45A.357. EFFECT OF DISMISSAL OR COURSE COMPLETION. |
|
(a) A charge that is dismissed under this subchapter may not be |
|
part of a person's driving record or used for any purpose. |
|
(b) An insurer delivering or issuing for delivery a motor |
|
vehicle insurance policy in this state may not cancel or increase |
|
the premium charged an insured under the policy because the |
|
insured: |
|
(1) completed a driving safety course or a motorcycle |
|
operator training course; or |
|
(2) had a charge dismissed under this subchapter. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.0511(n), (o).) |
|
Art. 45A.358. ADDITIONAL FINES AND FEES RELATING TO COURSE |
|
REQUEST. (a) In addition to court costs and fees authorized or |
|
imposed by a law of this state and applicable to the offense, the |
|
court may: |
|
(1) require a defendant requesting a driving safety |
|
course or motorcycle operator training course under Article |
|
45A.352(a) to pay a reimbursement fee in an amount of not more than |
|
$10 to cover the cost of administering this subchapter; or |
|
(2) require a defendant requesting a driving safety |
|
course or motorcycle operator training course under Article |
|
45A.352(c) to pay a fine set by the court in an amount not to exceed |
|
the maximum amount of the fine for the offense committed by the |
|
defendant. |
|
(b) A defendant who requests but does not take a driving |
|
safety course or motorcycle operator training course is not |
|
entitled to a refund of the reimbursement fee or fine assessed under |
|
Subsection (a). |
|
(c) Money collected by a municipal court shall be deposited |
|
in the municipal treasury. Money collected by another court shall |
|
be deposited in the county treasury of the county in which the court |
|
is located. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.0511(f), (g), (h).) |
|
Art. 45A.359. DRIVING RECORD RETRIEVAL AND RELATED FEE. |
|
(a) In this article, "state electronic Internet portal" has the |
|
meaning assigned by Section 2054.003, Government Code. |
|
(b) As an alternative to receiving the defendant's driving |
|
record under Article 45A.356(a)(2), the judge, at the time the |
|
defendant requests a driving safety course or motorcycle operator |
|
training course dismissal under this subchapter, may: |
|
(1) require the defendant to pay a reimbursement fee |
|
in an amount equal to the sum of the amount of: |
|
(A) the fee established by Section 521.048, |
|
Transportation Code; and |
|
(B) the state electronic Internet portal fee; and |
|
(2) use the state electronic Internet portal to |
|
request that the Department of Public Safety provide the judge with |
|
a copy of the defendant's driving record showing the information |
|
described by Section 521.047(b), Transportation Code. |
|
(c) As soon as practicable, the Department of Public Safety |
|
shall use the state electronic Internet portal to provide the judge |
|
with the requested copy of the defendant's driving record. |
|
(d) The reimbursement fee authorized by Subsection (b) is in |
|
addition to any other fee required under this subchapter. |
|
(e) The custodian of a municipal or county treasury who |
|
receives reimbursement fees collected under this article shall keep |
|
a record of the fees and, without deduction or proration, forward |
|
the fees to the comptroller with and in the manner required for |
|
other fees and costs received in connection with criminal cases. |
|
(f) The comptroller shall credit fees collected under |
|
Subsection (e) to the Department of Public Safety. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 45.0511(c-1) (part).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER I. OTHER DISMISSALS |
|
Art. 45A.401. DISMISSAL OF MISDEMEANOR CHARGE ON COMPLETION |
|
OF TEEN COURT PROGRAM. (a) This article applies only to a |
|
defendant who is: |
|
(1) younger than 18 years of age; or |
|
(2) enrolled full time in an accredited secondary |
|
school in a program leading toward a high school diploma. |
|
(b) A justice or municipal court may defer proceedings |
|
against a defendant described by Subsection (a) for a period not to |
|
exceed 180 days if the defendant: |
|
(1) is charged with an offense that the court has |
|
jurisdiction of under Article 4.11 or 4.14; |
|
(2) with the defendant's parent, guardian, or managing |
|
conservator present, pleads nolo contendere or guilty to the |
|
offense in open court; |
|
(3) presents to the court an oral or written request to |
|
attend a teen court program or is recommended to attend the program |
|
by a school employee under Section 37.146, Education Code; and |
|
(4) has not successfully completed a teen court |
|
program in the year preceding the date that the alleged offense |
|
occurred. |
|
(c) The court must approve the teen court program. |
|
(d) A defendant for whom proceedings are deferred under |
|
Subsection (b) must complete the teen court program not later than |
|
the earlier of: |
|
(1) the 90th day after the date the teen court hearing |
|
to determine punishment is held; or |
|
(2) the last day of the deferral period. |
|
(e) The justice or municipal court shall dismiss the charge |
|
at the time the defendant presents satisfactory evidence that the |
|
defendant has successfully completed the teen court program. |
|
(f) A charge dismissed under this article may not be part of |
|
the defendant's criminal record or driving record or used for any |
|
purpose, except that if the charge was for a traffic offense, the |
|
court shall report to the Department of Public Safety the fact that |
|
the defendant successfully completed the teen court program and the |
|
date of completion for inclusion in the defendant's driving record. |
|
(g) The justice or municipal court may require a defendant |
|
who requests a teen court program to pay a reimbursement fee in an |
|
amount not to exceed $10 that is set by the court to cover the costs |
|
of administering this article. Reimbursement fees collected by a |
|
municipal court shall be deposited in the municipal treasury, and |
|
reimbursement fees collected by a justice court shall be deposited |
|
in the county treasury of the county in which the court is located. |
|
(h) A defendant who requests a teen court program and fails |
|
to complete the program is not entitled to a refund of the |
|
reimbursement fee under Subsection (g). |
|
(i) A court may transfer a case in which proceedings have |
|
been deferred under this article to a court in another county if |
|
that court consents to the transfer and has jurisdiction over the |
|
case. |
|
(j) In addition to the reimbursement fee authorized by |
|
Subsection (g), the court may require a defendant who requests a |
|
teen court program to pay a $10 reimbursement fee to cover the |
|
program's cost for performing duties under this article. The court |
|
shall pay the fee to the teen court program, and the teen court |
|
program must account to the court for the receipt and disbursal of |
|
the fee. |
|
(k) A defendant who pays a fee under Subsection (j) is not |
|
entitled to a refund of the fee, regardless of whether the defendant |
|
successfully completes the teen court program. |
|
(l) A justice or municipal court may exempt a defendant for |
|
whom proceedings are deferred under this article from the |
|
requirement to pay a court cost or fee imposed by another statute. |
|
(m) Notwithstanding Subsection (g) or (j), a justice or |
|
municipal court that is located in the Texas-Louisiana border |
|
region, as defined by Section 2056.002, Government Code, may charge |
|
a reimbursement fee of $20 under those subsections. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 45.052.) |
|
Art. 45A.402. DISMISSAL OF COMPLAINT ON COMMITMENT OF |
|
PERSON WITH CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY. (a) On a plea of guilty or nolo |
|
contendere by a defendant or on a finding of guilt in a misdemeanor |
|
case punishable by fine only, a justice or municipal court may defer |
|
further proceedings for a 90-day period without entering an |
|
adjudication of guilt if: |
|
(1) the court finds that the offense resulted from or |
|
was related to the defendant's chemical dependency; and |
|
(2) an application for court-ordered treatment of the |
|
defendant is filed in accordance with Chapter 462, Health and |
|
Safety Code. |
|
(b) At the end of the deferral period, the justice or |
|
municipal court shall dismiss the complaint if satisfactory |
|
evidence is presented that the defendant was committed for and |
|
completed court-ordered treatment in accordance with Chapter 462, |
|
Health and Safety Code. If a complaint is dismissed under this |
|
subsection, there is not a final conviction and the complaint may |
|
not be used against the person for any purpose. The docket must |
|
clearly note that the court dismissed the complaint and that there |
|
is not a final conviction. Records relating to a complaint |
|
dismissed under this subsection may be expunged under Subchapter A, |
|
B, or C, Chapter 55A. |
|
(c) If at the conclusion of the deferral period satisfactory |
|
evidence described by Subsection (b) is not presented, the justice |
|
or municipal court may impose the fine assessed or a lesser fine. |
|
The imposition of the fine constitutes a final conviction of the |
|
defendant. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.053.) |
|
Art. 45A.403. DISMISSAL OF PARENT CONTRIBUTING TO |
|
NONATTENDANCE CHARGE. Notwithstanding any other law, a county, |
|
justice, or municipal court may dismiss a charge against a |
|
defendant alleging the defendant committed an offense under Section |
|
25.093, Education Code, if the court finds that a dismissal would be |
|
in the interest of justice because: |
|
(1) there is a low likelihood of recidivism by the |
|
defendant; or |
|
(2) sufficient justification exists for the failure of |
|
the defendant's child to attend school. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
45.0531.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER J. CASES INVOLVING JUVENILES |
|
Art. 45A.451. JUVENILE CASE MANAGERS. (a) On approval of |
|
the commissioners court, governing body of a municipality, school |
|
district board of trustees, juvenile board, or other appropriate |
|
authority, a county court, justice court, municipal court, school |
|
district, juvenile probation department, or other appropriate |
|
governmental entity may: |
|
(1) employ a case manager to provide services: |
|
(A) in cases involving juvenile offenders who are |
|
before a court consistent with the court's statutory powers; or |
|
(B) to a juvenile who is referred to a court by a |
|
school administrator or designee for misconduct that would |
|
otherwise be within the court's statutory powers before a case is |
|
filed, with the consent of the juvenile and the juvenile's parents |
|
or guardians; |
|
(2) employ one or more juvenile case managers who: |
|
(A) shall assist the court in administering the |
|
court's juvenile docket and in supervising the court's orders in |
|
juvenile cases; and |
|
(B) may provide: |
|
(i) prevention services to a child |
|
considered at risk of entering the juvenile justice system; and |
|
(ii) intervention services to a juvenile |
|
engaged in misconduct, excluding traffic offenses, if a case has |
|
not yet been filed with respect to the misconduct; or |
|
(3) agree in accordance with Chapter 791, Government |
|
Code, with any appropriate governmental entity to jointly employ a |
|
case manager or to jointly contribute to the costs of a case manager |
|
employed by one governmental entity to provide services described |
|
by Subdivisions (1) and (2). |
|
(a-1) A county or justice court on approval of the |
|
commissioners court or a municipality or municipal court on |
|
approval of the governing body of the municipality may employ one or |
|
more juvenile case managers who: |
|
(1) shall assist the court in administering the |
|
court's juvenile docket and in supervising the court's orders in |
|
juvenile cases; and |
|
(2) may provide: |
|
(A) prevention services to a child considered at |
|
risk of entering the juvenile justice system; and |
|
(B) intervention services to a juvenile engaged |
|
in misconduct, excluding traffic offenses, if a case has not yet |
|
been filed with respect to the misconduct. |
|
(b) A local entity may apply or more than one local entity |
|
may jointly apply to the criminal justice division of the |
|
governor's office for reimbursement of all or part of the costs of |
|
employing one or more juvenile case managers from funds |
|
appropriated to the governor's office or otherwise available for |
|
that purpose. |
|
(c) To be eligible for reimbursement under Subsection (b), |
|
the entity applying must present to the governor's office a |
|
comprehensive plan to reduce juvenile offenses in the entity's |
|
jurisdiction. The plan must address the role of the case manager in |
|
that effort. |
|
(d) An entity that jointly employs a case manager under |
|
Subsection (a)(3) employs a juvenile case manager for purposes of |
|
Chapter 102. |
|
(e) The court or governing body may pay, from the local |
|
truancy prevention and diversion fund established under Section |
|
134.156, Local Government Code: |
|
(1) the salary and benefits of a juvenile case |
|
manager; and |
|
(2) the costs of training, travel, office supplies, |
|
and other necessary expenses relating to the position of the |
|
juvenile case manager. |
|
(f) A juvenile case manager employed under Subsection (a-1) |
|
shall give priority to cases brought under Section 25.093, |
|
Education Code. |
|
(g) The governing body of the employing governmental entity |
|
under Subsection (a) shall adopt reasonable rules for juvenile case |
|
managers that provide for: |
|
(1) a code of ethics and the enforcement of the code of |
|
ethics; |
|
(2) appropriate educational preservice and in-service |
|
training standards for juvenile case managers; and |
|
(3) training in: |
|
(A) the role of the juvenile case manager; |
|
(B) case planning and management; |
|
(C) applicable procedural and substantive law; |
|
(D) courtroom proceedings and presentation; |
|
(E) services to at-risk youth under Subchapter D, |
|
Chapter 264, Family Code; |
|
(F) local programs and services for juveniles and |
|
methods by which juveniles may access those programs and services; |
|
and |
|
(G) detecting and preventing abuse, |
|
exploitation, and neglect of juveniles. |
|
(h) The employing court or governmental entity under this |
|
article shall implement the rules adopted under Subsection (g). |
|
(i) The commissioners court or governing body of the |
|
municipality that administers a local truancy prevention and |
|
diversion fund under Section 134.156, Local Government Code, shall |
|
require periodic review of juvenile case managers to ensure the |
|
implementation of the rules adopted under Subsection (g). |
|
(j) The juvenile case manager shall timely report to the |
|
judge who signed the applicable order or judgment and, on request, |
|
to the judge assigned to the case or the presiding judge any |
|
information or recommendations relevant to assisting the judge in |
|
making decisions that are in the best interest of the child. |
|
(k) The judge who is assigned to the case shall consult with |
|
the juvenile case manager who is supervising the case regarding: |
|
(1) the child's home environment; |
|
(2) the child's developmental, psychological, and |
|
educational status; |
|
(3) the child's previous interaction with the justice |
|
system; and |
|
(4) any sanctions available to the court that would be |
|
in the best interest of the child. |
|
(l) Subsections (j) and (k) do not apply to: |
|
(1) a part-time judge; or |
|
(2) a county judge of a county court that has one or |
|
more appointed full-time magistrates under Section 54.1172, |
|
Government Code. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.056.) |
|
Art. 45A.452. PLEA; APPEARANCE BY DEFENDANT AND PARENT. |
|
(a) This article applies to a defendant who has not had the |
|
disabilities of minority removed and has been: |
|
(1) charged with an offense other than an offense |
|
under Section 43.261, Penal Code, if the defendant is younger than |
|
17 years of age; or |
|
(2) charged with an offense under Section 43.261, |
|
Penal Code, if the defendant is younger than 18 years of age. |
|
(b) The judge or justice shall: |
|
(1) take the defendant's plea in open court; and |
|
(2) issue a summons to compel the defendant's parent, |
|
guardian, or managing conservator to be present during: |
|
(A) the taking of the defendant's plea; and |
|
(B) all other proceedings relating to the case. |
|
(c) If the court is unable to secure the appearance of the |
|
defendant's parent, guardian, or managing conservator by issuing a |
|
summons, the court may, without the defendant's parent, guardian, |
|
or managing conservator present, take the defendant's plea and |
|
proceed against the defendant. |
|
(d) If the defendant resides in a county other than the |
|
county in which the alleged offense occurred, the defendant may, |
|
with approval of the judge of the court of original jurisdiction, |
|
enter a plea, including a plea under Article 45A.401, before a judge |
|
in the county in which the defendant resides. |
|
(e) A justice or municipal court shall endorse on the |
|
summons issued to a parent an order to appear personally at a |
|
hearing with the defendant. The summons must include a warning that |
|
the failure of the parent to appear is a Class C misdemeanor and may |
|
result in arrest. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0215.) |
|
Art. 45A.453. CHILD TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. (a) In this |
|
article, "child" means a person who is: |
|
(1) at least 10 years of age and younger than 17 years |
|
of age; and |
|
(2) charged with or convicted of an offense that a |
|
justice or municipal court has jurisdiction of under Article 4.11 |
|
or 4.14. |
|
(b) A child may be released to the child's parent, guardian, |
|
custodian, or other responsible adult as provided by Section |
|
52.02(a)(1), Family Code, if the child is taken into custody for an |
|
offense that a justice or municipal court has jurisdiction of under |
|
Article 4.11 or 4.14. |
|
(c) A child described by Subsection (b) must be taken only |
|
to a place previously designated by the head of the law enforcement |
|
agency with custody of the child as an appropriate place of |
|
nonsecure custody for children unless the child: |
|
(1) is released under Section 52.02(a)(1), Family |
|
Code; or |
|
(2) is taken before a justice or municipal court. |
|
(d) A place of nonsecure custody for children must be an |
|
unlocked, multipurpose area, such as: |
|
(1) a lobby, office, or interrogation room, if the |
|
area is not designated, set aside, or used as a secure detention |
|
area and is not part of a secure detention area; or |
|
(2) a juvenile processing office designated under |
|
Section 52.025, Family Code, if the area is not locked when the area |
|
is used as a place of nonsecure custody. |
|
(e) The following procedures shall be followed in a place of |
|
nonsecure custody for children: |
|
(1) a child may not be secured physically to a cuffing |
|
rail, chair, desk, or other stationary object; |
|
(2) a child may be held in the nonsecure facility only |
|
for the period necessary to complete: |
|
(A) identification; |
|
(B) investigation; |
|
(C) processing; |
|
(D) release to a parent, guardian, custodian, or |
|
other responsible adult; or |
|
(E) the arranging of transportation to the |
|
appropriate juvenile court, juvenile detention facility, secure |
|
detention facility, justice court, or municipal court; |
|
(3) residential use of the area is prohibited; and |
|
(4) a law enforcement officer or facility staff person |
|
shall provide continuous visual supervision of a child while the |
|
child is in nonsecure custody. |
|
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a |
|
child may not be detained in a place of nonsecure custody for a |
|
period of more than six hours. |
|
(g) A child taken into custody for an offense that a justice |
|
or municipal court has jurisdiction of under Article 4.11 or 4.14 |
|
may be presented or detained in a detention facility designated by |
|
the juvenile board under Section 52.02(a)(3), Family Code, only if: |
|
(1) the child's case is transferred to the juvenile |
|
court by a justice or municipal court under Section 51.08(b), |
|
Family Code; or |
|
(2) the child is referred to the juvenile court by a |
|
justice or municipal court for contempt of court under Article |
|
45A.461. |
|
(h) Except as provided by Subsection (i) and Section |
|
37.143(a), Education Code, for a traffic offense or an offense |
|
punishable by fine only, a law enforcement officer may issue a |
|
citation as provided by Article 14.06 instead of taking a child into |
|
custody. |
|
(i) A law enforcement officer may issue a citation as |
|
provided by Article 14.06 instead of taking a child into custody for |
|
conduct constituting a violation of Section 49.02, Penal Code, only |
|
if the officer releases the child to the child's parent, guardian, |
|
custodian, or other responsible adult. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. |
|
45.058(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (g-1), (h).) |
|
Art. 45A.454. CONDUCT ALLEGED ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. (a) In |
|
this article, "child" has the meaning assigned by Article |
|
45A.453(a). |
|
(b) If a law enforcement officer issues a citation or files |
|
a complaint in the manner provided by Article 45A.101(g) for |
|
conduct by a child 12 years of age or older that is alleged to have |
|
occurred on school property of or on a vehicle owned or operated by |
|
a county or independent school district, the officer shall submit |
|
to the court: |
|
(1) the offense report; |
|
(2) a statement by a witness to the alleged conduct; |
|
and |
|
(3) a statement by a victim of the alleged conduct, if |
|
any. |
|
(c) An attorney representing the state may not proceed in a |
|
trial of an offense unless the law enforcement officer has complied |
|
with the requirements of Subsection (b). |
|
(d) Notwithstanding Article 45A.453(h) or (i), a law |
|
enforcement officer may not issue a citation or file a complaint in |
|
the manner provided by Article 45A.101(g) for conduct by a child |
|
younger than 12 years of age that is alleged to have occurred on |
|
school property of or on a vehicle owned or operated by a county or |
|
independent school district. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 45.058(h), |
|
(i), (j).) |
|
Art. 45A.455. CHILD TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOR VIOLATION OF |
|
JUVENILE CURFEW OR ORDER. (a) In this article, "child" means a |
|
person who is younger than 17 years of age. |
|
(b) A peace officer taking a child into custody for a |
|
violation of a juvenile curfew ordinance of a municipality or order |
|
of the commissioners court of a county shall, without unnecessary |
|
delay: |
|
(1) release the child to the child's parent, guardian, |
|
or custodian; |
|
(2) take the child before a justice or municipal court |
|
to answer the charge; or |
|
(3) take the child to a place designated as a juvenile |
|
curfew processing office by the head of the law enforcement agency |
|
having custody of the child. |
|
(c) A juvenile curfew processing office must observe the |
|
following procedures: |
|
(1) the office must be an unlocked, multipurpose area |
|
that is not designated, set aside, or used as a secure detention |
|
area or part of a secure detention area; |
|
(2) the child may not be secured physically to a |
|
cuffing rail, chair, desk, or stationary object; |
|
(3) the child may not be held for a period longer than |
|
is necessary to complete: |
|
(A) identification; |
|
(B) investigation; |
|
(C) processing; |
|
(D) release to a parent, guardian, or custodian; |
|
or |
|
(E) arrangement of transportation to school or |
|
court; |
|
(4) the office may not be designated or intended for |
|
residential purposes; |
|
(5) a peace officer or other individual shall provide |
|
continuous visual supervision of a child while the child is in the |
|
office; and |
|
(6) a child may not be held in the office for a period |
|
of more than six hours. |
|
(d) A place designated under this article as a juvenile |
|
curfew processing office is not subject to the approval of the |
|
juvenile board having jurisdiction where the governmental entity is |
|
located. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.059; New.) |
|
Art. 45A.456. CONTINUING OBLIGATION TO APPEAR FOR |
|
UNADJUDICATED CHILD, NOW ADULT; OFFENSE. (a) Except as provided by |
|
Articles 45A.453, 45A.454, and 45A.455, an individual may not be |
|
taken into secured custody for offenses alleged to have occurred |
|
before the individual's 17th birthday. |
|
(b) On or after an individual's 17th birthday, if the court |
|
has used all available procedures under this chapter to secure the |
|
individual's appearance to answer allegations made before the |
|
individual's 17th birthday, the court may issue a notice of |
|
continuing obligation to appear, by personal service or by mail, to |
|
the last known address and residence of the individual. The notice |
|
must order the individual to appear at a designated time, place, and |
|
date to answer the allegations detailed in the notice. |
|
(c) Failure to appear as ordered by the notice under |
|
Subsection (b) is a Class C misdemeanor independent of Section |
|
38.10, Penal Code, and Section 543.009, Transportation Code. |
|
(d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under |
|
Subsection (c) that the individual was not informed of the |
|
individual's obligation under Articles 45A.457(h) and (i) or did |
|
not receive notice as required by Subsection (b) of this article. |
|
(e) A notice of continuing obligation to appear issued under |
|
this article must contain the following statement provided in |
|
boldfaced type or capital letters: |
|
"WARNING: COURT RECORDS REVEAL THAT BEFORE YOUR 17TH |
|
BIRTHDAY YOU WERE ACCUSED OF A CRIMINAL OFFENSE AND HAVE FAILED TO |
|
MAKE AN APPEARANCE OR ENTER A PLEA IN THIS MATTER. AS AN ADULT, YOU |
|
ARE NOTIFIED THAT YOU HAVE A CONTINUING OBLIGATION TO APPEAR IN THIS |
|
CASE. FAILURE TO APPEAR AS REQUIRED BY THIS NOTICE MAY BE AN |
|
ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL OFFENSE AND RESULT IN A WARRANT BEING ISSUED |
|
FOR YOUR ARREST." (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.060.) |
|
Art. 45A.457. FINDING THAT OFFENSE COMMITTED. (a) In this |
|
article: |
|
(1) "Child" has the meaning assigned by Article |
|
45A.453(a). |
|
(2) "Parent" includes a person standing in parental |
|
relation, a managing conservator, or a custodian. |
|
(3) "Residence" means any place where the child lives |
|
or resides for a period of not less than 30 days. |
|
(b) On a finding by a justice or municipal court that a child |
|
committed an offense that the court has jurisdiction of under |
|
Article 4.11 or 4.14, the court has jurisdiction to enter an order: |
|
(1) referring the child or the child's parent for |
|
services under Section 264.302, Family Code; |
|
(2) requiring that the child attend a special program |
|
that the court determines to be in the best interest of the child |
|
and, if the program involves the expenditure of municipal or county |
|
funds, that is approved by the governing body of the municipality or |
|
county commissioners court, as applicable, including a program for: |
|
(A) rehabilitation; |
|
(B) counseling; |
|
(C) self-esteem and leadership; |
|
(D) work and job skills training; |
|
(E) job interviewing and work preparation; |
|
(F) self-improvement; |
|
(G) parenting; |
|
(H) manners; |
|
(I) violence avoidance; |
|
(J) tutoring; |
|
(K) sensitivity training; |
|
(L) parental responsibility; |
|
(M) community service; |
|
(N) restitution; |
|
(O) advocacy; or |
|
(P) mentoring; or |
|
(3) requiring that the child's parent perform any act |
|
or refrain from performing any act as the court determines will |
|
increase the likelihood that the child will comply with the orders |
|
of the court and that is reasonable and necessary for the welfare of |
|
the child, including: |
|
(A) attend a parenting class or parental |
|
responsibility program; and |
|
(B) attend the child's school classes or |
|
functions. |
|
(c) The justice or municipal court may order the parent of a |
|
child required to attend a program under Subsection (b) to pay an |
|
amount not to exceed $100 for the costs of the program. |
|
(d) A justice or municipal court may require a child or |
|
parent required to attend a program, class, or function under this |
|
article to submit proof of attendance to the court. |
|
(e) A justice or municipal court shall endorse on the |
|
summons issued to a parent an order to appear personally at the |
|
hearing with the child. The summons must include a warning that the |
|
failure of the parent to appear is a Class C misdemeanor and may |
|
result in arrest. |
|
(f) An order under this article involving a child is |
|
enforceable under Article 45A.461. |
|
(g) A person commits an offense if the person is a parent who |
|
fails to attend a hearing under this article after receiving an |
|
order under Subsection (e). An offense under this subsection is a |
|
Class C misdemeanor. |
|
(h) A child and parent required to appear before the court |
|
have an obligation to provide the child's current address and |
|
residence to the court in writing. The obligation does not end when |
|
the child reaches age 17. On or before the seventh day after the |
|
date the child or parent changes residence, the child or parent |
|
shall notify the court of the current address in the manner directed |
|
by the court. A violation of this subsection is a Class C |
|
misdemeanor and may result in arrest. The obligation to provide |
|
notice terminates on discharge and satisfaction of the judgment or |
|
a final disposition not requiring a finding of guilt. |
|
(i) If an appellate court accepts an appeal for a trial de |
|
novo, the child and parent shall provide the notice under |
|
Subsection (h) to the appellate court. |
|
(j) The child and parent are entitled to written notice of |
|
their obligation under Subsections (h) and (i), which may be |
|
satisfied if a copy of those subsections is delivered to the child |
|
and parent by: |
|
(1) the court during their initial appearance before |
|
the court; |
|
(2) a peace officer arresting and releasing a child |
|
under Article 45A.453(b) at the time of release; or |
|
(3) a peace officer who issues a notice to appear under |
|
Section 543.003, Transportation Code, or a citation under Article |
|
14.06(b). |
|
(k) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under |
|
Subsection (h) that the child and parent were not informed of their |
|
obligation under this article. |
|
(l) Any order under this article is enforceable by the |
|
justice or municipal court by contempt. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
45.057.) |
|
Art. 45A.458. FINDING OF ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF CERTAIN |
|
VISUAL MATERIAL DEPICTING MINOR. (a) In this article, "parent" |
|
means a natural or adoptive parent, managing or possessory |
|
conservator, or legal guardian. The term does not include a parent |
|
whose parental rights have been terminated. |
|
(b) If a justice or municipal court finds that a defendant |
|
has committed an offense under Section 43.261, Penal Code, the |
|
court may enter an order requiring the defendant to attend and |
|
successfully complete an educational program described by Section |
|
37.218, Education Code, or another equivalent educational program. |
|
(c) A court that enters an order under Subsection (b) shall |
|
require the defendant or the defendant's parent to pay the cost of |
|
attending an educational program under Subsection (b) if the court |
|
determines that the defendant or the defendant's parent is |
|
financially able to pay. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.061.) |
|
Art. 45A.459. COMMUNITY SERVICE TO SATISFY FINES OR COSTS |
|
FOR CERTAIN JUVENILE DEFENDANTS. (a) This article applies only to |
|
a defendant younger than 17 years of age who is assessed a fine or |
|
cost for a Class C misdemeanor. |
|
(b) A justice or judge may require a defendant described by |
|
Subsection (a) to discharge all or part of the fine or cost by |
|
performing community service. |
|
(c) An order requiring a defendant to perform community |
|
service under this article must specify: |
|
(1) the number of hours of community service the |
|
defendant is required to perform, not to exceed 200 hours; and |
|
(2) the date by which the defendant must submit to the |
|
court documentation verifying that the defendant completed the |
|
community service. |
|
(d) The justice or judge may order the defendant to perform |
|
community service under this article: |
|
(1) by attending: |
|
(A) a work and job skills training program; |
|
(B) a preparatory class for the high school |
|
equivalency examination administered under Section 7.111, |
|
Education Code; |
|
(C) an alcohol or drug abuse program; |
|
(D) a rehabilitation program; |
|
(E) a counseling program, including a |
|
self-improvement program; |
|
(F) a mentoring program; or |
|
(G) any similar activity; or |
|
(2) for: |
|
(A) a governmental entity; |
|
(B) a nonprofit organization or another |
|
organization that provides to the general public services that |
|
enhance social welfare and the general well-being of the community, |
|
as determined by the justice or judge; or |
|
(C) an educational institution. |
|
(e) An entity that accepts a defendant to perform community |
|
service under this article must agree to: |
|
(1) supervise, either on-site or remotely, the |
|
defendant in the performance of the defendant's community service; |
|
and |
|
(2) report on the defendant's community service to the |
|
justice or judge who ordered the service. |
|
(f) A justice or judge may not order a defendant to perform |
|
more than 16 hours of community service each week under this article |
|
unless the justice or judge determines that requiring the defendant |
|
to perform additional hours does not impose an undue hardship on the |
|
defendant or the defendant's family, as defined by Section 71.003, |
|
Family Code. |
|
(g) A sheriff, employee of a sheriff's department, county |
|
commissioner, county employee, county judge, justice of the peace, |
|
municipal court judge, or officer or employee of a political |
|
subdivision other than a county or an entity that accepts a |
|
defendant to perform community service under this article is not |
|
liable for damages arising from an act or failure to act in |
|
connection with community service performed by a defendant under |
|
this article if the act or failure to act: |
|
(1) was performed pursuant to court order; and |
|
(2) was not intentional, wilfully or wantonly |
|
negligent, or performed with conscious indifference or reckless |
|
disregard for the safety of others. |
|
(h) A local juvenile probation department or a |
|
court-related services office may provide the administrative and |
|
other services necessary to supervise a defendant required to |
|
perform community service under this article. |
|
(i) A defendant is considered to have discharged not less |
|
than $100 of fines or costs for each eight hours of community |
|
service performed under this article. |
|
(j) A defendant may discharge an obligation to perform |
|
community service under this article by paying at any time the fine |
|
and costs assessed. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0492, as added Acts |
|
82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 777.) |
|
Art. 45A.460. COMMUNITY SERVICE TO SATISFY FINES OR COSTS |
|
FOR CERTAIN JUVENILE DEFENDANTS FOR OFFENSES ON SCHOOL GROUNDS. |
|
(a) This article applies only to a defendant younger than 17 years |
|
of age who is assessed a fine or cost for a Class C misdemeanor |
|
occurring in a building or on the grounds of the primary or |
|
secondary school at which the defendant was enrolled at the time of |
|
the offense. |
|
(b) A justice or judge may require a defendant described by |
|
Subsection (a) to discharge all or part of the fine or cost by |
|
performing community service. |
|
(c) An order requiring a defendant to perform community |
|
service under this article must specify: |
|
(1) the number of hours of community service the |
|
defendant is required to perform; and |
|
(2) the date by which the defendant must submit to the |
|
court documentation verifying that the defendant completed the |
|
community service. |
|
(d) The justice or judge may order the defendant to perform |
|
community service under this article: |
|
(1) by attending: |
|
(A) a work and job skills training program; |
|
(B) a preparatory class for the high school |
|
equivalency examination administered under Section 7.111, |
|
Education Code; |
|
(C) an alcohol or drug abuse program; |
|
(D) a rehabilitation program; |
|
(E) a counseling program, including a |
|
self-improvement program; |
|
(F) a mentoring program; |
|
(G) a tutoring program; or |
|
(H) any similar activity; or |
|
(2) for: |
|
(A) a governmental entity; |
|
(B) a nonprofit organization or another |
|
organization that provides to the general public services that |
|
enhance social welfare and the general well-being of the community, |
|
as determined by the justice or judge; or |
|
(C) an educational institution. |
|
(e) An entity that accepts a defendant to perform community |
|
service under this article must agree to: |
|
(1) supervise, either on-site or remotely, the |
|
defendant in the performance of the defendant's community service; |
|
and |
|
(2) report on the defendant's community service to the |
|
justice or judge who ordered the service. |
|
(f) A justice or judge may not order a defendant to perform |
|
more than 16 hours of community service each week under this article |
|
unless the justice or judge determines that requiring the defendant |
|
to perform additional hours does not impose an undue hardship on the |
|
defendant or the defendant's family, as defined by Section 71.003, |
|
Family Code. |
|
(g) A sheriff, employee of a sheriff's department, county |
|
commissioner, county employee, county judge, justice of the peace, |
|
municipal court judge, or officer or employee of a political |
|
subdivision other than a county or an entity that accepts a |
|
defendant to perform community service under this article is not |
|
liable for damages arising from an act or failure to act in |
|
connection with community service performed by a defendant under |
|
this article if the act or failure to act: |
|
(1) was performed pursuant to court order; and |
|
(2) was not intentional, grossly negligent, or |
|
performed with conscious indifference or reckless disregard for the |
|
safety of others. |
|
(h) A local juvenile probation department or a |
|
court-related services office may provide the administrative and |
|
other services necessary to supervise a defendant required to |
|
perform community service under this article. |
|
(i) A defendant is considered to have discharged not less |
|
than $100 of fines or costs for each eight hours of community |
|
service performed under this article. |
|
(j) A defendant may discharge an obligation to perform |
|
community service under this article by paying at any time the fine |
|
and costs assessed. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0492, as added Acts |
|
82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 227.) |
|
Art. 45A.461. FAILURE TO PAY FINE OR APPEAR. (a) In this |
|
article, "child" has the meaning assigned by Article 45A.453(a). |
|
(b) A justice or municipal court may not order the |
|
confinement of a child for: |
|
(1) the failure to pay all or part of a fine or cost |
|
imposed for the conviction of an offense punishable by fine only; |
|
(2) the failure to appear for an offense committed by |
|
the child; or |
|
(3) contempt of another order of a justice or |
|
municipal court. |
|
(c) If a child fails to obey an order of a justice or |
|
municipal court under circumstances that would constitute contempt |
|
of court, the justice or municipal court, after providing notice |
|
and an opportunity to be heard, may: |
|
(1) refer the child to the appropriate juvenile court |
|
for delinquent conduct for contempt of the order; or |
|
(2) retain jurisdiction of the case, hold the child in |
|
contempt of court, and order that: |
|
(A) the contemnor pay a fine not to exceed $500; |
|
or |
|
(B) the Department of Public Safety suspend the |
|
contemnor's driver's license or permit or, if the contemnor does not |
|
have a license or permit, deny the issuance of a license or permit |
|
to the contemnor until the contemnor fully complies with the order. |
|
(d) A justice or municipal court may hold a person in |
|
contempt and impose a remedy authorized by Subsection (c)(2) if: |
|
(1) the person was convicted for an offense committed |
|
before the person's 17th birthday; |
|
(2) the person failed to obey the order while the |
|
person was 17 years of age or older; and |
|
(3) the failure to obey occurred under circumstances |
|
that constitute contempt of court. |
|
(e) A justice or municipal court may hold a person in |
|
contempt and impose a remedy authorized by Subsection (c)(2) if the |
|
person, while younger than 17 years of age, engaged in conduct in |
|
contempt of an order issued by the court, but contempt proceedings |
|
could not be held before the person's 17th birthday. |
|
(f) A justice or municipal court that orders suspension or |
|
denial of a driver's license or permit under Subsection (c)(2)(B) |
|
shall notify the Department of Public Safety on receiving proof of |
|
compliance with the orders of the justice or municipal court. |
|
(g) A justice or municipal court may not refer a person who |
|
violates a court order while 17 years of age or older to a juvenile |
|
court for delinquency proceedings for contempt of court. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 45.050.) |
|
Art. 45A.462. CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS RELATED TO CERTAIN |
|
CHARGES AGAINST OR CONVICTIONS OF CHILD. (a) In this article, |
|
"child" has the meaning assigned by Article 45A.453(a). |
|
(b) Except as provided by Article 15.27 and Subsection (c) |
|
of this article, all records and files, including those held by law |
|
enforcement, and information stored by electronic means or |
|
otherwise, from which a record or file could be generated, relating |
|
to a child who is charged with, is convicted of, is found not guilty |
|
of, had a charge dismissed for, or is granted deferred disposition |
|
for a fine-only misdemeanor offense other than a traffic offense |
|
are confidential and may not be disclosed to the public. |
|
(c) Information subject to Subsection (b) may be open to |
|
inspection only by: |
|
(1) a judge or court staff; |
|
(2) a criminal justice agency for a criminal justice |
|
purpose, as those terms are defined by Section 411.082, Government |
|
Code; |
|
(3) the Department of Public Safety; |
|
(4) an attorney for a party to the proceeding; |
|
(5) the child defendant; or |
|
(6) the defendant's parent, guardian, or managing |
|
conservator. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0217.) |
|
Art. 45A.463. EXPUNCTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS OF CHILD OR |
|
MINOR. (a) In this article, "child" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Section 51.02, Family Code. |
|
(b) This article does not apply to an offense otherwise |
|
covered by: |
|
(1) Chapter 106, Alcoholic Beverage Code; or |
|
(2) Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code. |
|
(c) On or after the person's 17th birthday, a person may |
|
apply to the court in which the person was convicted to have the |
|
conviction expunged as provided by this article if: |
|
(1) the person was convicted of not more than one |
|
offense described by Section 8.07(a)(4) or (5), Penal Code, while |
|
the person was a child; or |
|
(2) the person was convicted only once of an offense |
|
under Section 43.261, Penal Code. |
|
(d) The person must make a written request to have the |
|
records expunged. |
|
(e) The request must: |
|
(1) be under oath; and |
|
(2) contain the person's statement that the person was |
|
not convicted of any additional offense or found to have engaged in |
|
conduct indicating a need for supervision as described by |
|
Subsection (g)(1) or (2), as applicable. |
|
(f) The judge shall inform the person and any parent in open |
|
court of the person's expunction rights and provide them with a copy |
|
of this article. |
|
(g) The court shall order the conviction, together with all |
|
complaints, verdicts, sentences, and prosecutorial and law |
|
enforcement records, and any other documents relating to the |
|
offense, expunged from the person's record if the court finds that: |
|
(1) for a person applying for the expunction of a |
|
conviction for an offense described by Section 8.07(a)(4) or (5), |
|
Penal Code, the person was not convicted of any other offense |
|
described by those subdivisions while the person was a child; and |
|
(2) for a person applying for the expunction of a |
|
conviction for an offense described by Section 43.261, Penal Code, |
|
the person was not found to have engaged in conduct indicating a |
|
need for supervision described by Section 51.03(b)(6), Family Code, |
|
while the person was a child. |
|
(h) After entry of an order under Subsection (g), the person |
|
is released from all disabilities resulting from the conviction and |
|
the conviction may not be shown or made known for any purpose. |
|
(i) Records of a person younger than 17 years of age |
|
relating to a complaint may be expunged under this article if: |
|
(1) the complaint was dismissed under Subchapter G, |
|
Article 45A.401, or other law; or |
|
(2) the person was acquitted of the offense. |
|
(j) The justice or municipal court shall require a person |
|
who requests expunction under this article to pay a reimbursement |
|
fee in the amount of $30 to defray the cost of notifying state |
|
agencies of orders of expunction under this article. |
|
(k) The procedures for expunction provided under this |
|
article are separate and distinct from the expunction procedures |
|
under Chapter 55A. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0216.) |
|
Art. 45A.464. EXPUNCTION OF RECORDS RELATED TO FAILURE TO |
|
ATTEND SCHOOL. (a) In this article, "truancy offense" means an |
|
offense committed under the former Section 25.094, Education Code. |
|
(b) An individual who has been convicted of a truancy |
|
offense or has had a complaint for a truancy offense dismissed is |
|
entitled to an expunction of the conviction or complaint and |
|
records relating to the conviction or complaint. |
|
(c) Regardless of whether the individual has filed a |
|
petition for expunction, the court in which the individual was |
|
convicted or a complaint for a truancy offense was filed shall order |
|
the conviction, complaints, verdicts, sentences, and other |
|
documents relating to the offense, including any documents in the |
|
possession of a school district or law enforcement agency, to be |
|
expunged from the individual's record. |
|
(d) After entry of the order, the individual is released |
|
from all disabilities resulting from the conviction or complaint, |
|
and the conviction or complaint may not be shown or made known for any purpose. (Code
Crim. Proc., Art. 45.0541.) |
|
|
|
CHAPTER 55A. EXPUNCTION OF CRIMINAL RECORDS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. MANDATORY EXPUNCTION |
|
Art. 55A.001. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER |
|
Art. 55A.002. FOLLOWING TRIAL COURT ACQUITTAL |
|
Art. 55A.003. PARDON FOR ACTUAL INNOCENCE |
|
Art. 55A.004. PARDON FOR REASON OTHER THAN ACTUAL |
|
INNOCENCE |
|
Art. 55A.005. UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF HANDGUN |
|
Art. 55A.006. MISTAKEN IDENTITY |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING MANDATORY |
|
EXPUNCTION |
|
Art. 55A.051. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER |
|
Art. 55A.052. INDICTMENT OR INFORMATION NOT PRESENTED |
|
Art. 55A.053. INDICTMENT OR INFORMATION DISMISSED OR |
|
QUASHED |
|
Art. 55A.054. EXPIRATION OF LIMITATIONS PERIOD |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. DISCRETIONARY EXPUNCTION |
|
Art. 55A.101. APPELLATE COURT ACQUITTAL OR |
|
RECOMMENDATION OF ATTORNEY |
|
REPRESENTING STATE |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. EXPUNCTION PROHIBITED |
|
Art. 55A.151. CONVICTION OR POTENTIAL PROSECUTION |
|
ARISING FROM SAME CRIMINAL EPISODE |
|
Art. 55A.152. DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSION OR |
|
REVOCATION |
|
Art. 55A.153. ARREST FOR VIOLATION OF COMMUNITY |
|
SUPERVISION |
|
Art. 55A.154. CERTAIN PERSONS ABSCONDING AFTER ARREST |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATIC ENTRY OF EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.201. TRIAL COURT ACQUITTAL |
|
Art. 55A.202. PARDON FOR ACTUAL INNOCENCE |
|
Art. 55A.203. CERTAIN SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAMS |
|
Art. 55A.204. DUTIES OF ATTORNEY REPRESENTING STATE |
|
REGARDING EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.205. REQUIRED CONTENT OF EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.206. REQUIRED RETENTION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS |
|
BY COURT |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR SEEKING ENTRY OF EXPUNCTION |
|
ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.251. FILING OF PETITION |
|
Art. 55A.252. FILING CERTAIN PETITIONS IN JUSTICE OR |
|
MUNICIPAL COURT |
|
Art. 55A.253. CONTENTS OF PETITION |
|
Art. 55A.254. HEARING; NOTICE |
|
Art. 55A.255. ENTRY OF EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.256. APPLICATION FOR EXPUNCTION BASED ON |
|
MISTAKEN IDENTITY |
|
Art. 55A.257. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MAY FILE |
|
PETITION ON PERSON'S BEHALF |
|
Art. 55A.258. EXPUNCTION ON BEHALF OF DECEASED PERSON |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.301. REQUIRED CONTENT |
|
Art. 55A.302. RETENTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS AFTER |
|
EXPUNCTION |
|
Art. 55A.303. APPEAL |
|
SUBCHAPTER H. NOTICE AND DISPOSITION OF RECORDS FOLLOWING |
|
EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.351. NOTICE OF EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.352. DUTY OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY |
|
Art. 55A.353. DISPOSITION OF EXPUNGED RECORDS |
|
Art. 55A.354. DISPOSITION OF RECORDS EXPUNGED DUE TO |
|
MISTAKEN IDENTITY |
|
Art. 55A.355. PROVIDING EXPUNGED RECORDS TO PERSON WHO |
|
IS SUBJECT OF EXPUNCTION |
|
Art. 55A.356. INSPECTION AND DISPOSITION OF COURT'S |
|
RECORDS CONCERNING EXPUNCTION |
|
Art. 55A.357. RETENTION OF FINANCIAL TRANSACTION |
|
RECORDS |
|
SUBCHAPTER I. EFFECT OF EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.401. EFFECT OF FINAL EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.402. OFFENSE FOR VIOLATION OF EXPUNCTION |
|
ORDER |
|
SUBCHAPTER J. NOTICE OF EXPUNCTION LAW |
|
Art. 55A.451. NOTICE OF EXPUNCTION LAW TO PERSONS |
|
RELEASED FOLLOWING ARREST |
|
CHAPTER 55A. EXPUNCTION OF CRIMINAL RECORDS |
|
SUBCHAPTER A. MANDATORY EXPUNCTION |
|
Art. 55A.001. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter |
|
applies to a person who has been placed under a custodial or |
|
noncustodial arrest for commission of a felony or misdemeanor. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.01(a) (part).) |
|
Art. 55A.002. FOLLOWING TRIAL COURT ACQUITTAL. A person to |
|
whom this subchapter applies is entitled to have all records and |
|
files relating to the arrest expunged if the person is: |
|
(1) tried for the offense for which the person was |
|
arrested; and |
|
(2) acquitted by the trial court, except as provided |
|
by Article 55A.151. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.01(a) (part).) |
|
Art. 55A.003. PARDON FOR ACTUAL INNOCENCE. A person to whom |
|
this subchapter applies is entitled to have all records and files |
|
relating to the arrest expunged if: |
|
(1) the person is: |
|
(A) tried for and convicted of the offense for |
|
which the person was arrested; and |
|
(B) subsequently pardoned or otherwise granted |
|
relief on the basis of actual innocence with respect to that |
|
offense; and |
|
(2) the applicable pardon or court order clearly |
|
indicates on its face that the pardon or order was granted or issued |
|
on the basis of the person's actual innocence. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 55.01(a) (part).) |
|
Art. 55A.004. PARDON FOR REASON OTHER THAN ACTUAL |
|
INNOCENCE. A person to whom this subchapter applies is entitled to |
|
have all records and files relating to the arrest expunged if the |
|
person is: |
|
(1) tried for and convicted of the offense for which |
|
the person was arrested; and |
|
(2) subsequently pardoned for that offense for a |
|
reason other than that described by Article 55A.003. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 55.01(a) (part).) |
|
Art. 55A.005. UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF HANDGUN. A person to |
|
whom this subchapter applies is entitled to have all records and |
|
files relating to the arrest expunged if: |
|
(1) the person was tried for and convicted of the |
|
offense for which the person was arrested; and |
|
(2) the offense was committed before September 1, |
|
2021, under Section 46.02(a), Penal Code, as that section existed |
|
before that date. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.01(a) (part).) |
|
Art. 55A.006. MISTAKEN IDENTITY. Notwithstanding the |
|
limitation provided by Article 55A.001, a person is entitled to |
|
obtain the expunction of any information that identifies the |
|
person, including the person's name, address, date of birth, |
|
driver's license number, and social security number, contained in |
|
records and files relating to the person's arrest or the arrest of |
|
another person if: |
|
(1) the expunction of identifying information is |
|
sought with respect to the arrest of the person asserting the |
|
entitlement and the person was arrested solely as a result of |
|
identifying information that was inaccurate due to a clerical |
|
error; or |
|
(2) the expunction of identifying information is |
|
sought with respect to the arrest of a person other than the person |
|
asserting the entitlement and: |
|
(A) the information identifying the person |
|
asserting the entitlement was falsely given by the arrested person |
|
as the arrested person's identifying information without the |
|
consent of the person asserting the entitlement; and |
|
(B) the only reason why the identifying |
|
information of the person asserting the entitlement is contained in |
|
the applicable arrest records and files is the deception of the |
|
arrested person. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.01(d); New.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER B. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING MANDATORY |
|
EXPUNCTION |
|
Art. 55A.051. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter |
|
applies to a person who has been placed under a custodial or |
|
noncustodial arrest for commission of a felony or misdemeanor if: |
|
(1) the person has been released; |
|
(2) the charge, if any, has not resulted in a final |
|
conviction and is no longer pending; and |
|
(3) there was no court-ordered community supervision |
|
under Chapter 42A for the offense, other than for a Class C |
|
misdemeanor. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.01(a) (part).) |
|
Art. 55A.052. INDICTMENT OR INFORMATION NOT PRESENTED. (a) |
|
A person to whom this subchapter applies is entitled to have all |
|
records and files relating to the arrest expunged if an indictment |
|
or information charging the person with the commission of a |
|
misdemeanor offense based on the person's arrest or charging the |
|
person with the commission of any felony offense arising out of the |
|
same transaction for which the person was arrested has not been |
|
presented against the person at any time following the arrest and |
|
if: |
|
(1) at least 180 days have elapsed from the date of |
|
arrest if the arrest for which the expunction was sought was for an |
|
offense punishable as a Class C misdemeanor and there was no felony |
|
charge arising out of the same transaction for which the person was |
|
arrested; |
|
(2) at least one year has elapsed from the date of |
|
arrest if the arrest for which the expunction was sought was for an |
|
offense punishable as a Class B or A misdemeanor and there was no |
|
felony charge arising out of the same transaction for which the |
|
person was arrested; |
|
(3) at least three years have elapsed from the date of |
|
arrest if the arrest for which the expunction was sought was for an |
|
offense punishable as a felony or there was a felony charge arising |
|
out of the same transaction for which the person was arrested; or |
|
(4) the attorney representing the state certifies that |
|
the applicable arrest records and files are not needed for use in |
|
any criminal investigation or prosecution, including an |
|
investigation or prosecution of another person. |
|
(b) A person is entitled to an expunction under this article |
|
regardless of whether any statute of limitations exists for the |
|
offense and whether any limitations period for the offense has |
|
expired. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.01(a) (part).) |
|
Art. 55A.053. INDICTMENT OR INFORMATION DISMISSED OR |
|
QUASHED. (a) A person to whom this subchapter applies is entitled |
|
to have all records and files relating to the arrest expunged if: |
|
(1) an indictment or information charging the person |
|
with the commission of a misdemeanor offense based on the person's |
|
arrest or charging the person with the commission of any felony |
|
offense arising out of the same transaction for which the person was |
|
arrested, when presented at any time following the arrest, was |
|
dismissed or quashed; and |
|
(2) the court finds that the indictment or information |
|
was dismissed or quashed because: |
|
(A) the person completed a veterans treatment |
|
court program created under Chapter 124, Government Code, or former |
|
law, subject to Subsection (b); |
|
(B) the person completed a mental health court |
|
program created under Chapter 125, Government Code, or former law, |
|
subject to Subsection (c); |
|
(C) the person completed a pretrial intervention |
|
program authorized under Section 76.011, Government Code, other |
|
than a program described by Paragraph (A) or (B); |
|
(D) the presentment of the indictment or |
|
information was made because of mistake, false information, or |
|
other similar reason indicating absence of probable cause at the |
|
time of the dismissal to believe the person committed the offense; |
|
or |
|
(E) the indictment or information was void. |
|
(b) A person is eligible under Subsection (a)(2)(A) for an |
|
expunction of arrest records and files only if the person: |
|
(1) has not previously received an expunction under |
|
that paragraph; and |
|
(2) submits to the court an affidavit attesting to |
|
that fact. |
|
(c) A person is eligible under Subsection (a)(2)(B) for an |
|
expunction of arrest records and files only if the person: |
|
(1) has not previously received an expunction under |
|
that paragraph; and |
|
(2) submits to the court an affidavit attesting to |
|
that fact. |
|
(d) A person is entitled to an expunction under this article |
|
regardless of whether any statute of limitations exists for the |
|
offense and whether any limitations period for the offense has |
|
expired. (Code Crim. Proc., Arts. 55.01(a) (part), (a-3), (a-4).) |
|
Art. 55A.054. EXPIRATION OF LIMITATIONS PERIOD. A person |
|
to whom this subchapter applies is entitled to have all records and |
|
files relating to the arrest expunged if prosecution of the person |
|
for the offense for which the person was arrested is no longer |
|
possible because the limitations period has expired. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 55.01(a) (part).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. DISCRETIONARY EXPUNCTION |
|
Art. 55A.101. APPELLATE COURT ACQUITTAL OR RECOMMENDATION |
|
OF ATTORNEY REPRESENTING STATE. (a) Except as provided by Article |
|
55A.151 and subject to Subsection (b), a district court, a justice |
|
court, or a municipal court of record may expunge all records and |
|
files relating to the arrest of a person if: |
|
(1) the person is: |
|
(A) tried for the offense for which the person |
|
was arrested; |
|
(B) convicted of the offense; and |
|
(C) acquitted by the court of criminal appeals |
|
or, if the period for granting a petition for discretionary review |
|
has expired, by a court of appeals; or |
|
(2) an office of the attorney representing the state |
|
authorized by law to prosecute the offense for which the person was |
|
arrested recommends the expunction to the court before the person |
|
is tried for the offense, regardless of whether an indictment or |
|
information has been presented against the person with respect to |
|
the offense. |
|
(b) A justice court or a municipal court of record may only |
|
expunge records and files under Subsection (a) that relate to the |
|
arrest of a person for an offense punishable by fine only. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Arts. 55.01(b), (b-1).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER D. EXPUNCTION PROHIBITED |
|
Art. 55A.151. CONVICTION OR POTENTIAL PROSECUTION ARISING |
|
FROM SAME CRIMINAL EPISODE. A court may not order the expunction of |
|
records and files relating to an arrest for an offense for which a |
|
person is subsequently acquitted, whether by the trial court, a |
|
court of appeals, or the court of criminal appeals, if the offense |
|
for which the person was acquitted arose out of a criminal episode, |
|
as defined by Section 3.01, Penal Code, and the person was convicted |
|
of or remains subject to prosecution for at least one other offense |
|
occurring during the criminal episode. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
55.01(c).) |
|
Art. 55A.152. DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION. |
|
Records relating to the suspension or revocation of a driver's |
|
license, permit, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle may not be |
|
expunged under this chapter except as provided by Section 524.015 |
|
or 724.048, Transportation Code. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.06.) |
|
Art. 55A.153. ARREST FOR VIOLATION OF COMMUNITY |
|
SUPERVISION. Notwithstanding any provision of Subchapter A, B, or |
|
C, a person may not expunge records and files relating to an arrest |
|
that occurs pursuant to a warrant issued under Article 42A.751(b). |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.01(a-1).) |
|
Art. 55A.154. CERTAIN PERSONS ABSCONDING AFTER ARREST. |
|
Notwithstanding any provision of Subchapter A, B, or C, a person who |
|
intentionally or knowingly absconds from the jurisdiction after |
|
being released under Chapter 17 following an arrest is not eligible |
|
under Article 55A.052(a)(1), (2), or (3) or 55A.054 for an |
|
expunction of the records and files relating to that arrest. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 55.01(a-2).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER E. PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATIC ENTRY OF EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.201. TRIAL COURT ACQUITTAL. (a) At the request of |
|
the acquitted person and after notice to the state, or at the |
|
request of the attorney representing the state with the consent of |
|
the acquitted person, an expunction order shall be entered, not |
|
later than the 30th day after the date of the acquittal, for a |
|
person entitled to expunction under Article 55A.002 by: |
|
(1) the trial court presiding over the case in which |
|
the person was acquitted, if the court is: |
|
(A) a district court; |
|
(B) a justice court; or |
|
(C) a municipal court of record; or |
|
(2) a district court in the county in which the trial |
|
court is located. |
|
(b) On acquittal, the trial court shall advise the acquitted |
|
person of the right to expunction. |
|
(c) The party requesting the expunction order shall provide |
|
to the court all of the information required in a petition for |
|
expunction under Article 55A.253. |
|
(d) An expunction order under this article shall be prepared |
|
for the court's signature by: |
|
(1) the attorney for the acquitted person in the case |
|
in which the person was acquitted, if the acquitted person was |
|
represented by an attorney; or |
|
(2) the attorney representing the state, if the person |
|
was not represented by an attorney or if the attorney representing |
|
the state requested the order. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. |
|
1.) |
|
Art. 55A.202. PARDON FOR ACTUAL INNOCENCE. (a) In a case in |
|
which a person is entitled to expunction under Article 55A.003, an |
|
expunction order shall be entered, not later than the 30th day after |
|
the date the court receives notice of the applicable pardon or other |
|
grant of relief, for the person by: |
|
(1) the trial court presiding over the case, if the |
|
court is: |
|
(A) a district court; |
|
(B) a justice court; or |
|
(C) a municipal court of record; or |
|
(2) a district court in the county in which the trial |
|
court is located. |
|
(b) The person described by Subsection (a) shall provide to |
|
the court all of the information required in a petition for |
|
expunction under Article 55A.253. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, |
|
Sec. 1a(a).) |
|
Art. 55A.203. CERTAIN SPECIALTY COURT PROGRAMS. (a) A |
|
trial court that is a district court or a district court in the |
|
county in which the trial court is located may, with the consent of |
|
the attorney representing the state, enter an expunction order for |
|
a person entitled to expunction under Article 55A.053(a)(2)(A) not |
|
later than the 30th day after the date the court, as applicable: |
|
(1) dismisses the case following the person's |
|
successful completion of a veterans treatment court program created |
|
under Chapter 124, Government Code, or former law; or |
|
(2) receives the information regarding the dismissal. |
|
(b) A trial court that is a district court or a district |
|
court in the county in which the trial court is located may, with |
|
the consent of the attorney representing the state, enter an |
|
expunction order for a person entitled to expunction under Article |
|
55A.053(a)(2)(B) not later than the 30th day after the date the |
|
court, as applicable: |
|
(1) dismisses the case following the person's |
|
successful completion of a mental health court program created |
|
under Chapter 125, Government Code, or former law; or |
|
(2) receives the information regarding the dismissal. |
|
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, a court that enters an |
|
expunction order under this article may not charge any fee or assess |
|
any cost for the expunction. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Secs. |
|
1a(a-1), (a-2).) |
|
Art. 55A.204. DUTIES OF ATTORNEY REPRESENTING STATE |
|
REGARDING EXPUNCTION ORDER. The attorney representing the state |
|
shall prepare an expunction order under Article 55A.202 or 55A.203 |
|
for the court's signature and notify the Texas Department of |
|
Criminal Justice if the person who is the subject of the order is in |
|
the custody of the department. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. |
|
1a(b).) |
|
Art. 55A.205. REQUIRED CONTENT OF EXPUNCTION ORDER. In an |
|
expunction order entered under Article 55A.202 or 55A.203, the |
|
court shall: |
|
(1) provide a listing of each official, agency, or |
|
other entity of this state or political subdivision of this state |
|
and each private entity that there is reason to believe has any |
|
record or file that is subject to the order; and |
|
(2) require that: |
|
(A) the Texas Department of Criminal Justice send |
|
to the court any documents delivered to the department under |
|
Section 8(a), Article 42.09; and |
|
(B) the Department of Public Safety and the Texas |
|
Department of Criminal Justice delete or redact, as appropriate, |
|
from their public records all index references to the records and |
|
files that are subject to the expunction order. (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 55.02, Sec. 1a(c).) |
|
Art. 55A.206. REQUIRED RETENTION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY |
|
COURT. The court shall retain any documents sent to the court under |
|
Article 55A.205(2)(A) until the limitations period has expired for |
|
any civil case or proceeding relating to the wrongful imprisonment |
|
of the person who is the subject of the expunction order. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. 1a(d).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER F. GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR SEEKING ENTRY OF EXPUNCTION |
|
ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.251. FILING OF PETITION. A person who is entitled |
|
to expunction of records and files under Article 55A.002, 55A.004, |
|
or 55A.005 or Subchapter B, or a person who is eligible for |
|
expunction of records and files under Article 55A.101, may, subject |
|
to Article 55A.252, file an ex parte petition for expunction in a |
|
district court for the county in which: |
|
(1) the petitioner was arrested; or |
|
(2) the offense was alleged to have occurred. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. 2(a); New.) |
|
Art. 55A.252. FILING CERTAIN PETITIONS IN JUSTICE OR |
|
MUNICIPAL COURT. If the arrest for which expunction is sought is |
|
for an offense punishable by fine only, a person who is entitled to |
|
expunction of records and files under Article 55A.002, 55A.003, |
|
55A.004, or 55A.005 or Subchapter B, or a person who is eligible for |
|
expunction of records and files under Article 55A.101(a) may file |
|
an ex parte petition for expunction in a justice court or a |
|
municipal court of record in the county in which: |
|
(1) the petitioner was arrested; or |
|
(2) the offense was alleged to have occurred. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. 2(a-1).) |
|
Art. 55A.253. CONTENTS OF PETITION. An ex parte petition |
|
filed under Article 55A.251, 55A.252, or 55A.257 must be verified |
|
and must include, with respect to the person who is the subject of |
|
the petition, the following or an explanation for why one or more of |
|
the following is not included: |
|
(1) the person's: |
|
(A) full name; |
|
(B) sex; |
|
(C) race; |
|
(D) date of birth; |
|
(E) driver's license number; |
|
(F) social security number; and |
|
(G) address at the time of the arrest; |
|
(2) the offense charged; |
|
(3) the date the offense charged was alleged to have |
|
been committed; |
|
(4) the date of arrest; |
|
(5) the name of the county of arrest and if the arrest |
|
occurred in a municipality, the name of the municipality; |
|
(6) the name of the arresting agency; |
|
(7) the case number and court of offense; and |
|
(8) together with the applicable physical or e-mail |
|
addresses, a list of all: |
|
(A) law enforcement agencies, jails or other |
|
detention facilities, magistrates, courts, attorneys representing |
|
the state, correctional facilities, central state depositories of |
|
criminal records, and other officials or agencies or other entities |
|
of this state or of any political subdivision of this state; |
|
(B) central federal depositories of criminal |
|
records that the person who is the subject of the petition has |
|
reason to believe have records or files that are subject to |
|
expunction; and |
|
(C) private entities that compile and |
|
disseminate for compensation criminal history record information |
|
that the person who is the subject of the petition has reason to |
|
believe have information related to records or files that are |
|
subject to expunction. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Secs. 2(b), |
|
(f).) |
|
Art. 55A.254. HEARING; NOTICE. (a) The court shall set a |
|
hearing on an ex parte petition for expunction not earlier than 30 |
|
days from the filing of the petition and shall give to each official |
|
or agency or other governmental entity named in the petition |
|
reasonable notice of the hearing by: |
|
(1) certified mail, return receipt requested; or |
|
(2) secure electronic mail, electronic transmission, |
|
or facsimile transmission. |
|
(b) An entity described by Subsection (a) may be represented |
|
by the attorney responsible for providing the entity with legal |
|
representation in other matters. |
|
(c) Any returned receipts received by the clerk from notices |
|
of the hearing shall be maintained in the file on the proceedings |
|
under Article 55A.356(b). (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Secs. |
|
2(c), (c-1); Sec. 3(d) (part).) |
|
Art. 55A.255. ENTRY OF EXPUNCTION ORDER. If the court |
|
finds that the person who is the subject of an ex parte petition |
|
filed under Article 55A.251, 55A.252, or 55A.257 is entitled to |
|
expunction of any records and files that are the subject of the |
|
petition, the court shall enter an order directing expunction. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. 2(d).) |
|
Art. 55A.256. APPLICATION FOR EXPUNCTION BASED ON MISTAKEN |
|
IDENTITY. (a) A person who is entitled to the expunction of |
|
information contained in records and files under Article 55A.006 |
|
may file an application for expunction with the attorney |
|
representing the state in the prosecution of felonies in the county |
|
in which the person resides. |
|
(b) The application must be verified, include authenticated |
|
fingerprint records of the applicant, and include the following or |
|
an explanation for why one or more of the following is not included: |
|
(1) the applicant's: |
|
(A) full name; |
|
(B) sex; |
|
(C) race; |
|
(D) date of birth; |
|
(E) driver's license number; |
|
(F) social security number; and |
|
(G) address at the time of the applicable arrest; |
|
(2) the following information regarding the arrest: |
|
(A) the date of arrest; |
|
(B) the offense charged against the person |
|
arrested; |
|
(C) the name of the county or municipality in |
|
which the arrest occurred; and |
|
(D) the name of the arresting agency; and |
|
(3) a statement, as appropriate, that the applicant: |
|
(A) was arrested solely as a result of |
|
identifying information that was inaccurate due to a clerical |
|
error; or |
|
(B) is not the person arrested and for whom the |
|
arrest records and files were created and did not give the arrested |
|
person consent to falsely identify himself or herself as the |
|
applicant. |
|
(c) After verifying the allegations in the application, the |
|
attorney representing the state shall: |
|
(1) include on the application information regarding |
|
the arrest that was requested of the applicant but was unknown by |
|
the applicant; |
|
(2) forward a copy of the application to the district |
|
court for the county; |
|
(3) together with the applicable physical or e-mail |
|
addresses, attach to the copy a list of all: |
|
(A) law enforcement agencies, jails or other |
|
detention facilities, magistrates, courts, attorneys representing |
|
the state, correctional facilities, central state depositories of |
|
criminal records, and other officials or agencies or other entities |
|
of this state or of any political subdivision of this state; |
|
(B) central federal depositories of criminal |
|
records that are reasonably likely to have records or files |
|
containing information that is subject to expunction; and |
|
(C) private entities that compile and |
|
disseminate for compensation criminal history record information |
|
that are reasonably likely to have records or files containing |
|
information that is subject to expunction; and |
|
(4) request the court to enter an order directing |
|
expunction based on an entitlement to expunction under Article |
|
55A.006. |
|
(d) On receipt of a request under Subsection (c), the court |
|
shall, without holding a hearing on the matter, enter a final order |
|
directing expunction. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. 2a.) |
|
Art. 55A.257. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MAY FILE PETITION |
|
ON PERSON'S BEHALF. The director of the Department of Public |
|
Safety or the director's authorized representative may file on |
|
behalf of a person described by Article 55A.251 or 55A.256 an ex |
|
parte petition for expunction in a district court for the county in |
|
which: |
|
(1) the person was arrested; or |
|
(2) the offense was alleged to have occurred. (Code |
|
Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. 2(e).) |
|
Art. 55A.258. EXPUNCTION ON BEHALF OF DECEASED PERSON. (a) |
|
In this article, "close relative of a deceased person" means the |
|
grandparent, parent, spouse, or adult brother, sister, or child of |
|
a deceased person. |
|
(b) A close relative of a deceased person who, if not |
|
deceased, would be entitled to expunction of records and files |
|
under Subchapter A, B, or C may file on behalf of the deceased |
|
person an ex parte petition for expunction under Article 55A.251 or |
|
55A.252 or an application for expunction under Article 55A.256, as |
|
applicable. If the court finds that the deceased person would be |
|
entitled to expunction of any record or file that is the subject of |
|
the petition, the court shall enter an order directing expunction. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.011.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.301. REQUIRED CONTENT. (a) An expunction order |
|
entered by a court under Subchapter E or F must have attached and |
|
incorporate by reference a copy of the judgment of acquittal, if |
|
any, and must include: |
|
(1) the following information on the person who is the |
|
subject of the expunction order: |
|
(A) full name; |
|
(B) sex; |
|
(C) race; |
|
(D) date of birth; |
|
(E) driver's license number; and |
|
(F) social security number; |
|
(2) the offense charged against the person who is the |
|
subject of the expunction order, if any; |
|
(3) the date of the applicable arrest; |
|
(4) the case number and court of offense, if any; and |
|
(5) the incident number assigned to the individual |
|
incident of arrest under Article 66.251(b)(1) by the Department of |
|
Public Safety. |
|
(b) An expunction order issued by a court under Subchapter E |
|
or F must require any state agency that sent information concerning |
|
the arrest to a central federal depository to request the |
|
depository to return all records and files subject to the order. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Secs. 3(a) (part), (b).) |
|
Art. 55A.302. RETENTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS AFTER |
|
EXPUNCTION. (a) If the state establishes that the person who is |
|
the subject of an expunction order is still subject to conviction |
|
for an offense arising out of the transaction for which the person |
|
was arrested because the limitations period has not expired and |
|
there is reasonable cause to believe that the state may proceed |
|
against the person for the offense, the court may provide in the |
|
order that the law enforcement agency and the attorney representing |
|
the state responsible for investigating the offense retain any |
|
records and files that are necessary to the investigation. |
|
(b) In the case of a person who is the subject of an |
|
expunction order on the basis of an acquittal, the court may provide |
|
in the expunction order that the law enforcement agency and the |
|
attorney representing the state retain records and files if: |
|
(1) the records and files are necessary to conduct a |
|
subsequent investigation and prosecution of a person other than the |
|
person who is the subject of the expunction order; or |
|
(2) the state establishes that the records and files |
|
are necessary for use in: |
|
(A) another criminal case, including a |
|
prosecution, motion to adjudicate or revoke community supervision, |
|
parole revocation hearing, mandatory supervision revocation |
|
hearing, punishment hearing, or bond hearing; or |
|
(B) a civil case, including a civil suit or suit |
|
for possession of or access to a child. |
|
(c) The court shall provide in the expunction order that the |
|
applicable law enforcement agency and attorney representing the |
|
state may retain the arrest records and files of any person who |
|
becomes entitled to an expunction of those records and files based |
|
on the expiration of a period described by Article 55A.052(a)(1), |
|
(2), or (3), but without the certification of the attorney |
|
representing the state as described by Article 55A.052(a)(4). |
|
(d) Articles 55A.401 and 55A.402 apply to records and files |
|
retained under this article unless: |
|
(1) the person who is the subject of the expunction |
|
order is again arrested for or charged with an offense arising out |
|
of the transaction for which the person was arrested; or |
|
(2) the court provides for the retention of records |
|
and files under Subsection (b) or (c). (Code Crim. Proc., Art. |
|
55.02, Sec. 4.) |
|
Art. 55A.303. APPEAL. A person who is the subject of an |
|
expunction order issued under Subchapter E or F or an agency |
|
protesting the expunction may appeal the court's decision in the |
|
same manner as in other civil cases. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, |
|
Sec. 3(a) (part).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER H. NOTICE AND DISPOSITION OF RECORDS FOLLOWING |
|
EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.351. NOTICE OF EXPUNCTION ORDER. (a) When an |
|
expunction order issued under Subchapter E or F is final, the clerk |
|
of the court shall send a certified copy of the order to the Crime |
|
Records Service of the Department of Public Safety and to each |
|
official or agency or other governmental entity of this state or of |
|
any political subdivision of this state named in the order. |
|
(b) The certified copy of the order must be sent by secure |
|
electronic mail, electronic transmission, or facsimile |
|
transmission or otherwise by certified mail, return receipt |
|
requested. |
|
(c) In sending the order under Subsection (a) to a |
|
governmental entity named in the order, the clerk may elect to |
|
substitute hand delivery for certified mail, but the clerk must |
|
receive a receipt for that hand-delivered order. |
|
(d) Any returned receipts received by the clerk from copies |
|
of the order shall be maintained in the file on the proceedings |
|
under Article 55A.356(b). (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Secs. |
|
3(c), (d) (part).) |
|
Art. 55A.352. DUTY OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. (a) In |
|
this article, "department" means the Department of Public Safety. |
|
(b) The department shall notify any central federal |
|
depository of criminal records by any means, including secure |
|
electronic mail, electronic transmission, or facsimile |
|
transmission, of an order received under Article 55A.351(a) with an |
|
explanation of the effect of the order and a request that the |
|
depository, as appropriate, either: |
|
(1) destroy or return to the court the records in |
|
possession of the depository that are subject to the order, |
|
including any information with respect to the order; or |
|
(2) comply with Article 55A.354 pertaining to |
|
information contained in records and files of a person entitled to |
|
expunction under Article 55A.006. |
|
(c) The department shall provide, by secure electronic |
|
mail, electronic transmission, or facsimile transmission, notice |
|
of the order to any private entity that is named in the order or that |
|
purchases criminal history record information from the department. |
|
(d) The notice under Subsection (c) must include an |
|
explanation of the effect of the order and a request that the |
|
private entity destroy any information in the possession of the |
|
entity that is subject to the order. |
|
(e) The department may charge to a private entity that |
|
purchases criminal history record information from the department a |
|
fee in an amount sufficient to recover costs incurred by the |
|
department in providing notice under Subsection (c). (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 55.02, Secs. 3(c-1), (c-2); New.) |
|
Art. 55A.353. DISPOSITION OF EXPUNGED RECORDS. Except as |
|
provided by Articles 55A.354 and 55A.357, on receipt of an |
|
expunction order issued under Subchapter E or F, each official or |
|
agency or other governmental entity named in the order shall: |
|
(1) as appropriate: |
|
(A) return all records and files that are subject |
|
to the expunction order to the court; or |
|
(B) in cases other than those described by |
|
Articles 55A.202 and 55A.203, if removal is impracticable, |
|
obliterate all portions of the record or file that identify the |
|
person who is the subject of the order and notify the court of the |
|
action; and |
|
(2) delete from the named entity's public records all |
|
index references to the records and files that are subject to the |
|
expunction order. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. 5(a).) |
|
Art. 55A.354. DISPOSITION OF RECORDS EXPUNGED DUE TO |
|
MISTAKEN IDENTITY. On receipt of an order granting expunction to a |
|
person entitled to expunction under Article 55A.006, each official, |
|
agency, or other governmental entity named in the order: |
|
(1) shall: |
|
(A) obliterate all portions of the record or file |
|
that identify the person who is the subject of the order; and |
|
(B) if applicable, substitute for all |
|
obliterated portions of the record or file any available |
|
information that identifies the person arrested; and |
|
(2) may not return the record or file or delete index |
|
references to the record or file. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, |
|
Sec. 5(f).) |
|
Art. 55A.355. PROVIDING EXPUNGED RECORDS TO PERSON WHO IS |
|
SUBJECT OF EXPUNCTION. (a) The court may give the person who is the |
|
subject of an expunction order all records and files returned to the |
|
court pursuant to the order. |
|
(b) This article does not apply to a person who is the |
|
subject of an expunction order on the basis of: |
|
(1) an acquittal; or |
|
(2) an entitlement under Article 55A.006. (Code Crim. |
|
Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. 5(b).) |
|
Art. 55A.356. INSPECTION AND DISPOSITION OF COURT'S RECORDS |
|
CONCERNING EXPUNCTION. (a) Except in the case of a person who is |
|
the subject of an expunction order based on an entitlement under |
|
Article 55A.006 and except as provided by Article 55A.357, if an |
|
expunction order is issued under Subchapter E or F, the court |
|
records concerning expunction proceedings are not open for |
|
inspection by any person except the person who is the subject of the |
|
order unless: |
|
(1) the order permits retention of a record under |
|
Article 55A.302 and the person is again arrested for or charged with |
|
an offense arising out of the transaction for which the person was |
|
arrested; or |
|
(2) the court provides for the retention of records |
|
and files under Article 55A.302(a). |
|
(b) The clerk of the court issuing the order shall |
|
obliterate all public references to the proceeding and maintain the |
|
files or other records in an area not open to inspection. |
|
(c) Except in the case of a person who is the subject of an |
|
expunction order on the basis of an acquittal or an expunction order |
|
based on an entitlement under Article 55A.006 and except as |
|
provided by Article 55A.357, the clerk of the court shall destroy |
|
all the files or other records maintained under Subsection (b) not |
|
earlier than the 60th day after the date the order is issued or |
|
later than the first anniversary of that date, unless the records or |
|
files were released under Article 55A.355. |
|
(d) Not later than the 30th day before the date on which the |
|
clerk destroys files or other records under Subsection (c), the |
|
clerk shall provide notice by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile |
|
transmission to the attorney representing the state in the |
|
expunction proceeding. If the attorney representing the state in |
|
the expunction proceeding objects to the destruction not later than |
|
the 20th day after receiving notice under this subsection, the |
|
clerk may not destroy the files or other records until the first |
|
anniversary of the date the expunction order is issued or the first |
|
business day after that date. |
|
(e) The clerk shall certify to the court the destruction of |
|
files or other records under Subsection (c). (Code Crim. Proc., |
|
Art. 55.02, Secs. 5(c), (d), (d-1), (e).) |
|
Art. 55A.357. RETENTION OF FINANCIAL TRANSACTION RECORDS. |
|
(a) Notwithstanding Articles 55A.353, 55A.354, 55A.355, and |
|
55A.356 and in accordance with internal financial control |
|
procedures, an official, agency, court, or other entity may retain |
|
receipts, invoices, vouchers, or similar records of financial |
|
transactions that arose from an expunction proceeding or |
|
prosecution of the underlying criminal action. |
|
(b) An official, agency, court, or other entity that retains |
|
records under this article shall obliterate all portions of the |
|
record or file that identify the person who is the subject of the |
|
expunction order. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.02, Sec. 5(g).) |
|
SUBCHAPTER I. EFFECT OF EXPUNCTION ORDER |
|
Art. 55A.401. EFFECT OF FINAL EXPUNCTION ORDER. When an |
|
expunction order issued under Subchapter E or F is final: |
|
(1) the release, maintenance, dissemination, or use of |
|
the expunged records and files for any purpose is prohibited; |
|
(2) except as provided by Subdivision (3), the person |
|
arrested may deny the occurrence of the arrest and the existence of |
|
the expunction order; and |
|
(3) the person arrested or any other person, when |
|
questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding about an arrest for |
|
which the records have been expunged, may state only that the matter |
|
in question has been expunged. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.03.) |
|
Art. 55A.402. OFFENSE FOR VIOLATION OF EXPUNCTION ORDER. |
|
(a) A person commits an offense if the person: |
|
(1) learns of an arrest while an officer or employee of |
|
the state or of any agency or other entity of the state or any |
|
political subdivision of the state; |
|
(2) knows of an order expunging the records and files |
|
relating to that arrest; and |
|
(3) knowingly releases, disseminates, or otherwise |
|
uses the records or files. |
|
(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly |
|
fails to return or to obliterate identifying portions of a record or |
|
file ordered expunged under this chapter. |
|
(c) An offense under this article is a Class B misdemeanor. |
|
(Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.04.) |
|
SUBCHAPTER J. NOTICE OF EXPUNCTION LAW |
|
Art. 55A.451. NOTICE OF EXPUNCTION LAW TO PERSONS RELEASED |
|
FOLLOWING ARREST. On release or discharge of an arrested person, |
|
the person responsible for the release or discharge shall give the |
|
released or discharged person a written explanation of that |
|
person's rights under this chapter and a copy of the provisions of |
|
this chapter. (Code Crim. Proc., Art. 55.05.) |
|
SECTION 1.002. Subchapter F, Chapter 19A, Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended by adding Article 19A.256 to read as follows: |
|
Art. 19A.256. ASSEMBLY OF GRAND JURY IN SEXUAL ASSAULT |
|
CASES. (a) If a district judge becomes aware that sexual assault |
|
within the jurisdiction of the court has probably been committed, |
|
the judge shall direct the grand jury to investigate the |
|
accusation: |
|
(1) immediately, if the court is in session; or |
|
(2) at the next term of a district court in any county |
|
of the district, if the court is not in session. |
|
(b) If the court is in session but the grand jury has been |
|
discharged, the district judge shall immediately recall the grand |
|
jury to investigate the accusation. |
|
SECTION 1.003. Section 502.407, Transportation Code, is |
|
amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows: |
|
(b-1) For purposes of dismissing a charge under Subsection |
|
(b), "day" does not include Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday. |
|
ARTICLE 2. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS |
|
SECTION 2.001. Section 122.351, Agriculture Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 122.351. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "peace |
|
officer" has the meaning assigned by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.002. Section 153.003, Agriculture Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 153.003. INSPECTIONS. Program rules must authorize |
|
the special rangers appointed under Article 2A.006 [2.125], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, and other association employees designated by |
|
the special rangers, to inspect and record brands and other |
|
identifying characteristics of cattle at livestock auction |
|
markets. |
|
SECTION 2.003. Section 106.12(f), Alcoholic Beverage Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(f) The procedures for expunction provided under this |
|
section are separate and distinct from the expunction procedures |
|
under Chapter 55A [55], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.004. Section 108.001(6), Business & Commerce |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(6) "Peace officer" means a person elected, employed, |
|
or appointed as a peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, or other law. |
|
SECTION 2.005. Section 109.001(5), Business & Commerce |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(5) "Confidential criminal record information of a |
|
child" means information about a person's involvement in the |
|
criminal justice system resulting from conduct that occurred or was |
|
alleged to occur when the person was younger than 17 years of age |
|
that is confidential under Chapter 45A [45], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, or other law. The term does not include: |
|
(A) criminal record information of a person |
|
certified to stand trial as an adult for that conduct, as provided |
|
by Section 54.02, Family Code; or |
|
(B) information relating to a traffic offense. |
|
SECTION 2.006. Section 109.002(a), Business & Commerce |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), this chapter |
|
applies to: |
|
(1) a business entity that: |
|
(A) publishes criminal record information, |
|
including information: |
|
(i) originally obtained pursuant to a |
|
request for public information under Chapter 552, Government Code; |
|
or |
|
(ii) purchased or otherwise obtained by the |
|
entity or an affiliated business entity from the Department of |
|
Public Safety under Subchapter F, Chapter 411, Government Code; and |
|
(B) requires the payment: |
|
(i) of a fee in an amount of $150 or more or |
|
other consideration of comparable value to remove criminal record |
|
information; or |
|
(ii) of a fee or other consideration to |
|
correct or modify criminal record information; or |
|
(2) a business entity that publishes confidential |
|
juvenile record information or confidential criminal record |
|
information of a child in a manner not permitted by Chapter 58, |
|
Family Code, Chapter 45A [45], Code of Criminal Procedure, or other |
|
law, regardless of: |
|
(A) the source of the information; or |
|
(B) whether the business entity charges a fee for |
|
access to or removal or correction of the information. |
|
SECTION 2.007. Section 109.005(a), Business & Commerce |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A business entity may not publish any criminal record |
|
information in the business entity's possession with respect to |
|
which the business entity has knowledge or has received notice |
|
that: |
|
(1) an order of expunction has been issued under |
|
Article 55A.201 [55.02], Code of Criminal Procedure; or |
|
(2) an order of nondisclosure of criminal history |
|
record information has been issued under Subchapter E-1, Chapter |
|
411, Government Code. |
|
SECTION 2.008. Section 114.0001(4), Business & Commerce |
|
Code, as added by Chapter 47 (H.B. 390), Acts of the 87th |
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(4) "Peace officer" means a peace officer described by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, appointed or |
|
employed to serve as a peace officer for a law enforcement agency. |
|
SECTION 2.009. Section 30.006(a), Civil Practice and |
|
Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) In this section, "law enforcement agency" means a |
|
governmental agency that employs a peace officer as defined by |
|
[under] Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.010. Section 78A.001(1), Civil Practice and |
|
Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(1) "First responder" means a law enforcement, fire |
|
protection, or emergency medical services employee or volunteer, |
|
including: |
|
(A) a peace officer as defined by Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(B) fire protection personnel as defined by |
|
Section 419.021, Government Code; |
|
(C) a volunteer firefighter who is: |
|
(i) certified by the Texas Commission on |
|
Fire Protection or by the State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' |
|
Association of Texas; or |
|
(ii) a member of an organized volunteer |
|
fire-fighting unit that renders fire-fighting services without |
|
remuneration and conducts a minimum of two drills each month, each |
|
two hours long; and |
|
(D) an individual certified as emergency medical |
|
services personnel by the Department of State Health Services. |
|
SECTION 2.011. Section 100.001, Civil Practice and Remedies |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 100.001. AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE. It is an affirmative |
|
defense to a civil action for damages for personal injury or death |
|
brought against a person performing duties under Article 2A.002(f) |
|
[2.122(f)], Code of Criminal Procedure, the person's employer, or |
|
the owner of a commercial nuclear power plant where the person was |
|
working, that at the time the cause of action arose the person was |
|
justified in using force under Chapter 9, Penal Code. |
|
SECTION 2.012. Article 5.03, Code of Criminal Procedure, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Art. 5.03. FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD RELATIONSHIP DOES NOT CREATE |
|
AN EXCEPTION TO OFFICIAL DUTIES. A general duty prescribed for an |
|
officer by Chapter 2A [2 of this code] is not waived or excepted in |
|
any family violence case or investigation because of a family or |
|
household relationship between an alleged violator and the victim |
|
of family violence. A peace officer's or a magistrate's duty to |
|
prevent the commission of criminal offenses, including acts of |
|
family violence, is not waived or excepted because of a family or |
|
household relationship between the potential violator and victim. |
|
SECTION 2.013. Articles 14.03(g)(1) and (2), Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(1) A peace officer described by [listed in |
|
Subdivision (1), (2), or (5),] Article 2A.001(1), (2), or (5) |
|
[2.12], who is licensed under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, and |
|
is outside of the officer's jurisdiction may arrest without a |
|
warrant a person who commits any offense within the officer's |
|
presence or view, other than a violation of Subtitle C, Title 7, |
|
Transportation Code. |
|
(2) A peace officer described by [listed in |
|
Subdivision (3),] Article 2A.001(3) [2.12], who is licensed under |
|
Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, and is outside of the officer's |
|
jurisdiction may arrest without a warrant a person who commits any |
|
offense within the officer's presence or view, except that an |
|
officer described in this subdivision who is outside of that |
|
officer's jurisdiction may arrest a person for a violation of |
|
Subtitle C, Title 7, Transportation Code, only if the offense is |
|
committed in the county or counties in which the municipality |
|
employing the peace officer is located. |
|
SECTION 2.014. Article 15.18(d), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) This article does not apply to an arrest made pursuant |
|
to a capias pro fine issued under Chapter 43 or Article 45A.259 |
|
[45.045]. |
|
SECTION 2.015. Article 17.291(a), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) In this article: |
|
(1) "Family [family] violence" has the meaning |
|
assigned [to that phrase] by Section 71.004, Family Code. [; and] |
|
(2) "Magistrate [magistrate]" has the meaning |
|
assigned [to it] by Article 2A.151 [2.09 of this code]. |
|
SECTION 2.016. Section 4(a), Article 17.42, Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, if a |
|
court releases an accused on personal bond on the recommendation of |
|
a personal bond office, the court shall assess a personal bond |
|
reimbursement fee of $20 or three percent of the amount of the bail |
|
fixed for the accused, whichever is greater. The court may waive |
|
the fee or assess a lesser fee if good cause is shown. A court that |
|
requires a defendant to give a personal bond under Article 45A.107 |
|
[45.016] may not assess a personal bond fee under this subsection. |
|
SECTION 2.017. Article 24.01(c), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) A person who is not a peace officer may not be compelled |
|
to accept the duty to execute a subpoena, but if the person [he] |
|
agrees in writing to accept that duty and neglects or refuses to |
|
serve or return the subpoena, the person [he] may be punished in |
|
accordance with Article 2A.055 [2.16 of this code]. |
|
SECTION 2.018. Article 27.14(d), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) If written notice of an offense for which maximum |
|
possible punishment is by fine only or of a violation relating to |
|
the manner, time, and place of parking has been prepared, |
|
delivered, and filed with the court and a legible duplicate copy has |
|
been given to the defendant, the written notice serves as a |
|
complaint to which the defendant may plead "guilty," "not guilty," |
|
or "nolo contendere." If the defendant pleads "not guilty" to the |
|
offense or fails to appear based on the written notice, a complaint |
|
shall be filed that conforms to the requirements of Chapter 45A [45 |
|
of this code], and that complaint serves as an original complaint. |
|
A defendant may waive the filing of a sworn complaint and elect that |
|
the prosecution proceed on the written notice of the charged |
|
offense if the defendant agrees in writing with the prosecution, |
|
signs the agreement, and files it with the court. |
|
SECTION 2.019. Article 38.141(c), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) In this article, "peace officer" means a person listed |
|
in Article 2A.001 [2.12], and "special investigator" means a person |
|
listed in Article 2A.002 [2.122]. |
|
SECTION 2.020. Section 9, Article 38.22, Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 9. Notwithstanding any other provision of this |
|
article, no oral, sign language, or written statement that is made |
|
by a person accused of an offense listed in Article 2B.0202(a) |
|
[2.32(b)] and made as a result of a custodial interrogation |
|
occurring in a place of detention, as [that term is] defined by |
|
Article 2B.0201 [2.32], is admissible against the accused in a |
|
criminal proceeding unless: |
|
(1) an electronic recording was made of the statement, |
|
as required by Article 2B.0202(a) [2.32(b)]; or |
|
(2) the attorney representing the state offers proof |
|
satisfactory to the court that good cause, as described by Article |
|
2B.0202(c) [2.32(d)], existed that made electronic recording of the |
|
custodial interrogation infeasible. |
|
SECTION 2.021. Article 38.43(e), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(e) To the extent of any conflict, this article controls |
|
over Article 2A.155 [2.21]. |
|
SECTION 2.022. Article 38.50(f), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(f) To the extent of any conflict between this article and |
|
Article 2A.155 [2.21] or 38.43, this article controls. |
|
SECTION 2.023. Article 42.111, Code of Criminal Procedure, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
Art. 42.111. DEFERRAL OF PROCEEDINGS IN CASES APPEALED TO |
|
COUNTY COURT. If a defendant convicted of a misdemeanor punishable |
|
by fine only appeals the conviction to a county court, on the trial |
|
in county court the defendant may enter a plea of guilty or nolo |
|
contendere to the offense. If the defendant enters a plea of guilty |
|
or nolo contendere, the court may defer further proceedings without |
|
entering an adjudication of guilt in the same manner as provided for |
|
the deferral of proceedings in justice court or municipal court |
|
under Subchapter G, Chapter 45A [Article 45.051 of this code]. This |
|
article does not apply to a misdemeanor case disposed of under |
|
Subchapter B, Chapter 543, Transportation Code, or a serious |
|
traffic violation as defined by Section 522.003, Transportation |
|
Code. |
|
SECTION 2.024. Articles 42.15(a-1), (d), and (f), Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a-1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, |
|
during or immediately after imposing a sentence in a case in which |
|
the defendant entered a plea in open court as provided by Article |
|
27.13, 27.14(a), or 27.16(a), a court shall inquire on the record |
|
whether the defendant has sufficient resources or income to |
|
immediately pay all or part of the fine and costs. If the court |
|
determines that the defendant does not have sufficient resources or |
|
income to immediately pay all or part of the fine and costs, the |
|
court shall determine whether the fine and costs should be: |
|
(1) subject to Subsection (c), required to be paid at |
|
some later date or in a specified portion at designated intervals; |
|
(2) discharged by performing community service under, |
|
as applicable, Article 43.09(f), 45A.254, 45A.459, or 45A.460 |
|
[Article 45.049, Article 45.0492, as added by Chapter 227 (H.B. |
|
350), Acts of the 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 2011, or |
|
Article 45.0492, as added by Chapter 777 (H.B. 1964), Acts of the |
|
82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 2011]; |
|
(3) waived in full or in part under Article 43.091 or |
|
45A.257 [45.0491]; or |
|
(4) satisfied through any combination of methods under |
|
Subdivisions (1)-(3). |
|
(d) A judge may allow a defendant who is a child, as defined |
|
by Article 45A.453(a) [45.058(h)], to elect at the time of |
|
conviction, as defined by Section 133.101, Local Government Code, |
|
to discharge the fine and costs by: |
|
(1) performing community service or receiving |
|
tutoring under Article 45A.460 [45.0492, as added by Chapter 227 |
|
(H.B. 350), Acts of the 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 2011]; |
|
or |
|
(2) paying the fine and costs in a manner described by |
|
Subsection (b). |
|
(f) The requirement under Article 45A.460(a) [45.0492(a), |
|
as added by Chapter 227 (H.B. 350), Acts of the 82nd Legislature, |
|
Regular Session, 2011,] that an offense occur in a building or on |
|
the grounds of the primary or secondary school at which the |
|
defendant was enrolled at the time of the offense does not apply to |
|
the performance of community service or the receipt of tutoring to |
|
discharge a fine or costs under Subsection (d)(1). |
|
SECTION 2.025. Article 42A.655(f), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(f) Notwithstanding any other law, if the court determines |
|
under this article at any time during a defendant's period of |
|
community supervision, including deferred adjudication community |
|
supervision, that the defendant does not have sufficient resources |
|
or income to make a payment included under Subsection (b), the court |
|
shall determine whether all or a portion of the payment should be: |
|
(1) required to be paid at a later date or in a |
|
specified portion at designated intervals; |
|
(2) waived completely or partially under Article |
|
43.091 or 45A.257 [45.0491]; |
|
(3) discharged by performing community service under |
|
Article 42A.304 or 45A.254 [45.049], as applicable; or |
|
(4) satisfied through any combination of methods under |
|
Subdivisions (1)-(3). |
|
SECTION 2.026. Article 43.03(e), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(e) This article does not apply to a court governed by |
|
Chapter 45A [45]. |
|
SECTION 2.027. Article 43.09(n), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(n) This article does not apply to a court governed by |
|
Chapter 45A [45]. |
|
SECTION 2.028. Articles 43.091(a) and (c), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A court may waive payment of all or part of a fine |
|
imposed on a defendant if the court determines that: |
|
(1) the defendant is indigent or does not have |
|
sufficient resources or income to pay all or part of the fine or |
|
was, at the time the offense was committed, a child as defined by |
|
Article 45A.453(a) [45.058(h)]; and |
|
(2) each alternative method of discharging the fine |
|
under Article 43.09 or 42.15 would impose an undue hardship on the |
|
defendant. |
|
(c) A court may waive payment of all or part of the costs |
|
imposed on a defendant if the court determines that the defendant: |
|
(1) is indigent or does not have sufficient resources |
|
or income to pay all or part of the costs; or |
|
(2) was, at the time the offense was committed, a child |
|
as defined by Article 45A.453(a) [45.058(h)]. |
|
SECTION 2.029. Article 44.2811, Code of Criminal Procedure, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
Art. 44.2811. RECORDS RELATING TO CERTAIN FINE-ONLY |
|
MISDEMEANORS COMMITTED BY A CHILD. All records and files and |
|
information stored by electronic means or otherwise, from which a |
|
record or file could be generated, relating to a criminal case for a |
|
fine-only misdemeanor, other than a traffic offense, that is |
|
committed by a child and that is appealed are confidential and may |
|
not be disclosed to the public except as provided under Article |
|
45A.462(c) [45.0217(b)]. |
|
SECTION 2.030. Article 44.2812(a), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) and Article |
|
45A.055(b) [45.0218(b)], following the fifth anniversary of the |
|
date of a final conviction of, or of a dismissal after deferral of |
|
disposition for, a misdemeanor offense punishable by fine only, all |
|
records and files and information stored by electronic means or |
|
otherwise, from which a record or file could be generated, that are |
|
held or stored by or for an appellate court and relate to the person |
|
who was convicted of, or who received a dismissal after deferral of |
|
disposition for, the offense are confidential and may not be |
|
disclosed to the public. |
|
SECTION 2.031. Article 46C.155(b), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A defendant who is found not guilty by reason of |
|
insanity is not considered to be acquitted for purposes of Chapter |
|
55A [55]. |
|
SECTION 2.032. Article 56B.251, Code of Criminal Procedure, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
Art. 56B.251. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "peace |
|
officer" means an individual elected, appointed, or employed to |
|
serve as a peace officer for a governmental entity under Article |
|
2A.001 [2.12] or other law. The term includes a former peace |
|
officer who is entitled to receive payments under this subchapter |
|
because of an injury suffered while performing duties as a peace |
|
officer. |
|
SECTION 2.033. Article 59.06(c-1), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(c-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the attorney |
|
representing the state and special rangers of the Texas and |
|
Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association who meet the requirements |
|
of Article 2A.006 [2.125] may enter into a local agreement that |
|
allows the attorney representing the state to transfer proceeds |
|
from the sale of forfeited property described by Subsection (c), |
|
after the deduction of court costs as described by that subsection, |
|
to a special fund established for the special rangers. Proceeds |
|
transferred under this subsection must be used by the special |
|
rangers solely for law enforcement purposes. Any expenditures of |
|
the proceeds are subject to the audit provisions established under |
|
this article. |
|
SECTION 2.034. Article 66.105(a), Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) On receipt of information from a local law enforcement |
|
agency under Article 2A.061 [2.28], the Department of Public Safety |
|
shall: |
|
(1) provide the notice described by Article 2A.061(1) |
|
[2.28(1)] to the person whose identity was misused, if the local law |
|
enforcement agency was unable to notify the person under that |
|
subdivision; |
|
(2) take action to ensure that the information |
|
maintained in the computerized criminal history system reflects the |
|
use of the person's identity as a stolen alias; and |
|
(3) notify the Texas Department of Criminal Justice |
|
that the person's identifying information may have been falsely |
|
used by an inmate in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal |
|
Justice. |
|
SECTION 2.035. Articles 102.006(a-1), (b), and (b-1), Code |
|
of Criminal Procedure, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a-1) In addition to any other fees required by other law |
|
and except as provided by Subsection (b), a petitioner seeking |
|
expunction of a criminal record in a justice court or a municipal |
|
court of record under Chapter 55A [55] shall pay a fee of $100 for |
|
filing an ex parte petition for expunction to defray the cost of |
|
notifying state agencies of orders of expunction under that |
|
chapter. |
|
(b) The fees under Subsection (a) or the fee under |
|
Subsection (a-1), as applicable, shall be waived if the petitioner |
|
seeks expunction of a criminal record that relates to an arrest for |
|
an offense of which the person was acquitted, other than an |
|
acquittal for an offense described by Article 55A.151 [55.01(c)], |
|
and the petition for expunction is filed not later than the 30th day |
|
after the date of the acquittal. |
|
(b-1) The fees under Subsection (a) shall be waived if the |
|
petitioner is entitled to expunction: |
|
(1) under Article 55A.053(a)(2)(A) |
|
[55.01(a)(2)(A)(ii)(a)] after successful completion of a veterans |
|
treatment court program created under Chapter 124, Government Code, |
|
or former law; or |
|
(2) under Article 55A.053(a)(2)(B) |
|
[55.01(a)(2)(A)(ii)(b)] after successful completion of a mental |
|
health court program created under Chapter 125, Government Code, or |
|
former law. |
|
SECTION 2.036. Section 25.091(c)(2), Education Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(2) "Peace officer" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.037. Section 25.093(c-1), Education Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c-1) Each day the child remains out of school may |
|
constitute a separate offense. Two or more offenses under |
|
Subsection (a) may be consolidated and prosecuted in a single |
|
action. If the court orders deferred disposition under Subchapter |
|
G, Chapter 45A [Article 45.051], Code of Criminal Procedure, the |
|
court may require the defendant to provide personal services to a |
|
charitable or educational institution as a condition of the |
|
deferral. |
|
SECTION 2.038. Section 25.0952, Education Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 25.0952. PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO PARENT CONTRIBUTING |
|
TO NONATTENDANCE OFFENSE. In a proceeding based on a complaint |
|
under Section 25.093, the court shall, except as otherwise provided |
|
by this chapter, use the procedures and exercise the powers |
|
authorized by Chapter 45A [45], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.039. Section 37.081(b), Education Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) In a peace officer's jurisdiction, a peace officer |
|
commissioned under this section: |
|
(1) has the powers, privileges, and immunities of |
|
peace officers; |
|
(2) may enforce all laws, including municipal |
|
ordinances, county ordinances, and state laws; |
|
(3) may, in accordance with Chapter 52, Family Code, |
|
or Article 45A.453 [45.058], Code of Criminal Procedure, take a |
|
child into custody; and |
|
(4) may dispose of cases in accordance with Section |
|
52.03 or 52.031, Family Code. |
|
SECTION 2.040. Section 37.146, Education Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 37.146. REQUISITES OF COMPLAINT. (a) A complaint |
|
alleging the commission of a school offense must, in addition to the |
|
requirements imposed by Article 45A.101 [45.019], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure: |
|
(1) be sworn to by a person who has personal knowledge |
|
of the underlying facts giving rise to probable cause to believe |
|
that an offense has been committed; and |
|
(2) be accompanied by a statement from a school |
|
employee stating: |
|
(A) whether the child is eligible for or receives |
|
special services under Subchapter A, Chapter 29; and |
|
(B) the graduated sanctions, if required under |
|
Section 37.144, that were imposed on the child before the complaint |
|
was filed. |
|
(b) After a complaint has been filed under this subchapter, |
|
a summons may be issued under Articles 23.04 and 45A.457(e) |
|
[45.057(e)], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
(c) A complaint under this subchapter may include a |
|
recommendation by a school employee that the child attend a teen |
|
court program under Article 45A.401 [45.052], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, if the school employee believes attending a teen court |
|
program is in the best interest of the child. |
|
SECTION 2.041. Section 61.9951, Education Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 61.9951. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "peace |
|
officer" has the meaning assigned by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.042. Section 1001.002(a), Education Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) An organization is exempt from this chapter if the |
|
organization: |
|
(1) has 50,000 or more members; |
|
(2) qualifies for a tax exemption under Section |
|
501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as an organization described |
|
by Section 501(c)(4) of that code; and |
|
(3) conducts for its members and other individuals who |
|
are at least 50 years of age a driving safety course that is not used |
|
for purposes of Subchapter H, Chapter 45A [Article 45.0511], Code |
|
of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.043. Section 1001.151(b), Education Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The commission by rule shall establish a fee for: |
|
(1) an initial in-person driver education provider |
|
license and for each branch location; |
|
(2) an initial online driver education provider |
|
license; |
|
(3) an initial parent-taught driver education |
|
provider license; |
|
(4) an initial driving safety provider license; |
|
(5) the annual renewal for a driving safety provider, |
|
driver education provider, or branch location of an in-person |
|
driver education provider, except that the executive director may |
|
waive the fee if revenue generated by the issuance of course |
|
completion certificate numbers and driver education certificates |
|
is sufficient to cover the cost of administering this chapter and |
|
Subchapter H, Chapter 45A [Article 45.0511], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; |
|
(6) a change of address of a driver education provider |
|
or driving safety provider; and |
|
(7) a change of name of: |
|
(A) a driver education provider or an owner of a |
|
driver education provider; or |
|
(B) a driving safety provider or an owner of a |
|
driving safety provider. |
|
SECTION 2.044. Section 1001.453(a), Education Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person may not distribute within 500 feet of a court |
|
with jurisdiction over an offense to which Subchapter H, Chapter |
|
45A [Article 45.0511], Code of Criminal Procedure, applies written |
|
information that advertises a driving safety provider. |
|
SECTION 2.045. Section 13.004(c), Election Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
(c) The following information furnished on a registration |
|
application is confidential and does not constitute public |
|
information for purposes of Chapter 552, Government Code: |
|
(1) a social security number; |
|
(2) a Texas driver's license number; |
|
(3) a number of a personal identification card issued |
|
by the Department of Public Safety; |
|
(4) the residence address of the applicant, if the |
|
applicant is a federal judge, including a federal bankruptcy judge, |
|
a marshal of the United States Marshals Service, a United States |
|
attorney, or a state judge, a family member of a federal judge, |
|
including a federal bankruptcy judge, a marshal of the United |
|
States Marshals Service, a United States attorney, or a state |
|
judge, the spouse of a peace officer as defined by Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or an individual to whom |
|
Section 552.1175, Government Code, or Section 521.1211, |
|
Transportation Code, applies and the applicant: |
|
(A) included an affidavit with the registration |
|
application describing the applicant's status under this |
|
subdivision, if the applicant is a federal judge, including a |
|
federal bankruptcy judge, a marshal of the United States Marshals |
|
Service, a United States attorney, or a state judge or a family |
|
member of a federal judge, including a federal bankruptcy judge, a |
|
marshal of the United States Marshals Service, a United States |
|
attorney, or a state judge; |
|
(B) provided the registrar with an affidavit |
|
describing the applicant's status under this subdivision, if the |
|
applicant is a federal judge, including a federal bankruptcy judge, |
|
a marshal of the United States Marshals Service, a United States |
|
attorney, or a state judge or a family member of a federal judge, |
|
including a federal bankruptcy judge, a marshal of the United |
|
States Marshals Service, a United States attorney, or a state |
|
judge; or |
|
(C) provided the registrar with a completed form |
|
approved by the secretary of state for the purpose of notifying the |
|
registrar of the applicant's status under this subdivision; |
|
(5) the residence address of the applicant, if the |
|
applicant, the applicant's child, or another person in the |
|
applicant's household is a victim of family violence as defined by |
|
Section 71.004, Family Code, who provided the registrar with: |
|
(A) a copy of a protective order issued under |
|
Chapter 85, Family Code, or a magistrate's order for emergency |
|
protection issued under Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
or |
|
(B) other independent documentary evidence |
|
necessary to show that the applicant, the applicant's child, or |
|
another person in the applicant's household is a victim of family |
|
violence; |
|
(6) the residence address of the applicant, if the |
|
applicant, the applicant's child, or another person in the |
|
applicant's household is a victim of sexual assault or abuse, |
|
stalking, or trafficking of persons who provided the registrar |
|
with: |
|
(A) a copy of a protective order issued under |
|
Subchapter A or B, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a |
|
magistrate's order for emergency protection issued under Article |
|
17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure; or |
|
(B) other independent documentary evidence |
|
necessary to show that the applicant, the applicant's child, or |
|
another person in the applicant's household is a victim of sexual |
|
assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking of persons; |
|
(7) the residence address of the applicant, if the |
|
applicant: |
|
(A) is a participant in the address |
|
confidentiality program administered by the attorney general under |
|
Subchapter B, Chapter 58, Code of Criminal Procedure; and |
|
(B) provided the registrar with proof of |
|
certification under Article 58.059, Code of Criminal Procedure; or |
|
(8) the telephone number of any applicant submitting |
|
documentation under Subdivision (4), (5), (6), or (7). |
|
SECTION 2.046. Section 51.02(7), Family Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(7) "Law-enforcement officer" means a peace officer as |
|
defined by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.047. Section 51.08(d), Family Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(d) A court that has implemented a juvenile case manager |
|
program under Article 45A.451 [45.056], Code of Criminal Procedure, |
|
may, but is not required to, waive its original jurisdiction under |
|
Subsection (b)(1)(B). |
|
SECTION 2.048. Section 51.12(a), Family Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (h), a child may be |
|
detained only in a: |
|
(1) juvenile processing office in compliance with |
|
Section 52.025; |
|
(2) place of nonsecure custody in compliance with |
|
Article 45A.453 [45.058], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(3) certified juvenile detention facility that |
|
complies with the requirements of Subsection (f); |
|
(4) secure detention facility as provided by |
|
Subsection (j); |
|
(5) county jail or other facility as provided by |
|
Subsection (l); or |
|
(6) nonsecure correctional facility as provided by |
|
Subsection (j-1). |
|
SECTION 2.049. Section 65.017, Family Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
Sec. 65.017. JUVENILE CASE MANAGERS. A truancy court may |
|
employ a juvenile case manager in accordance with Article 45A.451 |
|
[45.056], Code of Criminal Procedure, to provide services to |
|
children who have been referred to the truancy court or who are in |
|
jeopardy of being referred to the truancy court. |
|
SECTION 2.050. Sections 261.301(f) and (h), Family Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(f) An investigation of a report to the department that |
|
alleges that a child has been or may be the victim of conduct that |
|
constitutes a criminal offense that poses an immediate risk of |
|
physical or sexual abuse of a child that could result in the death |
|
of or serious harm to the child shall be conducted jointly by a |
|
peace officer, as defined by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, from the appropriate local law enforcement |
|
agency and the department or the agency responsible for conducting |
|
an investigation under Subchapter E. |
|
(h) The department and the appropriate local law |
|
enforcement agency shall conduct an investigation, other than an |
|
investigation under Subchapter E, as provided by this section and |
|
Article 2A.057 [2.27], Code of Criminal Procedure, if the |
|
investigation is of a report that alleges that a child has been or |
|
may be the victim of conduct that constitutes a criminal offense |
|
that poses an immediate risk of physical or sexual abuse of a child |
|
that could result in the death of or serious harm to the child. |
|
Immediately on receipt of a report described by this subsection, |
|
the department shall notify the appropriate local law enforcement |
|
agency of the report. |
|
SECTION 2.051. Section 261.3023, Family Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
Sec. 261.3023. LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TO CHILD SAFETY |
|
CHECK ALERT. If a law enforcement officer encounters a child or |
|
other person listed on the Texas Crime Information Center's child |
|
safety check alert list, the law enforcement officer shall follow |
|
the procedures described by Article 2A.056 [2.272], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.052. Sections 261.3024(a) and (b), Family Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A law enforcement officer who locates a child listed on |
|
the Texas Crime Information Center's child safety check alert list |
|
shall report that the child has been located in the manner |
|
prescribed by Article 2A.056 [2.272], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
(b) If the department locates a child who has been placed on |
|
the child safety check alert list established under Section |
|
261.3022 through a means other than information reported to the |
|
department by a law enforcement officer under Article 2A.056 |
|
[2.272], Code of Criminal Procedure, the department shall report to |
|
the Texas Crime Information Center that the child has been located. |
|
SECTION 2.053. Section 264.302(e), Family Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
(e) The department shall provide services for a child and |
|
the child's family if a contract to provide services under this |
|
section is available in the county and the child is referred to the |
|
department as an at-risk child by: |
|
(1) a juvenile court or probation department as part |
|
of a progressive sanctions program under Chapter 59; |
|
(2) a law enforcement officer or agency under Section |
|
52.03; or |
|
(3) a justice or municipal court under Article 45A.457 |
|
[45.057], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.054. Section 25.0732(z), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(z) The County Criminal Courts No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and |
|
No. 4 have the criminal jurisdiction provided by this section and |
|
other law for statutory county courts in El Paso County and |
|
appellate jurisdiction in appeals of criminal cases from justice |
|
courts and municipal courts in the county as provided by Article |
|
45A.202 [45.042], Code of Criminal Procedure. The County Criminal |
|
Court No. 4 shall give preference to cases prosecuted under: |
|
(1) Section 22.01, Penal Code, in which the victim is a |
|
person whose relationship to or association with the defendant is |
|
described under Chapter 71, Family Code; and |
|
(2) Section 25.07, Penal Code. |
|
SECTION 2.055. Section 25.2422(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) In addition to the jurisdiction provided by Section |
|
25.0003 and other law, a county court at law in Webb County has |
|
concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in: |
|
(1) family law cases and proceedings; |
|
(2) cases and proceedings involving justiciable |
|
controversies and differences between spouses, or between parents, |
|
or between parent and child, or between any of these and third |
|
persons; and |
|
(3) proceedings to expunge a criminal arrest record |
|
under Chapter 55A [55], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.056. Section 30.00011, Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 30.00011. PROSECUTIONS. All prosecutions in municipal |
|
courts of record shall be conducted as provided by Article 45A.005 |
|
[45.03], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.057. Section 30.00013(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Ordinances, rules, and procedures concerning a trial by |
|
a jury, including the summoning of jurors, must substantially |
|
conform to Chapter 45A [45], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.058. Section 30.001845(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The governing body may appoint one or more magistrates |
|
in addition to magistrates provided under Article 2A.151 [2.09], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.059. Section 30.004945(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The governing body may appoint one or more magistrates |
|
in addition to magistrates provided under Article 2A.151 [2.09], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.060. Section 30.00635(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The governing body may appoint one or more magistrates |
|
in addition to magistrates provided under Article 2A.151 [2.09], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.061. Section 30.01255(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The governing body may appoint one or more magistrates |
|
in addition to magistrates provided under Article 2A.151 [2.09], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.062. Section 30.01542(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The governing body may appoint one or more magistrates |
|
in addition to magistrates provided under Article 2A.151 [2.09], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.063. Section 51.1045(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) In this section, "digital multimedia evidence" has the |
|
meaning assigned by Article 2A.153 [2.21], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.064. Section 53.0071, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 53.0071. BAILIFF AS PEACE OFFICER. Unless the |
|
appointing judge provides otherwise in the order of appointment, a |
|
bailiff appointed under Section 53.001(b), (g), (k), or (m) or |
|
53.002(c), (e), or (f) is a "peace officer" for purposes of Article |
|
2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.065. Section 54.1955(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Except as limited by an order of the county judge, a |
|
magistrate appointed under this subchapter may: |
|
(1) conduct hearings; |
|
(2) hear evidence; |
|
(3) issue summons for the appearance of witnesses; |
|
(4) examine witnesses; |
|
(5) swear witnesses for hearings; |
|
(6) recommend rulings or orders or a judgment in a |
|
case; |
|
(7) regulate proceedings in a hearing; |
|
(8) accept a plea of guilty or nolo contendere in a |
|
case alleging a violation of Section 25.093, Education Code, and |
|
assess a fine or court costs or order community service in |
|
satisfaction of a fine or costs in accordance with Article 45A.254 |
|
[45.049], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(9) for a violation of Section 25.093, Education Code, |
|
enter an order suspending a sentence or deferring a final |
|
disposition that includes at least one of the requirements listed |
|
in Subchapter G, Chapter 45A [Article 45.051], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; |
|
(10) for an uncontested adjudication of truant conduct |
|
under Section 65.003, Family Code, accept a plea to the petition or |
|
a stipulation of evidence, and take any other action authorized |
|
under Chapter 65, Family Code; and |
|
(11) perform any act and take any measure necessary |
|
and proper for the efficient performance of the duties required by |
|
the referral order, including the entry of an order that includes at |
|
least one of the remedial options in Section 65.103, Family Code. |
|
SECTION 2.066. Section 54.2205(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The judge of a district court or county court at law or a |
|
justice of the peace may refer to a magistrate any case or matter |
|
relating to a case for proceedings involving: |
|
(1) a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest and |
|
sentencing before the court; |
|
(2) a bond forfeiture, remittitur, and related |
|
proceedings; |
|
(3) a pretrial motion; |
|
(4) a writ of habeas corpus; |
|
(5) an examining trial; |
|
(6) an occupational driver's license; |
|
(7) a petition for an order of expunction under |
|
Chapter 55A [55], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(8) an asset forfeiture hearing as provided by Chapter |
|
59, Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(9) a petition for an order of nondisclosure of |
|
criminal history record information or an order of nondisclosure of |
|
criminal history record information that does not require a |
|
petition provided by Subchapter E-1, Chapter 411; |
|
(10) a motion to modify or revoke community |
|
supervision or to proceed with an adjudication of guilt; |
|
(11) setting conditions, modifying, revoking, and |
|
surrendering of bonds, including surety bonds; |
|
(12) specialty court proceedings; |
|
(13) a waiver of extradition; |
|
(14) selection of a jury; and |
|
(15) any other matter the judge or justice of the peace |
|
considers necessary and proper. |
|
SECTION 2.067. Section 54.2405(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The judge of a district court or county court at law or a |
|
justice of the peace may refer to a magistrate any case or matter |
|
relating to a case for proceedings involving: |
|
(1) a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest and |
|
sentencing before the court; |
|
(2) a bond forfeiture, remittitur, and related |
|
proceedings; |
|
(3) a pretrial motion; |
|
(4) a writ of habeas corpus; |
|
(5) an examining trial; |
|
(6) an occupational driver's license; |
|
(7) a petition for an order of expunction under |
|
Chapter 55A [55], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(8) an asset forfeiture hearing as provided by Chapter |
|
59, Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(9) a petition for an order of nondisclosure of |
|
criminal history record information or an order of nondisclosure of |
|
criminal history record information that does not require a |
|
petition provided by Subchapter E-1, Chapter 411; |
|
(10) a motion to modify or revoke community |
|
supervision or to proceed with an adjudication of guilt; |
|
(11) setting conditions, modifying, revoking, and |
|
surrendering of bonds, including surety bonds; |
|
(12) specialty court proceedings; |
|
(13) a waiver of extradition; |
|
(14) selection of a jury; and |
|
(15) any other matter the judge or justice of the peace |
|
considers necessary and proper. |
|
SECTION 2.068. Section 54.2503(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The criminal law magistrate court has the jurisdiction |
|
provided by the constitution and laws of this state for |
|
magistrates. A judge of the criminal law magistrate court is a |
|
magistrate as [that term is] defined by Article 2A.151 [2.09], Code |
|
of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.069. Section 54.2606(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A judge may refer to a magistrate any criminal case or |
|
matter relating to a criminal case for proceedings involving: |
|
(1) a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest and |
|
sentencing before the court; |
|
(2) a bond forfeiture, remittitur, and related |
|
proceedings; |
|
(3) a pretrial motion; |
|
(4) a writ of habeas corpus; |
|
(5) an examining trial; |
|
(6) an occupational driver's license; |
|
(7) a petition for an order of expunction under |
|
Chapter 55A [55], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(8) an asset forfeiture hearing as provided by Chapter |
|
59, Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(9) a petition for an order of nondisclosure of |
|
criminal history record information or an order of nondisclosure of |
|
criminal history record information that does not require a |
|
petition provided by Subchapter E-1, Chapter 411; |
|
(10) a motion to modify or revoke community |
|
supervision or to proceed with an adjudication of guilty; |
|
(11) setting conditions, modifying, revoking, and |
|
surrendering of bonds, including surety bonds; |
|
(12) specialty court proceedings; |
|
(13) a waiver of extradition; and |
|
(14) any other matter the judge considers necessary |
|
and proper. |
|
SECTION 2.070. Section 54.656(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A judge may refer to a magistrate any criminal case or |
|
matter relating to a criminal case for proceedings involving: |
|
(1) a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest and |
|
sentencing before the court; |
|
(2) a bond forfeiture, remittitur, and related |
|
proceedings; |
|
(3) a pretrial motion; |
|
(4) a writ of habeas corpus; |
|
(5) an examining trial; |
|
(6) an occupational driver's license; |
|
(7) a petition for an order of expunction under |
|
Chapter 55A [55], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(8) an asset forfeiture hearing as provided by Chapter |
|
59, Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(9) a petition for an order of nondisclosure of |
|
criminal history record information or an order of nondisclosure of |
|
criminal history record information that does not require a |
|
petition provided by Subchapter E-1, Chapter 411; |
|
(10) a motion to modify or revoke community |
|
supervision or to proceed with an adjudication of guilt; |
|
(11) setting conditions, modifying, revoking, and |
|
surrendering of bonds, including surety bonds; |
|
(12) specialty court proceedings; |
|
(13) a waiver of extradition; and |
|
(14) any other matter the judge considers necessary |
|
and proper. |
|
SECTION 2.071. Section 54.733(c), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) The criminal law magistrate court has the jurisdiction |
|
provided by the constitution and laws of this state for |
|
magistrates. A judge of the criminal law magistrate court is a |
|
magistrate as [that term is] defined by Article 2A.151 [Section |
|
2.09], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.072. Section 71.034(e), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(e) In addition to the information described by Subsection |
|
(a), the council shall include in the report a summary of |
|
information provided to the council during the preceding year under |
|
Articles 2A.211 [2.211] and 2A.212 [2.212], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.073. Section 71.0352, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 71.0352. JUVENILE DATA: JUSTICE, MUNICIPAL, AND |
|
TRUANCY COURTS. As a component of the official monthly report |
|
submitted to the Office of Court Administration of the Texas |
|
Judicial System: |
|
(1) a justice court, municipal court, or truancy court |
|
shall report the number of cases filed for: |
|
(A) truant conduct under Section 65.003(a), |
|
Family Code; |
|
(B) the offense of parent contributing to |
|
nonattendance under Section 25.093, Education Code; and |
|
(C) a violation of a local daytime curfew |
|
ordinance adopted under Section 341.905 or 351.903, Local |
|
Government Code; and |
|
(2) in cases in which a child fails to obey an order of |
|
a justice court, municipal court, or truancy court under |
|
circumstances that would constitute contempt of court, the justice |
|
court, municipal court, or truancy court shall report the number of |
|
incidents in which the child is: |
|
(A) referred to the appropriate juvenile court |
|
for delinquent conduct as provided by Article 45A.461(c)(1) |
|
[45.050(c)(1)], Code of Criminal Procedure, or Section 65.251, |
|
Family Code; or |
|
(B) held in contempt, fined, or denied driving |
|
privileges as provided by Article 45A.461(c)(2) [45.050(c)(2)], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure, or Section 65.251, Family Code. |
|
SECTION 2.074. Section 72.151(2), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(2) "Peace officer" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.075. Section 75.404(g), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(g) The justices of the peace in Harris County may adopt |
|
local rules: |
|
(1) that are consistent with Chapter 45A [45], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, and Part V, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, for |
|
practice and procedure in the justice courts of Harris County; and |
|
(2) for practice and procedure in the small claims |
|
courts of Harris County. |
|
SECTION 2.076. Section 124.001(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) If a defendant who was arrested for or charged with, but |
|
not convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication community |
|
supervision for, an offense successfully completes a veterans |
|
treatment court program, after notice to the attorney representing |
|
the state and a hearing in the veterans treatment court at which |
|
that court determines that a dismissal is in the best interest of |
|
justice, the veterans treatment court shall provide to the court in |
|
which the criminal case is pending information about the dismissal |
|
and shall include all of the information required about the |
|
defendant for a petition for expunction under Article 55A.253 |
|
[Section 2(b), Article 55.02], Code of Criminal Procedure. The |
|
court in which the criminal case is pending shall dismiss the case |
|
against the defendant and: |
|
(1) if that trial court is a district court, the court |
|
may, with the consent of the attorney representing the state, enter |
|
an order of expunction on behalf of the defendant under Article |
|
55A.203(a) [Section 1a(a-1), Article 55.02], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; or |
|
(2) if that trial court is not a district court, the |
|
court may, with the consent of the attorney representing the state, |
|
forward the appropriate dismissal and expunction information to |
|
enable a district court with jurisdiction to enter an order of |
|
expunction on behalf of the defendant under Article 55A.203(a) |
|
[Section 1a(a-1), Article 55.02], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.077. Section 125.001(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) If a defendant successfully completes a mental health |
|
court program, after notice to the attorney representing the state |
|
and a hearing in the mental health court at which that court |
|
determines that a dismissal is in the best interest of justice, the |
|
mental health court shall provide to the court in which the criminal |
|
case is pending information about the dismissal and shall include |
|
all of the information required about the defendant for a petition |
|
for expunction under Article 55A.253 [Section 2(b), Article 55.02], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure. The court in which the criminal case is |
|
pending shall dismiss the case against the defendant and: |
|
(1) if that trial court is a district court, the court |
|
may, with the consent of the attorney representing the state, enter |
|
an order of expunction on behalf of the defendant under Article |
|
55A.203(b) [Section 1a(a-2), Article 55.02], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; or |
|
(2) if that trial court is not a district court, the |
|
court may, with the consent of the attorney representing the state, |
|
forward the appropriate dismissal and expunction information to |
|
enable a district court with jurisdiction to enter an order of |
|
expunction on behalf of the defendant under Article 55A.203(b) |
|
[Section 1a(a-2), Article 55.02], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.078. Section 125.003(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The issues shall be handled by a magistrate, as |
|
designated by Article 2A.151 [2.09], Code of Criminal Procedure, |
|
who is part of a mental health court program established under |
|
Section 125.002. |
|
SECTION 2.079. Section 402.0241(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The attorney general shall defend a local entity in any |
|
action in any court if: |
|
(1) the executive head or governing body, as |
|
applicable, of the local entity requests the attorney general's |
|
assistance in the defense; and |
|
(2) the attorney general determines that the cause of |
|
action arises out of a claim involving the local entity's |
|
good-faith compliance with an immigration detainer request |
|
required by Article 2A.060 [2.251], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.080. Section 402.028(c), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit an assistant |
|
attorney general from appointment as attorney pro tem under the |
|
provisions of Article 2A.104 [2.07], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.081. Section 406.014(d), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) A notary public who administers an oath pursuant to |
|
Article 45A.101 [45.019], Code of Criminal Procedure, is exempt |
|
from the requirement in Subsection (a) of this section of recording |
|
that oath. |
|
SECTION 2.082. Section 411.0207(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A public corruption unit is created within the |
|
department to investigate and assist in the management of |
|
allegations of participation in organized criminal activity by: |
|
(1) an individual elected, appointed, or employed to |
|
serve as a peace officer for a governmental entity of this state |
|
under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure; or |
|
(2) a federal law enforcement officer while performing |
|
duties in this state. |
|
SECTION 2.083. Section 411.0208(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The commission may provide for the establishment of a |
|
reserve officer corps consisting of retired or previously |
|
commissioned peace officers, as defined by Article 2A.001 [2.12], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure, who retired or resigned in good |
|
standing. |
|
SECTION 2.084. Section 411.0253(d), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) If an initial investigation by the public integrity unit |
|
demonstrates a reasonable suspicion that an offense against public |
|
administration occurred, the matter shall be referred to the |
|
prosecuting attorney of the county in which venue is proper under |
|
Section 411.0256 of this code or Chapter 13A [13], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, as applicable. |
|
SECTION 2.085. Section 411.0255(b-2), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b-2) The public integrity unit shall inform the judge of |
|
the court with jurisdiction over a complaint if the prosecuting |
|
attorney is disqualified for purposes of Article 2A.104 [2.07], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure, because the prosecuting attorney is the |
|
subject of a criminal investigation under this subchapter based on |
|
credible evidence of criminal misconduct. On showing that the |
|
prosecuting attorney is the subject of the investigation, the judge |
|
shall order the prosecuting attorney disqualified under Article |
|
2A.105 [2.08], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.086. Section 411.0256, Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.0256. VENUE. Notwithstanding Chapter 13A [13], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law, if the defendant is a |
|
natural person, venue for prosecution of an offense against public |
|
administration and lesser included offenses arising from the same |
|
transaction is the county in which the defendant resided at the time |
|
the offense was committed. |
|
SECTION 2.087. Section 411.0835, Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 411.0835. PROHIBITION AGAINST DISSEMINATION TO |
|
CERTAIN PRIVATE ENTITIES. If the department receives information |
|
indicating that a private entity that purchases criminal history |
|
record information from the department has been found by a court to |
|
have committed three or more violations of Section 552.1425 by |
|
compiling or disseminating information with respect to which an |
|
order of expunction has been issued under Subchapter E or F, Chapter |
|
55A [Article 55.02], Code of Criminal Procedure, or an order of |
|
nondisclosure of criminal history record information has been |
|
issued under Subchapter E-1 of this chapter, the department may not |
|
release any criminal history record information to that entity |
|
until the first anniversary of the date of the most recent |
|
violation. |
|
SECTION 2.088. Section 411.0851(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A private entity that compiles and disseminates for |
|
compensation criminal history record information shall destroy and |
|
may not disseminate any information in the possession of the entity |
|
with respect to which the entity has received notice that: |
|
(1) an order of expunction has been issued under |
|
Subchapter E or F, Chapter 55A [Article 55.02], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; or |
|
(2) an order of nondisclosure of criminal history |
|
record information has been issued under Subchapter E-1 of this |
|
chapter. |
|
SECTION 2.089. Sections 411.151(a) and (b), Government |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The director shall expunge a DNA record of an individual |
|
from a DNA database if the person: |
|
(1) notifies the director in writing that the DNA |
|
record has been ordered to be expunged under this section or Chapter |
|
55A [55], Code of Criminal Procedure, and provides the director |
|
with a certified copy of the court order that expunges the DNA |
|
record; or |
|
(2) provides the director with a certified copy of a |
|
court order issued under Subchapter C-1, Chapter 58, Family Code, |
|
that seals the juvenile record of the adjudication that resulted in |
|
the DNA record. |
|
(b) A person may obtain [petition for] the expunction of a |
|
DNA record under the procedures established under Subchapter E or |
|
F, Chapter 55A [Article 55.02], Code of Criminal Procedure, as |
|
applicable, if the person is entitled to the expunction of records |
|
relating to the offense to which the DNA record is related under |
|
Subchapter A, B, or C, Chapter 55A [Article 55.01], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.090. Section 411.199(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The following peace officers may apply for a license |
|
issued under this subchapter at any time after retirement: |
|
(1) a person who is licensed as a peace officer under |
|
Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, and who has been employed full-time |
|
as a peace officer by a law enforcement agency; |
|
(2) a railroad peace officer appointed by the director |
|
under Article 2A.005 [2.121], Code of Criminal Procedure, who holds |
|
a certificate of authority issued by the director under that |
|
article and a peace officer license issued by the Texas Commission |
|
on Law Enforcement; or |
|
(3) a special ranger of the Texas and Southwestern |
|
Cattle Raisers Association appointed by the director under Article |
|
2A.006 [2.125], Code of Criminal Procedure, who holds a certificate |
|
of authority issued by the director under that article and a peace |
|
officer license issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. |
|
SECTION 2.091. Section 411.1991(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person may apply for a license issued under this |
|
subchapter if the person is: |
|
(1) licensed as a peace officer under Chapter 1701, |
|
Occupations Code, and employed as a peace officer by a law |
|
enforcement agency; |
|
(2) a railroad peace officer appointed by the director |
|
under Article 2A.005 [2.121], Code of Criminal Procedure, who holds |
|
a certificate of authority issued by the director under that |
|
article and a peace officer license issued by the Texas Commission |
|
on Law Enforcement; |
|
(3) a special ranger of the Texas and Southwestern |
|
Cattle Raisers Association appointed by the director under Article |
|
2A.006 [2.125], Code of Criminal Procedure, who holds a certificate |
|
of authority issued by the director under that article and a peace |
|
officer license issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; |
|
or |
|
(4) a member of the Texas military forces, excluding |
|
Texas State Guard members who are serving in the Texas Legislature. |
|
SECTION 2.092. Section 411.254(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The inspector general is not required to be a peace |
|
officer as [that term is] defined by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure. The commission or director may commission the |
|
inspector general as a commissioned peace officer of the department |
|
if the inspector general holds a permanent peace officer license |
|
issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code. |
|
SECTION 2.093. Section 411.441(3), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(3) "Law enforcement officer" means a person who is a |
|
peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, or a person who is a federal law enforcement officer, as |
|
defined by 5 U.S.C. Section 8331(20). |
|
SECTION 2.094. Section 466.3011, Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 466.3011. VENUE. Venue is proper in Travis County or |
|
any county in which venue is proper under Chapter 13A [13], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, for: |
|
(1) an offense under this chapter; |
|
(2) an offense under the Penal Code, if the accused: |
|
(A) is a lottery operator, lottery vendor, sales |
|
agent, or employee of the division; and |
|
(B) is alleged to have committed the offense |
|
while engaged in lottery activities; or |
|
(3) an offense that involves property consisting of or |
|
including lottery tickets under Title 7 or 11, Penal Code. |
|
SECTION 2.095. Section 493.0251(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) If the department receives a notification under Article |
|
2A.110 [2.023], Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding the |
|
indictment of a defendant described by that article, the department |
|
shall, to the extent requested under Subsection (c), make a |
|
reasonable effort to provide notice of the offense charged in the |
|
indictment to each victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative |
|
of a deceased victim of an offense described by Article 2A.110(a) |
|
[2.023(a)], Code of Criminal Procedure, for which the defendant was |
|
previously imprisoned at a facility operated by or under contract |
|
with the department and subsequently released. |
|
SECTION 2.096. Section 531.1022(c), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) A peace officer employed and commissioned by the office |
|
under this section is a peace officer for purposes of Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.097. Section 552.117(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Information is excepted from the requirements of |
|
Section 552.021 if it is information that relates to the home |
|
address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, or |
|
social security number of the following person or that reveals |
|
whether the person has family members: |
|
(1) a current or former official or employee of a |
|
governmental body, except as otherwise provided by Section 552.024; |
|
(2) a current or honorably retired peace officer as |
|
defined by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or a |
|
current or honorably retired security officer commissioned under |
|
Section 51.212, Education Code, regardless of whether the officer |
|
complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175, as applicable; |
|
(3) a current or former employee of the Texas |
|
Department of Criminal Justice or of the predecessor in function of |
|
the department or any division of the department, regardless of |
|
whether the current or former employee complies with Section |
|
552.1175; |
|
(4) a peace officer as defined by Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law, a reserve law |
|
enforcement officer, a commissioned deputy game warden, or a |
|
corrections officer in a municipal, county, or state penal |
|
institution in this state who was killed in the line of duty, |
|
regardless of whether the deceased complied with Section 552.024 or |
|
552.1175; |
|
(5) a commissioned security officer as defined by |
|
Section 1702.002, Occupations Code, regardless of whether the |
|
officer complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175, as applicable; |
|
(6) an officer or employee of a community supervision |
|
and corrections department established under Chapter 76 who |
|
performs a duty described by Section 76.004(b), regardless of |
|
whether the officer or employee complies with Section 552.024 or |
|
552.1175; |
|
(7) a current or former employee of the office of the |
|
attorney general who is or was assigned to a division of that office |
|
the duties of which involve law enforcement, regardless of whether |
|
the current or former employee complies with Section 552.024 or |
|
552.1175; |
|
(8) a current or former employee of the Texas Juvenile |
|
Justice Department or of the predecessors in function of the |
|
department, regardless of whether the current or former employee |
|
complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175; |
|
(9) a current or former juvenile probation or |
|
supervision officer certified by the Texas Juvenile Justice |
|
Department, or the predecessors in function of the department, |
|
under Title 12, Human Resources Code, regardless of whether the |
|
current or former officer complies with Section 552.024 or |
|
552.1175; |
|
(10) a current or former employee of a juvenile |
|
justice program or facility, as those terms are defined by Section |
|
261.405, Family Code, regardless of whether the current or former |
|
employee complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175; |
|
(11) a current or former member of the United States |
|
Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps, an auxiliary |
|
service of one of those branches of the armed forces, or the Texas |
|
military forces, as that term is defined by Section 437.001; |
|
(12) a current or former district attorney, criminal |
|
district attorney, or county or municipal attorney whose |
|
jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child protective services |
|
matters, regardless of whether the current or former attorney |
|
complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175; |
|
(13) a current or former employee of a district |
|
attorney, criminal district attorney, or county or municipal |
|
attorney whose jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child |
|
protective services matters, regardless of whether the current or |
|
former employee complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175; |
|
(14) a current or former employee of the Texas Civil |
|
Commitment Office or of the predecessor in function of the office or |
|
a division of the office, regardless of whether the current or |
|
former employee complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175; |
|
(15) a current or former federal judge or state judge, |
|
as those terms are defined by Section 1.005, Election Code, a |
|
federal bankruptcy judge, a marshal of the United States Marshals |
|
Service, a United States attorney, or a family member of a current |
|
or former federal judge, including a federal bankruptcy judge, a |
|
marshal of the United States Marshals Service, a United States |
|
attorney, or a state judge; |
|
(16) a current or former child protective services |
|
caseworker, adult protective services caseworker, or investigator |
|
for the Department of Family and Protective Services, regardless of |
|
whether the caseworker or investigator complies with Section |
|
552.024 or 552.1175, or a current or former employee of a department |
|
contractor performing child protective services caseworker, adult |
|
protective services caseworker, or investigator functions for the |
|
contractor on behalf of the department; |
|
(17) an elected public officer, regardless of whether |
|
the officer complies with Section 552.024 or 552.1175; |
|
(18) a current or former United States attorney, |
|
assistant United States attorney, federal public defender, deputy |
|
federal public defender, or assistant federal public defender and |
|
the spouse or child of the current or former attorney or public |
|
defender, regardless of whether the person complies with Section |
|
552.024 or 552.1175; or |
|
(19) a firefighter or volunteer firefighter or |
|
emergency medical services personnel as defined by Section 773.003, |
|
Health and Safety Code, regardless of whether the firefighter or |
|
volunteer firefighter or emergency medical services personnel |
|
comply with Section 552.024 or 552.1175, as applicable. |
|
SECTION 2.098. Section 552.1175(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) This section applies only to: |
|
(1) current or honorably retired peace officers as |
|
defined by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or |
|
special investigators as described by Article 2A.002 [2.122], Code |
|
of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(2) current or honorably retired county jailers as |
|
defined by Section 1701.001, Occupations Code; |
|
(3) current or former employees of the Texas |
|
Department of Criminal Justice or of the predecessor in function of |
|
the department or any division of the department; |
|
(4) commissioned security officers as defined by |
|
Section 1702.002, Occupations Code; |
|
(5) a current or former district attorney, criminal |
|
district attorney, or county or municipal attorney whose |
|
jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child protective services |
|
matters; |
|
(5-a) a current or former employee of a district |
|
attorney, criminal district attorney, or county or municipal |
|
attorney whose jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child |
|
protective services matters; |
|
(6) officers and employees of a community supervision |
|
and corrections department established under Chapter 76 who perform |
|
a duty described by Section 76.004(b); |
|
(7) criminal investigators of the United States as |
|
described by Article 2A.002(a) [2.122(a)], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; |
|
(8) current or honorably retired police officers and |
|
inspectors of the United States Federal Protective Service; |
|
(9) current and former employees of the office of the |
|
attorney general who are or were assigned to a division of that |
|
office the duties of which involve law enforcement; |
|
(10) current or former juvenile probation and |
|
detention officers certified by the Texas Juvenile Justice |
|
Department, or the predecessors in function of the department, |
|
under Title 12, Human Resources Code; |
|
(11) current or former employees of a juvenile justice |
|
program or facility, as those terms are defined by Section 261.405, |
|
Family Code; |
|
(12) current or former employees of the Texas Juvenile |
|
Justice Department or the predecessors in function of the |
|
department; |
|
(13) federal judges and state judges as defined by |
|
Section 1.005, Election Code; |
|
(14) current or former employees of the Texas Civil |
|
Commitment Office or of the predecessor in function of the office or |
|
a division of the office; |
|
(15) a current or former member of the United States |
|
Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps, an auxiliary |
|
service of one of those branches of the armed forces, or the Texas |
|
military forces, as that term is defined by Section 437.001; |
|
(16) a current or former child protective services |
|
caseworker, adult protective services caseworker, or investigator |
|
for the Department of Family and Protective Services or a current or |
|
former employee of a department contractor performing child |
|
protective services caseworker, adult protective services |
|
caseworker, or investigator functions for the contractor on behalf |
|
of the department; |
|
(17) an elected public officer; |
|
(18) a firefighter or volunteer firefighter or |
|
emergency medical services personnel as defined by Section 773.003, |
|
Health and Safety Code; and |
|
(19) a current or former United States attorney, |
|
assistant United States attorney, federal public defender, deputy |
|
federal public defender, or assistant federal public defender. |
|
SECTION 2.099. Section 552.119(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A photograph that depicts a peace officer as defined by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, the release of |
|
which would endanger the life or physical safety of the officer, is |
|
excepted from the requirements of Section 552.021 unless: |
|
(1) the officer is under indictment or charged with an |
|
offense by information; |
|
(2) the officer is a party in a civil service hearing |
|
or a case in arbitration; or |
|
(3) the photograph is introduced as evidence in a |
|
judicial proceeding. |
|
SECTION 2.100. Section 552.1425(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A private entity that compiles and disseminates for |
|
compensation criminal history record information may not compile or |
|
disseminate information with respect to which the entity has |
|
received notice that: |
|
(1) an order of expunction has been issued under |
|
Subchapter E or F, Chapter 55A [Article 55.02], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; or |
|
(2) an order of nondisclosure of criminal history |
|
record information has been issued under Subchapter E-1, Chapter |
|
411. |
|
SECTION 2.101. Section 574.004, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 574.004. ASSISTANCE BY ATTORNEY GENERAL. This chapter |
|
does not prevent the attorney general from providing assistance to |
|
district attorneys, criminal district attorneys, and county |
|
attorneys on request by allowing assistant attorneys general to |
|
serve as duly appointed and deputized assistant prosecutors, nor |
|
does this chapter prohibit the appointment of an assistant attorney |
|
general as an attorney pro tem pursuant to Article 2A.104 [2.07], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.102. Section 602.002, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 602.002. OATH MADE IN TEXAS. An oath made in this |
|
state may be administered and a certificate of the fact given by: |
|
(1) a judge, retired judge, or clerk of a municipal |
|
court; |
|
(2) a judge, retired judge, senior judge, clerk, or |
|
commissioner of a court of record; |
|
(3) a justice of the peace or a clerk of a justice |
|
court; |
|
(4) an associate judge, magistrate, master, referee, |
|
or criminal law hearing officer; |
|
(5) a notary public; |
|
(6) a member of a board or commission created by a law |
|
of this state, in a matter pertaining to a duty of the board or |
|
commission; |
|
(7) a person employed by the Texas Ethics Commission |
|
who has a duty related to a report required by Title 15, Election |
|
Code, in a matter pertaining to that duty; |
|
(8) a county tax assessor-collector or an employee of |
|
the county tax assessor-collector if the oath relates to a document |
|
that is required or authorized to be filed in the office of the |
|
county tax assessor-collector; |
|
(9) the secretary of state or a former secretary of |
|
state; |
|
(10) an employee of a personal bond office, or an |
|
employee of a county, who is employed to obtain information |
|
required to be obtained under oath if the oath is required or |
|
authorized by Article 17.04 or by Article 26.04(n) or (o), Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure; |
|
(11) the lieutenant governor or a former lieutenant |
|
governor; |
|
(12) the speaker of the house of representatives or a |
|
former speaker of the house of representatives; |
|
(13) the governor or a former governor; |
|
(14) a legislator or retired legislator; |
|
(14-a) the secretary of the senate or the chief clerk |
|
of the house of representatives; |
|
(15) the attorney general or a former attorney |
|
general; |
|
(16) the secretary or clerk of a municipality in a |
|
matter pertaining to the official business of the municipality; |
|
(17) a peace officer described by Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, if: |
|
(A) the oath is administered when the officer is |
|
engaged in the performance of the officer's duties; and |
|
(B) the administration of the oath relates to the |
|
officer's duties; or |
|
(18) a county treasurer. |
|
SECTION 2.103. Section 607.051(4), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(4) "Peace officer" means an individual elected, |
|
appointed, or employed to serve as a peace officer for a |
|
governmental entity under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, or other law. |
|
SECTION 2.104. Section 612.005(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) In this section, "law enforcement officer" means a peace |
|
officer as defined by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, or other law. |
|
SECTION 2.105. Section 614.001(3), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(3) "Peace officer" means an individual elected, |
|
appointed, or employed to serve as a peace officer for a |
|
governmental entity under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, or other law. |
|
SECTION 2.106. Section 614.021(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), this subchapter |
|
applies only to a complaint against: |
|
(1) a law enforcement officer of the State of Texas, |
|
including an officer of the Department of Public Safety or of the |
|
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission; |
|
(2) a fire fighter who is employed by this state or a |
|
political subdivision of this state; |
|
(3) a peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code |
|
of Criminal Procedure, or other law who is appointed or employed by |
|
a political subdivision of this state; or |
|
(4) a detention officer or county jailer who is |
|
appointed or employed by a political subdivision of this state. |
|
SECTION 2.107. Section 614.061, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 614.061. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "peace |
|
officer" means a person who: |
|
(1) is elected, appointed, or employed by a |
|
governmental entity; and |
|
(2) is a peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law. |
|
SECTION 2.108. Sections 614.121(1), (2), and (3), |
|
Government Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(1) "Full-time peace officer" means a person elected, |
|
employed, or appointed as a peace officer under Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law, who: |
|
(A) works as a peace officer on average at least |
|
32 hours per week, exclusive of paid vacation; and |
|
(B) is compensated by this state or a political |
|
subdivision of this state at least at the federal minimum wage and |
|
is entitled to all employee benefits offered to a peace officer by |
|
the state or political subdivision. |
|
(2) "Honorably retired peace officer" means a former |
|
peace officer who: |
|
(A) previously served but is not currently |
|
serving as an elected, appointed, or employed peace officer under |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law; |
|
(B) did not retire in lieu of any disciplinary |
|
action; |
|
(C) was eligible to retire from a law enforcement |
|
agency in this state or was ineligible to retire only as a result of |
|
an injury received in the course of the officer's employment with |
|
the agency; and |
|
(D) is eligible to receive a pension or annuity |
|
for service as a law enforcement officer in this state or is |
|
ineligible to receive a pension or annuity only because the law |
|
enforcement agency that employed the officer does not offer a |
|
pension or annuity to its employees. |
|
(3) "Part-time peace officer" means a person elected, |
|
employed, or appointed as a peace officer under Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law, who: |
|
(A) works as a peace officer on average less than |
|
32 hours per week, exclusive of paid vacation; and |
|
(B) is compensated by this state or a political |
|
subdivision of this state at least at the federal minimum wage and |
|
is entitled to all employee benefits offered to a peace officer by |
|
the state or political subdivision. |
|
SECTION 2.109. Section 615.003, Government Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 615.003. APPLICABILITY. This chapter applies only to |
|
eligible survivors of the following individuals: |
|
(1) an individual: |
|
(A) elected, appointed, or employed as a peace |
|
officer by the state or a political subdivision of the state under |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law; or |
|
(B) employed as a peace officer by a private |
|
institution of higher education, including a private junior |
|
college, that is located in this state under Section 51.212, |
|
Education Code; |
|
(2) a paid probation officer appointed by the director |
|
of a community supervision and corrections department who has the |
|
duties set out in Section 76.002 and the qualifications set out in |
|
Section 76.005, or who was appointed in accordance with prior law; |
|
(3) a parole officer employed by the Texas Department |
|
of Criminal Justice who has the duties set out in Section 508.001 |
|
and the qualifications set out in Section 508.113 or in prior law; |
|
(4) a paid jailer; |
|
(5) a member of an organized police reserve or |
|
auxiliary unit who regularly assists peace officers in enforcing |
|
criminal laws; |
|
(6) a member of the class of employees of the |
|
correctional institutions division formally designated as |
|
custodial personnel under Section 615.006 by the Texas Board of |
|
Criminal Justice or its predecessor in function; |
|
(7) a jailer or guard of a county jail who is appointed |
|
by the sheriff and who: |
|
(A) performs a security, custodial, or |
|
supervisory function over the admittance, confinement, or |
|
discharge of prisoners; and |
|
(B) is certified by the Texas Commission on Law |
|
Enforcement; |
|
(8) a juvenile correctional employee of the Texas |
|
Juvenile Justice Department; |
|
(9) an employee of the Department of Aging and |
|
Disability Services or Department of State Health Services who: |
|
(A) works at the department's maximum security |
|
unit; or |
|
(B) performs on-site services for the Texas |
|
Department of Criminal Justice; |
|
(10) an individual who is employed by the state or a |
|
political or legal subdivision and is subject to certification by |
|
the Texas Commission on Fire Protection; |
|
(11) an individual employed by the state or a |
|
political or legal subdivision whose principal duties are aircraft |
|
crash and rescue fire fighting; |
|
(12) a member of an organized volunteer fire-fighting |
|
unit that: |
|
(A) renders fire-fighting services without |
|
remuneration; and |
|
(B) conducts a minimum of two drills each month, |
|
each two hours long; |
|
(13) an individual who: |
|
(A) performs emergency medical services or |
|
operates an ambulance; |
|
(B) is employed by a political subdivision of the |
|
state or is an emergency medical services volunteer as defined by |
|
Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code; and |
|
(C) is qualified as an emergency care attendant |
|
or at a higher level of training under Section 773.046, 773.047, |
|
773.048, 773.049, or 773.0495, Health and Safety Code; |
|
(14) an individual who is employed or formally |
|
designated as a chaplain for: |
|
(A) an organized volunteer fire-fighting unit or |
|
other fire department of this state or of a political subdivision of |
|
this state; |
|
(B) a law enforcement agency of this state or of a |
|
political subdivision of this state; or |
|
(C) the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; |
|
(15) an individual who is employed by the state or a |
|
political subdivision of the state and who is considered by the |
|
governmental employer to be a trainee for a position otherwise |
|
described by this section; |
|
(16) an individual who is employed by the Department |
|
of Public Safety and, as certified by the director, is: |
|
(A) deployed into the field in direct support of |
|
a law enforcement operation, including patrol, investigative, |
|
search and rescue, crime scene, on-site communications, or special |
|
operations; and |
|
(B) given a special assignment in direct support |
|
of operations relating to organized crime, criminal interdiction, |
|
border security, counterterrorism, intelligence, traffic |
|
enforcement, emergency management, regulatory services, or special |
|
investigations; or |
|
(17) an individual who is employed by the Parks and |
|
Wildlife Department and, as certified by the executive director of |
|
the Parks and Wildlife Department, is: |
|
(A) deployed into the field in direct support of |
|
a law enforcement operation, including patrol, investigative, |
|
search and rescue, crime scene, on-site communications, or special |
|
operations; and |
|
(B) given a special assignment in direct support |
|
of operations relating to organized crime, criminal interdiction, |
|
border security, counterterrorism, intelligence, traffic |
|
enforcement, emergency management, regulatory services, or special |
|
investigations. |
|
SECTION 2.110. Section 615.102(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) This section applies only to: |
|
(1) an individual listed in Section 615.003(1) who is |
|
employed by a political subdivision of the state; |
|
(2) a peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code |
|
of Criminal Procedure, or other law who is employed by the state, |
|
including any state agency or any institution of higher education |
|
under Section 61.003, Education Code; or |
|
(3) an individual listed in Section 615.003(7). |
|
SECTION 2.111. Section 615.103(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) This section applies only to: |
|
(1) an individual listed in Section 615.003(1) who is |
|
employed by a political subdivision of the state; |
|
(2) a peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code |
|
of Criminal Procedure, or other law who is employed by the state, |
|
including any state agency or any institution of higher education |
|
under Section 61.003, Education Code; |
|
(3) an individual listed in Section 615.003(7); or |
|
(4) an individual listed in Section 615.003(10) or |
|
(11) who is employed by a political subdivision of the state. |
|
SECTION 2.112. Section 615.105(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) This section applies only to: |
|
(1) an individual elected, appointed, or employed as a |
|
peace officer by the state or a political subdivision of the state |
|
under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or other |
|
law; or |
|
(2) an honorably retired peace officer who formerly |
|
held a position described by Subdivision (1) and voluntarily |
|
terminated employment with a law enforcement agency of this state |
|
or a political subdivision of this state. |
|
SECTION 2.113. Section 661.918(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) This section applies to a peace officer under Article |
|
2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, who is commissioned as a |
|
law enforcement officer or agent, including a ranger, by: |
|
(1) the Public Safety Commission and the director of |
|
the Department of Public Safety; |
|
(2) the Parks and Wildlife Commission; |
|
(3) the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission; |
|
(4) the attorney general; or |
|
(5) the insurance fraud unit of the Texas Department |
|
of Insurance. |
|
SECTION 2.114. Section 662.005(b), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) Except as provided by Section 662.010, and |
|
notwithstanding Section 659.015 or another law, a state employee |
|
who is a peace officer commissioned by a state officer or state |
|
agency listed under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, or who is employed by the Department of Public Safety |
|
either to perform communications or dispatch services related to |
|
traffic law enforcement or as a public security officer, as that |
|
term is defined by Section 1701.001, Occupations Code, or who is |
|
employed by the Parks and Wildlife Department to perform |
|
communications and dispatch services to assist law enforcement |
|
officers commissioned by the Parks and Wildlife Commission in |
|
performing law enforcement duties, and who is required to work on a |
|
national or state holiday that falls on a Saturday or Sunday is |
|
entitled to compensatory time off at the rate of one hour for each |
|
hour worked on the holiday. |
|
SECTION 2.115. Sections 752.053(a) and (b), Government |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A local entity or campus police department may not: |
|
(1) adopt, enforce, or endorse a policy under which |
|
the entity or department prohibits or materially limits the |
|
enforcement of immigration laws; |
|
(2) as demonstrated by pattern or practice, prohibit |
|
or materially limit the enforcement of immigration laws; or |
|
(3) for an entity that is a law enforcement agency or |
|
for a department, as demonstrated by pattern or practice, |
|
intentionally violate Article 2A.060 [2.251], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure. |
|
(b) In compliance with Subsection (a), a local entity or |
|
campus police department may not prohibit or materially limit a |
|
person who is a commissioned peace officer described by Article |
|
2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, a corrections officer, a |
|
booking clerk, a magistrate, or a district attorney, criminal |
|
district attorney, or other prosecuting attorney and who is |
|
employed by or otherwise under the direction or control of the |
|
entity or department from doing any of the following: |
|
(1) inquiring into the immigration status of a person |
|
under a lawful detention or under arrest; |
|
(2) with respect to information relating to the |
|
immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any person under a |
|
lawful detention or under arrest, including information regarding |
|
the person's place of birth: |
|
(A) sending the information to or requesting or |
|
receiving the information from United States Citizenship and |
|
Immigration Services, United States Immigration and Customs |
|
Enforcement, or another relevant federal agency; |
|
(B) maintaining the information; or |
|
(C) exchanging the information with another |
|
local entity or campus police department or a federal or state |
|
governmental entity; |
|
(3) assisting or cooperating with a federal |
|
immigration officer as reasonable or necessary, including |
|
providing enforcement assistance; or |
|
(4) permitting a federal immigration officer to enter |
|
and conduct enforcement activities at a jail to enforce federal |
|
immigration laws. |
|
SECTION 2.116. Section 752.057(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Each law enforcement agency that is subject to the |
|
requirements of this subchapter may adopt a written policy |
|
requiring the agency to perform community outreach activities to |
|
educate the public that a peace officer may not inquire into the |
|
immigration status of a victim of or witness to an alleged criminal |
|
offense unless, as provided by Article 2A.059 [2.13], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, the officer determines that the inquiry is |
|
necessary to: |
|
(1) investigate the offense; or |
|
(2) provide the victim or witness with information |
|
about federal visas designed to protect individuals providing |
|
assistance to law enforcement. |
|
SECTION 2.117. Section 772.0074(a)(4), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(4) "Peace officer" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.118. Section 2158.009(d), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) Subsection (b) does not apply to a state agency's |
|
purchase of a vehicle to be used by a peace officer, as defined by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, whose duties |
|
include the apprehension of persons for violation of a criminal law |
|
of this state. |
|
SECTION 2.119. Section 3105.003(a), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person is eligible to have the person's name on the |
|
monument if the person was killed in the line of duty and was: |
|
(1) a law enforcement officer or peace officer for |
|
this state or a political subdivision of this state under Article |
|
2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law; |
|
(2) a federal law enforcement officer or special agent |
|
performing duties in this state, including those officers under |
|
Article 2A.002 [2.122], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(3) a corrections or detention officer or county or |
|
municipal jailer employed or appointed by a municipal, county, or |
|
state penal institution in this state; or |
|
(4) employed by this state or a political subdivision |
|
of this state and considered by the person's employer to be a |
|
trainee for a position described by Subdivision (1), (2), or (3). |
|
SECTION 2.120. Section 3106.001(3), Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(3) "Peace officer" means a peace officer commissioned |
|
by the state or a political subdivision of the state under Article |
|
2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law. |
|
SECTION 2.121. Section 81.003(4-b), Health and Safety Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(4-b) "Peace officer" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. The term |
|
includes a sheriff or constable. |
|
SECTION 2.122. Section 382.018(g), Health and Safety Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(g) Notwithstanding Section 7.002, Water Code, the |
|
provisions of this section and rules adopted under this section may |
|
be enforced by a peace officer as described by Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.123. Section 436.102(b), Health and Safety Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A molluscan shellfish plant operator may employ an |
|
off-duty peace officer to monitor the gathering of shellfish for |
|
depuration from a restricted or conditionally restricted area as |
|
provided by the rules adopted under Subsection (a). In this |
|
subsection, "peace officer" includes those persons listed in |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.124. Section 552.101, Health and Safety Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 552.101. ASSISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WITH |
|
CERTAIN INVESTIGATIONS. The inspector general shall employ and |
|
commission peace officers for the purpose of assisting a state or |
|
local law enforcement agency in the investigation of an alleged |
|
criminal offense involving a patient of a state hospital. A peace |
|
officer employed and commissioned by the inspector general is a |
|
peace officer for purposes of Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.125. Section 555.101, Health and Safety Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 555.101. ASSISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WITH |
|
CERTAIN INVESTIGATIONS. The inspector general shall employ and |
|
commission peace officers for the purpose of assisting a state or |
|
local law enforcement agency in the investigation of an alleged |
|
criminal offense involving a resident or client of a center. A |
|
peace officer employed and commissioned by the inspector general is |
|
a peace officer for purposes of Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.126. Section 821.0211, Health and Safety Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 821.0211. ADDITIONAL DEFINITION. In this subchapter, |
|
"magistrate" means any officer as defined in Article 2A.151 [2.09], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure, except that the term does not include |
|
justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of criminal |
|
appeals, or courts of appeals, judges or associate judges of |
|
statutory probate courts, or judges or associate judges of district |
|
courts that give preference to family law matters or family |
|
district courts under Subchapter D, Chapter 24, Government Code. |
|
SECTION 2.127. Section 31.045, Human Resources Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 31.045. PEACE OFFICERS. The commission's office of |
|
inspector general may employ and commission peace officers for the |
|
purpose of assisting the office in the investigation of fraud, |
|
waste, or abuse in the financial assistance program. A peace |
|
officer employed and commissioned by the office is a peace officer |
|
for purposes of Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.128. Section 33.032, Human Resources Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 33.032. PEACE OFFICERS. The commission's office of |
|
inspector general may employ and commission peace officers for the |
|
purpose of assisting the office in the investigation of fraud, |
|
waste, or abuse in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. |
|
A peace officer employed and commissioned by the office is a peace |
|
officer for purposes of Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.129. Section 242.102(d), Human Resources Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) The office of inspector general may employ and |
|
commission inspectors general as peace officers for the purpose of |
|
carrying out the duties described by this section. An inspector |
|
general shall have all of the powers and duties given to peace |
|
officers under Articles 2A.051 and 2A.059 [Article 2.13], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.130. Section 501.001(5), Labor Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
(5) "Employee" means a person who is: |
|
(A) in the service of the state pursuant to an |
|
election, appointment, or express oral or written contract of hire; |
|
(B) paid from state funds but whose duties |
|
require that the person work and frequently receive supervision in |
|
a political subdivision of the state; |
|
(C) a peace officer employed by a political |
|
subdivision, while the peace officer is exercising authority |
|
granted under: |
|
(i) Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; or |
|
(ii) Articles 14.03(d) and (g), Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure; |
|
(D) a member of the state military forces, as |
|
defined by Section 437.001, Government Code, who is engaged in |
|
authorized training or duty; |
|
(E) a Texas Task Force 1 member, as defined by |
|
Section 88.301, Education Code, who is activated by the Texas |
|
Division of Emergency Management or is injured during training |
|
sponsored or sanctioned by Texas Task Force 1; or |
|
(F) an intrastate fire mutual aid system team |
|
member or a regional incident management team member, as defined by |
|
Section 88.126, Education Code, who is activated by the Texas |
|
Division of Emergency Management or is injured during training |
|
sponsored or sanctioned by the Texas Division of Emergency |
|
Management on behalf of an intrastate fire mutual aid system team or |
|
a regional incident management team, as applicable. |
|
SECTION 2.131. Section 504.019(a)(1), Labor Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(1) "First responder" means an individual employed by |
|
a political subdivision of this state who is: |
|
(A) a peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(B) a person licensed under Chapter 773, Health |
|
and Safety Code, as an emergency care attendant, emergency medical |
|
technician, emergency medical technician-intermediate, emergency |
|
medical technician-paramedic, or licensed paramedic; or |
|
(C) a firefighter subject to certification by the |
|
Texas Commission on Fire Protection under Chapter 419, Government |
|
Code, whose principal duties are firefighting and aircraft crash |
|
and rescue. |
|
SECTION 2.132. Section 504.055(a), Labor Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
(a) In this section, "first responder" means: |
|
(1) an individual employed by a political subdivision |
|
of this state who is: |
|
(A) a peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(B) a person licensed under Chapter 773, Health |
|
and Safety Code, as an emergency care attendant, emergency medical |
|
technician, emergency medical technician-intermediate, emergency |
|
medical technician-paramedic, or licensed paramedic; or |
|
(C) a firefighter subject to certification by the |
|
Texas Commission on Fire Protection under Chapter 419, Government |
|
Code, whose principal duties are firefighting and aircraft crash |
|
and rescue; or |
|
(2) an individual covered under Section 504.012(a) who |
|
is providing volunteer services to a political subdivision of this |
|
state as: |
|
(A) a volunteer firefighter, without regard to |
|
whether the volunteer firefighter is certified under Subchapter D, |
|
Chapter 419, Government Code; or |
|
(B) an emergency medical services volunteer, as |
|
defined by Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code. |
|
SECTION 2.133. Section 85.004(b), Local Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A reserve deputy serves at the discretion of the sheriff |
|
and may be called into service if the sheriff considers it necessary |
|
to have additional officers to preserve the peace and enforce the |
|
law. The sheriff may authorize a reserve deputy who is a peace |
|
officer as described by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, to carry a weapon or act as a peace officer at all times, |
|
regardless of whether the reserve deputy is engaged in the actual |
|
discharge of official duties, or may limit the authority of the |
|
reserve deputy to carry a weapon or act as a peace officer to only |
|
those times during which the reserve deputy is engaged in the actual |
|
discharge of official duties. A reserve deputy who is not a peace |
|
officer as described by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, may act as a peace officer only during the actual |
|
discharge of official duties. A reserve deputy, regardless of |
|
whether the reserve deputy is a peace officer as described by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, is not: |
|
(1) eligible for participation in any program provided |
|
by the county that is normally considered a financial benefit of |
|
full-time employment or for any pension fund created by statute for |
|
the benefit of full-time paid peace officers; or |
|
(2) exempt from Chapter 1702, Occupations Code. |
|
SECTION 2.134. Section 86.0021(a), Local Government Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person is not eligible to serve as constable unless: |
|
(1) the person is eligible to be licensed under |
|
Sections 1701.309 and 1701.312, Occupations Code, and: |
|
(A) has at least an associate's degree conferred |
|
by an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting |
|
organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating |
|
Board; |
|
(B) is a special investigator under Article |
|
2A.002(a) [2.122(a)], Code of Criminal Procedure; or |
|
(C) is an honorably retired peace officer or |
|
honorably retired federal criminal investigator who holds a |
|
certificate of proficiency issued under Section 1701.357, |
|
Occupations Code; or |
|
(2) the person is an active or inactive licensed peace |
|
officer under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code. |
|
SECTION 2.135. Section 86.012(b), Local Government Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A reserve deputy constable serves at the discretion of |
|
the constable and may be called into service at any time that the |
|
constable considers it necessary to have additional officers to |
|
preserve the peace and enforce the law. The constable may authorize |
|
a reserve deputy constable who is a peace officer as described by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, to carry a |
|
weapon or act as a peace officer at all times, regardless of whether |
|
the reserve deputy constable is engaged in the actual discharge of |
|
official duties, or may limit the authority of the reserve deputy |
|
constable to carry a weapon or act as a peace officer to only those |
|
times during which the reserve deputy constable is engaged in the |
|
actual discharge of official duties. A reserve deputy constable |
|
who is not a peace officer as described by Article 2A.001 [2.12], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure, may act as a peace officer only during |
|
the actual discharge of official duties. A reserve deputy |
|
constable, regardless of whether the reserve deputy constable is a |
|
peace officer as described by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, is not: |
|
(1) eligible for participation in any program provided |
|
by the county that is normally considered a financial benefit of |
|
full-time employment or for any pension fund created by statute for |
|
the benefit of full-time paid peace officers; or |
|
(2) exempt from Chapter 1702, Occupations Code. |
|
SECTION 2.136. Section 134.156(a), Local Government Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Money allocated under Section 134.103 to the local |
|
truancy prevention and diversion fund maintained in the county or |
|
municipal treasury as required by Section 134.151 may be used by a |
|
county or municipality to finance the salary, benefits, training, |
|
travel expenses, office supplies, and other necessary expenses |
|
relating to the position of a juvenile case manager employed under |
|
Article 45A.451 [45.056], Code of Criminal Procedure. If there is |
|
money in the fund after those costs are paid, subject to the |
|
direction of the governing body of the county or municipality and on |
|
approval by the employing court, a juvenile case manager may direct |
|
the remaining money to be used to implement programs directly |
|
related to the duties of the juvenile case manager, including |
|
juvenile alcohol and substance abuse programs, educational and |
|
leadership programs, and any other projects designed to prevent or |
|
reduce the number of juvenile referrals to the court. |
|
SECTION 2.137. Section 141.008(a-2), Local Government |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a-2) The governing body shall make the payroll deduction |
|
described by Subsection (a) if: |
|
(1) requested in writing by employees who: |
|
(A) are peace officers as defined by Article |
|
2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure; and |
|
(B) are not members of a police department |
|
covered by a collective bargaining agreement or meet-and-confer |
|
agreement entered into under this code; and |
|
(2) the municipality permits deductions for purposes |
|
other than charity, health insurance, taxes, or other purposes for |
|
which the municipality is required by law to permit a deduction. |
|
SECTION 2.138. Section 142.004(a), Local Government Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) In this section, "peace officer" means a peace officer |
|
as defined by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.139. Section 142.052(1), Local Government Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(1) "Police officer" means a person who is a peace |
|
officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or |
|
other law, and who is employed by a municipality. |
|
SECTION 2.140. Section 180.002(a), Local Government Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) In this section, "peace officer" has the meaning |
|
assigned by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.141. Section 180.008(a)(5), Local Government |
|
Code, as added by Chapter 685 (H.B. 2073), Acts of the 87th |
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(5) "Peace officer" means an individual described by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, who is elected |
|
for, employed by, or appointed by a political subdivision. |
|
SECTION 2.142. Sections 341.012(f), (g), and (h), Local |
|
Government Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(f) A member of a reserve force who is not a peace officer as |
|
described by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, may |
|
act as a peace officer only during the actual discharge of official |
|
duties. |
|
(g) An appointment to the reserve force must be approved by |
|
the governing body before the person appointed may carry a weapon or |
|
otherwise act as a peace officer. On approval of the appointment of |
|
a member who is not a peace officer as described by Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, the person appointed may carry |
|
a weapon only when authorized to do so by the chief of police and |
|
only when discharging official duties as a peace officer. |
|
(h) Reserve police officers may act only in a supplementary |
|
capacity to the regular police force and may not assume the |
|
full-time duties of regular police officers without complying with |
|
the requirements for regular police officers. On approval of the |
|
appointment of a member who is a peace officer as described by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, the chief of |
|
police may authorize the person appointed to carry a weapon or act |
|
as a peace officer at all times, regardless of whether the person is |
|
engaged in the actual discharge of official duties, or may limit the |
|
authority of the person to carry a weapon or act as a peace officer |
|
to only those times during which the person is engaged in the actual |
|
discharge of official duties. A reserve police officer, regardless |
|
of whether the reserve police officer is a peace officer as |
|
described by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, is |
|
not: |
|
(1) eligible for participation in any program provided |
|
by the governing body that is normally considered a financial |
|
benefit of full-time employment or for any pension fund created by |
|
statute for the benefit of full-time paid peace officers; or |
|
(2) exempt from Chapter 1702, Occupations Code. |
|
SECTION 2.143. Section 341.904(e), Local Government Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(e) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this |
|
section that: |
|
(1) the object was used or intended to be used |
|
exclusively for decorative purposes and: |
|
(A) the actor was not engaged in an activity |
|
involving police work or security work; or |
|
(B) the object was used only in an artistic or |
|
dramatic presentation; |
|
(2) the actor was engaged in the commercial |
|
manufacturing or commercial sales of the items described by |
|
Subsection (b); |
|
(3) the actor was a licensed peace officer who: |
|
(A) was on active duty discharging an official |
|
duty for an agency listed under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, and acting under the agency's direct |
|
supervision; and |
|
(B) was not privately employed as or hired on an |
|
individual or independent contractor basis as a patrolman, guard, |
|
watchman, flagman, or traffic conductor; |
|
(4) the police chief consented, after determining that |
|
consent would serve law enforcement interests in the municipality, |
|
to the actor's: |
|
(A) using or possessing a police identification |
|
item or other insignia of the municipal police department; |
|
(B) using, possessing, or wearing an item or |
|
insignia similar to a police identification item or insignia of the |
|
municipal police department; or |
|
(C) operating a vehicle similar to a patrol |
|
vehicle of the municipal police department; or |
|
(5) the actor prosecuted under this section for |
|
wearing a uniform wore a light blue uniform shirt in a municipality |
|
that uses a light blue uniform shirt with navy blue pocket flaps and |
|
epaulets for its police officers, if the actor's shirt did not have: |
|
(A) the contrasting navy blue pocket flaps or |
|
epaulets found on the municipal police officers' uniform shirts; |
|
and |
|
(B) a shoulder emblem similar in shape, color, or |
|
design to an emblem found on the municipal police officers' uniform |
|
shirts. |
|
SECTION 2.144. Section 351.903(b), Local Government Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) This authority includes the authority to: |
|
(1) establish the hours of the curfew, including |
|
different hours for different days of the week; |
|
(2) apply different curfew hours to different age |
|
groups of juveniles; |
|
(3) describe the kinds of conduct subject to the |
|
curfew; |
|
(4) determine the locations to which the curfew |
|
applies; |
|
(5) determine which persons incur liability if a |
|
violation of the curfew occurs; |
|
(6) prescribe procedures, in compliance with Article |
|
45A.455 [45.059], Code of Criminal Procedure, a police officer must |
|
follow in enforcing the curfew; and |
|
(7) establish exemptions to the curfew, including but |
|
not limited to exemptions for times when there are no classes being |
|
conducted, for holidays, and for persons going to or from work. |
|
SECTION 2.145. Section 455.001(13), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(13) "Peace officer" means a person who is a peace |
|
officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.146. Sections 1701.001(4) and (8), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(4) "Peace officer" means a person elected, employed, |
|
or appointed as a peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, or other law. |
|
(8) "School marshal" means a person who: |
|
(A) is appointed to serve as a school marshal by: |
|
(i) the board of trustees of a school |
|
district or the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school |
|
under Section 37.0811, Education Code; |
|
(ii) the governing body of a private school |
|
under Section 37.0813, Education Code; or |
|
(iii) the governing board of a public |
|
junior college under Section 51.220, Education Code; |
|
(B) is licensed under Section 1701.260; and |
|
(C) has powers and duties described by Article |
|
2A.008 [2.127], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.147. Section 1701.164, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1701.164. COLLECTION OF CERTAIN INCIDENT-BASED DATA |
|
SUBMITTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. The commission shall |
|
collect and maintain incident-based data submitted to the |
|
commission under Article 2B.0055 [2.134], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, including incident-based data compiled by a law |
|
enforcement agency from reports received by the law enforcement |
|
agency under Article 2B.0054 [2.133] of that code. The commission |
|
in consultation with the Department of Public Safety, the Bill |
|
Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, the W. W. |
|
Caruth, Jr., Police Institute at Dallas, and the Texas Police |
|
Chiefs Association shall develop guidelines for submitting in a |
|
standard format the report containing incident-based data as |
|
required by Article 2B.0055 [2.134], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.148. Section 1701.260(a-1), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a-1) In this section, "private school" has the meaning |
|
assigned by Article 2A.008 [2.127], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.149. Section 1701.3161(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) In this section, "retired peace officer" means a person |
|
who served as a peace officer in this state who: |
|
(1) is not currently serving as an elected, appointed, |
|
or employed peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, or other law; |
|
(2) was eligible to retire from a law enforcement |
|
agency in this state or was ineligible to retire only as a result of |
|
an injury received in the course of the officer's employment with |
|
the law enforcement agency; and |
|
(3) is eligible to receive a pension or annuity for |
|
service as a law enforcement officer in this state or is ineligible |
|
to receive a pension or annuity only because the law enforcement |
|
agency that employed the officer does not offer a pension or annuity |
|
to its employees. |
|
SECTION 2.150. Section 1701.501(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (d), the commission |
|
shall revoke or suspend a license, place on probation a person whose |
|
license has been suspended, or reprimand a license holder for a |
|
violation of: |
|
(1) this chapter; |
|
(2) the reporting requirements provided by Articles |
|
2B.0053 and 2B.0055 [2.132 and 2.134], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
or |
|
(3) a commission rule. |
|
SECTION 2.151. Section 1702.002(15), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(15) "Peace officer" means a person who is a peace |
|
officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.152. Section 2308.002(8-a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(8-a) "Peace officer" means a person who is a peace |
|
officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.153. Sections 1.07(a)(36) and (46-b), Penal Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(36) "Peace officer" means a person elected, employed, |
|
or appointed as a peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, Section 51.212 or 51.214, Education Code, or |
|
other law. |
|
(46-b) "Federal special investigator" means a person |
|
described by Article 2A.002 [2.122], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.154. Section 8.08(d), Penal Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(d) In this section, "child" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Article 45A.453(a) [45.058(h)], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.155. Section 9.54, Penal Code, is amended to read |
|
as follows: |
|
Sec. 9.54. LIMITATION ON USE OF FORCE BY DRONE. (a) In |
|
this section: |
|
(1) "Autonomous drone" means a drone that operates |
|
autonomously through computer software or other programming. |
|
(2) "Drone" and "law enforcement agency" have the |
|
meanings assigned by Article 2B.0253 [2.33], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure. |
|
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, the use of force, |
|
including deadly force, involving a drone is justified under this |
|
subchapter only if: |
|
(1) at the time the use of force occurred, the actor |
|
was employed by a law enforcement agency; |
|
(2) the use of force: |
|
(A) would have been justified under another |
|
provision of this subchapter; and |
|
(B) did not involve the use of deadly force by |
|
means of an autonomous drone; and |
|
(3) before the use of force occurred, the law |
|
enforcement agency employing the actor adopted and submitted to the |
|
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement a policy on the agency's use of |
|
force by means of a drone, as required by Article 2B.0253 [2.33], |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure, and the use of force conformed to the |
|
requirements of that policy. |
|
SECTION 2.156. Section 30.05(i), Penal Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(i) This section does not apply if: |
|
(1) the basis on which entry on the property or land or |
|
in the building was forbidden is that entry with a handgun or other |
|
weapon was forbidden; and |
|
(2) the actor at the time of the offense was a peace |
|
officer, including a commissioned peace officer of a recognized |
|
state, or a special investigator under Article 2A.002 [2.122], Code |
|
of Criminal Procedure, regardless of whether the peace officer or |
|
special investigator was engaged in the actual discharge of an |
|
official duty while carrying the weapon. |
|
SECTION 2.157. Section 46.15(a), Penal Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to: |
|
(1) peace officers or special investigators under |
|
Article 2A.002 [2.122], Code of Criminal Procedure, and neither |
|
section prohibits a peace officer or special investigator from |
|
carrying a weapon in this state, including in an establishment in |
|
this state serving the public, regardless of whether the peace |
|
officer or special investigator is engaged in the actual discharge |
|
of the officer's or investigator's duties while carrying the |
|
weapon; |
|
(2) parole officers, and neither section prohibits an |
|
officer from carrying a weapon in this state if the officer is: |
|
(A) engaged in the actual discharge of the |
|
officer's duties while carrying the weapon; and |
|
(B) in compliance with policies and procedures |
|
adopted by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice regarding the |
|
possession of a weapon by an officer while on duty; |
|
(3) community supervision and corrections department |
|
officers appointed or employed under Section 76.004, Government |
|
Code, and neither section prohibits an officer from carrying a |
|
weapon in this state if the officer is: |
|
(A) engaged in the actual discharge of the |
|
officer's duties while carrying the weapon; and |
|
(B) authorized to carry a weapon under Section |
|
76.0051, Government Code; |
|
(4) an active judicial officer as defined by Section |
|
411.201, Government Code, who is licensed to carry a handgun under |
|
Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code; |
|
(5) an honorably retired peace officer or other |
|
qualified retired law enforcement officer, as defined by 18 U.S.C. |
|
Section 926C, who holds a certificate of proficiency issued under |
|
Section 1701.357, Occupations Code, and is carrying a photo |
|
identification that is issued by a federal, state, or local law |
|
enforcement agency, as applicable, and that verifies that the |
|
officer is an honorably retired peace officer or other qualified |
|
retired law enforcement officer; |
|
(6) the attorney general or a United States attorney, |
|
district attorney, criminal district attorney, county attorney, or |
|
municipal attorney who is licensed to carry a handgun under |
|
Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code; |
|
(7) an assistant United States attorney, assistant |
|
attorney general, assistant district attorney, assistant criminal |
|
district attorney, or assistant county attorney who is licensed to |
|
carry a handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code; |
|
(8) a bailiff designated by an active judicial officer |
|
as defined by Section 411.201, Government Code, who is: |
|
(A) licensed to carry a handgun under Subchapter |
|
H, Chapter 411, Government Code; and |
|
(B) engaged in escorting the judicial officer; |
|
(9) a juvenile probation officer who is authorized to |
|
carry a firearm under Section 142.006, Human Resources Code; or |
|
(10) a person who is volunteer emergency services |
|
personnel if the person is: |
|
(A) carrying a handgun under the authority of |
|
Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code; and |
|
(B) engaged in providing emergency services. |
|
SECTION 2.158. Section 50.01(2), Penal Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(2) "Law enforcement officer" means a person who is a |
|
peace officer under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, or a person who is a federal law enforcement officer, as |
|
defined by 5 U.S.C. Section 8331(20). |
|
SECTION 2.159. Section 31.0391(b), Parks and Wildlife Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) This section does not apply to the release of |
|
information to: |
|
(1) a peace officer as defined by Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, who is acting in an official |
|
capacity; or |
|
(2) a state official or an official of a political |
|
subdivision of this state who requests the information for tax |
|
purposes. |
|
SECTION 2.160. Section 61.201(e), Parks and Wildlife Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(e) This section may be enforced by any peace officer listed |
|
in Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.161. Section 62.014(n), Parks and Wildlife Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(n) The following persons are exempt from any requirement to |
|
complete a hunter education course under this section: |
|
(1) an honorably discharged veteran of the United |
|
States armed forces or a person who is on active duty as a member of |
|
the United States armed forces; |
|
(2) a person who is on active duty or has previously |
|
served as a member of the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air |
|
National Guard, or the Texas State Guard; or |
|
(3) a person who is serving or has previously served as |
|
a peace officer described by [Subdivision (1), (2), (3), or (4),] |
|
Article 2A.001(1), (2), (3), or (4) [2.12], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.162. Section 62.082(d), Parks and Wildlife Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) Section 62.081 does not apply to: |
|
(1) an employee of the Lower Colorado River Authority; |
|
(2) a person authorized to hunt under Subsection (c); |
|
(3) a peace officer as defined by Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure; or |
|
(4) a person who: |
|
(A) possesses a handgun and a license issued |
|
under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, to carry a |
|
handgun; or |
|
(B) under circumstances in which the person would |
|
be justified in the use of deadly force under Chapter 9, Penal Code, |
|
shoots a handgun the person is licensed to carry under Subchapter H, |
|
Chapter 411, Government Code. |
|
SECTION 2.163. Section 201.910(b), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) As used in this section, "peace officer" means a person |
|
who was: |
|
(1) a law enforcement officer or peace officer for |
|
this state or a political subdivision of this state under Article |
|
2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or other law; or |
|
(2) a federal law enforcement officer or special agent |
|
performing duties in this state, including those officers under |
|
Article 2A.002 [2.122], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.164. Section 451.113(c), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) Subsection (a) may be enforced by any peace officer |
|
listed in Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, in |
|
whose jurisdiction the offense is committed. |
|
SECTION 2.165. Section 472.022(f), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(f) Subchapters G and H, Chapter 45A [Articles 45.051 and |
|
45.0511], Code of Criminal Procedure, do not apply to an offense |
|
under this section committed in a construction or maintenance work |
|
zone when workers are present. |
|
SECTION 2.166. Section 502.452(c), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) A peace officer listed in Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, may seize a motor vehicle displaying exempt |
|
license plates if the vehicle is: |
|
(1) operated on a public highway; and |
|
(2) not identified in the manner prescribed by |
|
Subsection (a) or (b), unless the vehicle is covered by Subsection |
|
(f). |
|
SECTION 2.167. Section 521.1211(a)(1), Transportation |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(1) "Peace officer" has the meaning assigned by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, except that the |
|
term includes a special investigator as defined by Article 2A.002 |
|
[2.122], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.168. Section 521.126(d), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(d) The prohibition provided by Subsection (b) does not |
|
apply to a person who accesses, uses, compiles, or maintains a |
|
database of the information for a law enforcement or governmental |
|
purpose, including: |
|
(1) an officer or employee of the department carrying |
|
out law enforcement or government purposes; |
|
(2) a peace officer, as defined by Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, acting in the officer's |
|
official capacity; |
|
(3) a license deputy, as defined by Section 12.702, |
|
Parks and Wildlife Code, issuing a license, stamp, tag, permit, or |
|
other similar item through use of a point-of-sale system under |
|
Section 12.703, Parks and Wildlife Code; |
|
(4) a person acting as authorized by Section 109.61, |
|
Alcoholic Beverage Code; |
|
(5) a person establishing the identity of a voter |
|
under Chapter 63, Election Code; |
|
(6) a person acting as authorized by Section 161.0825, |
|
Health and Safety Code; or |
|
(7) a person screening an individual who will work |
|
with or have access to children if the person is an employee or an |
|
agent of an employee of a public school district or an organization |
|
exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3), Internal |
|
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that sponsors a program for youth. |
|
SECTION 2.169. Section 521.3451(a), Transportation Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The department shall suspend or deny the issuance of a |
|
driver's license or learner license on receipt of an order to |
|
suspend or deny the issuance of either license from a justice or |
|
municipal court under Article 45A.461 [45.050], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.170. Section 521.453(c), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) A peace officer listed in Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, may confiscate a document that: |
|
(1) is deceptively similar to a driver's license or |
|
personal identification certificate; and |
|
(2) does not display the statement required under |
|
Subsection (a). |
|
SECTION 2.171. Section 541.201(13-a), Transportation Code, |
|
is amended to read as follows: |
|
(13-a) "Police vehicle" means a vehicle used by a |
|
peace officer, as defined by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, for law enforcement purposes that: |
|
(A) is owned or leased by a governmental entity; |
|
(B) is owned or leased by the police department |
|
of a private institution of higher education that commissions peace |
|
officers under Section 51.212, Education Code; or |
|
(C) is: |
|
(i) a private vehicle owned or leased by the |
|
peace officer; and |
|
(ii) approved for use for law enforcement |
|
purposes by the head of the law enforcement agency that employs the |
|
peace officer, or by that person's designee, provided that use of |
|
the private vehicle must, if applicable, comply with any rule |
|
adopted by the commissioners court of a county under Section |
|
170.001, Local Government Code, and that the private vehicle may |
|
not be considered an authorized emergency vehicle for exemption |
|
purposes under Section 228.054, 284.070, 366.178, or 370.177 of |
|
this code [, Transportation Code,] unless the vehicle is marked. |
|
SECTION 2.172. Section 542.304(b), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The rules must provide that for the purposes of the |
|
provisions described in Subsection (a), moving violations: |
|
(1) include: |
|
(A) a violation of the traffic law of this state, |
|
another state, or a political subdivision of this or another state; |
|
and |
|
(B) an offense under Section 545.412; and |
|
(2) do not include: |
|
(A) an offense committed before September 1, |
|
2003; |
|
(B) the offense of speeding when the person |
|
convicted was at the time of the offense driving less than 10 |
|
percent faster than the posted speed limit, unless the person |
|
committed the offense in a school crossing zone; |
|
(C) an offense adjudicated under Subchapter G or |
|
H, Chapter 45A [Article 45.051 or 45.0511], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; or |
|
(D) an offense under Section 545.4251. |
|
SECTION 2.173. Sections 542.402(b) and (b-2), |
|
Transportation Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) In each fiscal year, a municipality having a population |
|
of less than 5,000 may retain, from fines collected for violations |
|
of this title and fines collected under Article 45A.302 |
|
[45.051(a)], Code of Criminal Procedure, in cases in which a |
|
violation of this title is alleged, an amount equal to 30 percent of |
|
the municipality's revenue for the preceding fiscal year from all |
|
sources, other than federal funds and bond proceeds, as shown by the |
|
audit performed under Section 103.001, Local Government Code. |
|
After a municipality has retained that amount, the municipality |
|
shall send to the comptroller any portion of a fine collected that |
|
exceeds $1. |
|
(b-2) In each fiscal year, a county described by Subsection |
|
(b-1) may retain, from fines collected for violations of this title |
|
and from fines collected under Article 45A.302 [45.051(a)], Code of |
|
Criminal Procedure, in cases in which a violation of this title is |
|
alleged, an amount equal to 30 percent of the county's revenue for |
|
the preceding fiscal year from all sources, other than federal |
|
funds and bond proceeds, as shown by an audit performed under |
|
Chapter 115, Local Government Code. After a county has retained |
|
that amount, the county shall send to the comptroller any portion of |
|
a fine collected that exceeds $1. |
|
SECTION 2.174. Section 543.202(b), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The record must be made on a form or by a data processing |
|
method acceptable to the department and must include: |
|
(1) the name, address, physical description, |
|
including race or ethnicity, date of birth, and driver's license |
|
number of the person charged; |
|
(2) the registration number of the vehicle involved; |
|
(3) whether the vehicle was a commercial motor vehicle |
|
as defined by Chapter 522 or was involved in transporting hazardous |
|
materials; |
|
(4) the person's social security number, if the person |
|
was operating a commercial motor vehicle or was the holder of a |
|
commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit; |
|
(5) the date and nature of the offense, including |
|
whether the offense was a serious traffic violation as defined by |
|
Chapter 522; |
|
(6) whether a search of the vehicle was conducted and |
|
whether consent for the search was obtained; |
|
(7) the plea, the judgment, whether the individual was |
|
adjudicated under Subchapter H, Chapter 45A [Article 45.0511], Code |
|
of Criminal Procedure, and whether bail was forfeited; |
|
(8) the date of conviction; and |
|
(9) the amount of the fine or forfeiture. |
|
SECTION 2.175. Section 543.204(a), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A justice of the peace or municipal judge who defers |
|
further proceedings and [,] suspends all or part of the imposition |
|
of the fine[, and places a defendant on probation] under Subchapter |
|
G, Chapter 45A [Article 45.051], Code of Criminal Procedure, or a |
|
county court judge who follows that procedure under Article 42.111, |
|
Code of Criminal Procedure, may not submit a written record to the |
|
department, except that if the justice or judge subsequently |
|
adjudicates the defendant's guilt, the justice or judge shall |
|
submit the record not later than the seventh day after the date on |
|
which the justice or judge adjudicates guilt. |
|
SECTION 2.176. Section 545.305(a), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A peace officer listed under Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code |
|
of Criminal Procedure, or a license and weight inspector of the |
|
department may remove or require the operator or a person in charge |
|
of a vehicle to move a vehicle from a highway if the vehicle: |
|
(1) is unattended on a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or |
|
in a tube or tunnel and the vehicle is obstructing traffic; |
|
(2) is unlawfully parked and blocking the entrance to |
|
a private driveway; |
|
(3) has been reported as stolen; |
|
(4) is identified as having been stolen in a warrant |
|
issued on the filing of a complaint; |
|
(5) is unattended and the officer has reasonable |
|
grounds to believe that the vehicle has been abandoned for longer |
|
than 48 hours; |
|
(6) is disabled so that normal operation is impossible |
|
or impractical and the owner or person in charge of the vehicle is: |
|
(A) incapacitated and unable to provide for the |
|
vehicle's removal or custody; or |
|
(B) not in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle; |
|
(7) is disabled so that normal operation is impossible |
|
or impractical and the owner or person in charge of the vehicle does |
|
not designate a particular towing or storage company; |
|
(8) is operated by a person an officer arrests for an |
|
alleged offense and the officer is required by law to take the |
|
person into custody; or |
|
(9) is, in the opinion of the officer, a hazard, |
|
interferes with a normal function of a governmental agency, or |
|
because of a catastrophe, emergency, or unusual circumstance is |
|
imperiled. |
|
SECTION 2.177. Section 601.053(a), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) As a condition of operating in this state a motor |
|
vehicle to which Section 601.051 applies, the operator of the |
|
vehicle on request shall provide to a peace officer, as defined by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, or a person |
|
involved in an accident with the operator evidence of financial |
|
responsibility by exhibiting: |
|
(1) a motor vehicle liability insurance policy |
|
covering the vehicle that satisfies Subchapter D or a photocopy of |
|
the policy; |
|
(2) a standard proof of motor vehicle liability |
|
insurance form prescribed by the Texas Department of Insurance |
|
under Section 601.081 and issued by a liability insurer for the |
|
motor vehicle; |
|
(2-a) an image displayed on a wireless communication |
|
device that includes the information required by Section 601.081 as |
|
provided by a liability insurer; |
|
(3) an insurance binder that confirms the operator is |
|
in compliance with this chapter; |
|
(4) a surety bond certificate issued under Section |
|
601.121; |
|
(5) a certificate of a deposit with the comptroller |
|
covering the vehicle issued under Section 601.122; |
|
(6) a copy of a certificate of a deposit with the |
|
appropriate county judge covering the vehicle issued under Section |
|
601.123; or |
|
(7) a certificate of self-insurance covering the |
|
vehicle issued under Section 601.124 or a photocopy of the |
|
certificate. |
|
SECTION 2.178. Section 706.001(1), Transportation Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(1) "Complaint" means a notice of an offense as |
|
described by Article 27.14(d) or 45A.101 [45.019], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.179. Sections 721.005(a) and (b), Transportation |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The governing body of a municipality may exempt from the |
|
requirements of Section 721.004: |
|
(1) an automobile when used to perform an official |
|
duty by a: |
|
(A) police department; |
|
(B) magistrate as defined by Article 2A.151 |
|
[2.09], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(C) medical examiner; |
|
(D) municipal code enforcement officer |
|
designated to enforce environmental criminal laws; or |
|
(E) municipal fire marshal or arson |
|
investigator; or |
|
(2) an automobile used by a municipal employee only |
|
when conducting an investigation involving suspected fraud or other |
|
mismanagement within the municipality. |
|
(b) The commissioners court of a county may exempt from the |
|
requirements of Section 721.004: |
|
(1) an automobile when used to perform an official |
|
duty by a: |
|
(A) police department; |
|
(B) sheriff's office; |
|
(C) constable's office; |
|
(D) criminal district attorney's office; |
|
(E) district attorney's office; |
|
(F) county attorney's office; |
|
(G) magistrate as defined by Article 2A.151 |
|
[2.09], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(H) county fire marshal's office; or |
|
(I) medical examiner; or |
|
(2) a juvenile probation department vehicle used to |
|
transport children, when used to perform an official duty. |
|
SECTION 2.180. Section 25.025(a), Tax Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) This section applies only to: |
|
(1) a current or former peace officer as defined by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, and the spouse |
|
or surviving spouse of the peace officer; |
|
(2) the adult child of a current peace officer as |
|
defined by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(3) a current or honorably retired county jailer as |
|
defined by Section 1701.001, Occupations Code; |
|
(4) an employee of the Texas Department of Criminal |
|
Justice; |
|
(5) a commissioned security officer as defined by |
|
Section 1702.002, Occupations Code; |
|
(6) an individual who shows that the individual, the |
|
individual's child, or another person in the individual's household |
|
is a victim of family violence as defined by Section 71.004, Family |
|
Code, by providing: |
|
(A) a copy of a protective order issued under |
|
Chapter 85, Family Code, or a magistrate's order for emergency |
|
protection issued under Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
or |
|
(B) other independent documentary evidence |
|
necessary to show that the individual, the individual's child, or |
|
another person in the individual's household is a victim of family |
|
violence; |
|
(7) an individual who shows that the individual, the |
|
individual's child, or another person in the individual's household |
|
is a victim of sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking of |
|
persons by providing: |
|
(A) a copy of a protective order issued under |
|
Subchapter A or B, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure, or a |
|
magistrate's order for emergency protection issued under Article |
|
17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure; or |
|
(B) other independent documentary evidence |
|
necessary to show that the individual, the individual's child, or |
|
another person in the individual's household is a victim of sexual |
|
assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking of persons; |
|
(8) a participant in the address confidentiality |
|
program administered by the attorney general under Subchapter B, |
|
Chapter 58, Code of Criminal Procedure, who provides proof of |
|
certification under Article 58.059, Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(9) a federal judge, a federal bankruptcy judge, a |
|
marshal of the United States Marshals Service, a state judge, or a |
|
family member of a federal judge, a federal bankruptcy judge, a |
|
marshal of the United States Marshals Service, or a state judge; |
|
(10) a current or former district attorney, criminal |
|
district attorney, or county or municipal attorney whose |
|
jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child protective services |
|
matters; |
|
(11) a current or former employee of a district |
|
attorney, criminal district attorney, or county or municipal |
|
attorney whose jurisdiction includes any criminal law or child |
|
protective services matters; |
|
(12) an officer or employee of a community supervision |
|
and corrections department established under Chapter 76, |
|
Government Code, who performs a duty described by Section 76.004(b) |
|
of that code; |
|
(13) a criminal investigator of the United States as |
|
described by Article 2A.002(a) [2.122(a)], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; |
|
(14) a current or honorably retired police officer or |
|
inspector of the United States Federal Protective Service; |
|
(15) a current or former United States attorney, |
|
assistant United States attorney, federal public defender, deputy |
|
federal public defender, or assistant federal public defender and |
|
the spouse and child of the attorney or public defender; |
|
(16) a current or former employee of the office of the |
|
attorney general who is or was assigned to a division of that office |
|
the duties of which involve law enforcement; |
|
(17) a medical examiner or person who performs |
|
forensic analysis or testing who is employed by this state or one or |
|
more political subdivisions of this state; |
|
(18) a current or former member of the United States |
|
armed forces who has served in an area that the president of the |
|
United States by executive order designates for purposes of 26 |
|
U.S.C. Section 112 as an area in which armed forces of the United |
|
States are or have engaged in combat; |
|
(19) a current or former employee of the Texas |
|
Juvenile Justice Department or of the predecessors in function of |
|
the department; |
|
(20) a current or former juvenile probation or |
|
supervision officer certified by the Texas Juvenile Justice |
|
Department, or the predecessors in function of the department, |
|
under Title 12, Human Resources Code; |
|
(21) a current or former employee of a juvenile |
|
justice program or facility, as those terms are defined by Section |
|
261.405, Family Code; |
|
(22) a current or former employee of the Texas Civil |
|
Commitment Office or the predecessor in function of the office or a |
|
division of the office; |
|
(23) a current or former employee of a federal judge or |
|
state judge; |
|
(24) a current or former child protective services |
|
caseworker, adult protective services caseworker, or investigator |
|
for the Department of Family and Protective Services or a current or |
|
former employee of a department contractor performing child |
|
protective services caseworker, adult protective services |
|
caseworker, or investigator functions for the contractor on behalf |
|
of the department; |
|
(25) an elected public officer; and |
|
(26) a firefighter or volunteer firefighter or |
|
emergency medical services personnel as defined by Section 773.003, |
|
Health and Safety Code. |
|
SECTION 2.181. Section 7.193, Water Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
Sec. 7.193. PEACE OFFICERS. For purposes of this |
|
subchapter, the authorized agents and employees of the Parks and |
|
Wildlife Department are peace officers. Those agents and employees |
|
are empowered to enforce this subchapter the same as any other peace |
|
officer and for that purpose have the powers and duties of peace |
|
officers assigned by Chapter 2A [2], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.182. Section 7.203(b), Water Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(b) Before a peace officer, as that term is defined in |
|
Section 7.193 of this code or Chapter 2A [2], Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure, may refer any alleged criminal environmental violation |
|
by a person holding a permit issued by the commission or an employee |
|
of that person of this code, of the Health and Safety Code, or of any |
|
other statute, rule, order, permit, or other decision of the |
|
commission that is within the commission's jurisdiction to a |
|
prosecuting attorney for criminal prosecution, the peace officer |
|
shall notify the commission in writing of the alleged criminal |
|
environmental violation and include with the notification a report |
|
describing the facts and circumstances of the alleged criminal |
|
environmental violation. This section does not prohibit a peace |
|
officer from issuing a citation or making an arrest. |
|
SECTION 2.183. Section 60.077(b), Water Code, is amended to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(b) A peace officer employed or appointed by the commission |
|
has the same powers and duties as a peace officer described by |
|
Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
SECTION 2.184. Sections 60.0775(f), (g), and (i), Water |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(f) A reserve force member who is not a peace officer as |
|
described by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, may |
|
act as a peace officer only during the discharge of official duties. |
|
A reserve force member who is a peace officer under that article |
|
must hold a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter |
|
1701, Occupations Code. |
|
(g) The commission must approve an appointment to the |
|
reserve force before the person appointed may carry a weapon or |
|
otherwise act as a peace officer. On approval of the appointment of |
|
a person who is not a peace officer as described by Article 2A.001 |
|
[2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, the person appointed may carry |
|
a weapon only when authorized to do so by the chief of police and |
|
only when discharging official duties as a peace officer. On |
|
approval of the appointment of a person who is a peace officer as |
|
described by Article 2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, the |
|
chief of police may: |
|
(1) authorize the person appointed to carry a weapon |
|
or act as a peace officer at all times, regardless of whether the |
|
person is engaged in the discharge of official duties; or |
|
(2) limit the person's authority to carry a weapon or |
|
act as a peace officer to only those times during which the person |
|
is engaged in the discharge of official duties. |
|
(i) A reserve police officer, regardless of whether the |
|
reserve police officer is a peace officer as described by Article |
|
2A.001 [2.12], Code of Criminal Procedure, is not: |
|
(1) eligible for participation in: |
|
(A) a program provided by the commission that is |
|
normally considered a financial benefit of full-time employment; or |
|
(B) a pension fund created by statute for the |
|
benefit of full-time paid peace officers; or |
|
(2) exempt from Chapter 1702, Occupations Code. |
|
ARTICLE 3. REPEALER |
|
SECTION 3.001. REPEALER. The following laws are repealed: |
|
(1) Articles 2.01, 2.02, 2.021, 2.022, 2.023, 2.024, |
|
2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 2.10, 2.12, 2.121, 2.122, |
|
2.123, 2.124, 2.125, 2.126, 2.127, 2.13, 2.1305, 2.131, 2.132, |
|
2.133, 2.134, 2.136, 2.137, 2.138, 2.1385, 2.1386, 2.1387, 2.139, |
|
2.1395, 2.13951, 2.1396, 2.1397, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18, |
|
2.19, 2.195, 2.20, 2.21, 2.211, 2.212, 2.22, 2.23, 2.25, 2.251, |
|
2.27, 2.271, 2.272, 2.273, 2.28, 2.29, 2.295, 2.30, 2.305, and |
|
2.32, Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(2) Article 2.03(a), Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(3) Article 2.31, Code of Criminal Procedure, as added |
|
by Chapters 176 (S.B. 604) and 1341 (S.B. 1233), Acts of the 82nd |
|
Legislature, Regular Session, 2011; |
|
(4) Article 2.33, Code of Criminal Procedure, as added |
|
by Chapters 534 (S.B. 69), 979 (S.B. 2212), and 1011 (H.B. 1758), |
|
Acts of the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021; |
|
(5) Article 3.05, Code of Criminal Procedure; |
|
(6) Chapters 13, 31, 45, and 55, Code of Criminal |
|
Procedure; and |
|
(7) Subchapter N, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code. |
|
ARTICLE 4. GENERAL MATTERS |
|
SECTION 4.001. This Act is enacted under Section 43, |
|
Article III, Texas Constitution. This Act is intended as a |
|
codification only, and no substantive change in the law is intended |
|
by this Act. |
|
SECTION 4.002. (a) Chapter 311, Government Code (Code |
|
Construction Act), applies to the construction of each provision in |
|
the Code of Criminal Procedure that is enacted under Section 43, |
|
Article III, Texas Constitution (authorizing the continuing |
|
statutory revision program), in the same manner as to a code enacted |
|
under the continuing statutory revision program, except as |
|
otherwise expressly provided by the Code of Criminal Procedure. |
|
(b) A reference in a law to a statute or a part of a statute |
|
in the Code of Criminal Procedure enacted under Section 43, Article |
|
III, Texas Constitution (authorizing the continuing statutory |
|
revision program), is considered to be a reference to the part of |
|
that code that revises that statute or part of that statute. |
|
SECTION 4.003. This Act takes effect January 1, 2025. |