BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1074

By: Frost

Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In 2008, Trooper James Scott Burns was shot and killed following a high speed pursuit in Marion County, Texas. The suspect stopped and exited his vehicle, and opened fire on Trooper Burns with a shotgun before Trooper Burns was able to unlatch his seatbelt.

A windshield containing bulletproof glass may have afforded Trooper Burns enough protection to defend himself against his attacker and may help prevent the occurrence of similar events in the future.  

H.B. 1074 requires a police vehicle of the Department of Public Safety to be equipped with a front windshield containing bulletproof glass.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1074 amends the Transportation Code to require a police vehicle of the Department of Public Safety to be equipped with a front windshield containing bulletproof glass.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.