SRC-JBJ S.B. 1221 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1221
77R4310 YDB-DBy: Whitmire
Criminal Justice
4/2/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The computerized voice stress analyzer, which is used to detect changes in
a person's voice caused by stress, is one instrument which purports to
detect deception.  Current Texas law prohibits the use of any technology
which purports to detect deception except for the use of the polygraph.  As
proposed, S.B. 1221 authorizes certain licensed peace officers to utilize
voice stress analysis technology while conducting official criminal
investigations. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 1703E, Occupations Code, by adding Section
1703.2015, as follows: 

Sec. 1703.2015.  VOICE STRESS ANALYZER EXEMPTION FOR PEACE OFFICERS. (a)
Provides that a licensed peace officer who is a certified voice stress
examiner is not required to be licensed under this chapter to use a
computerized voice stress analyzer during a criminal investigation. 

(b)  Requires that for the purposes of this section, the certification to
use a voice stress analyzer must be made by the company who manufactured
the voice stress analyzer or the governmental entity who appointed or
employs the peace officer. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: Upon passage or September 1, 2001.