BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1378

By: Frullo

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that as hospitals are facing increased security risks the Lubbock County Hospital District of Lubbock County, Texas, is considering various options to provide a safer and more secure environment for patients, visitors, and staff. It has been suggested that granting the district's board of hospital managers the authority to employ and commission district peace officers would allow for a professional security force trained in situations unique to hospitals and health care settings. H.B. 1378 seeks to provide for such authority.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

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

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1378 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to authorize the board of hospital managers of the Lubbock County Hospital District of Lubbock County, Texas, to employ and commission peace officers for the district. The bill establishes that the jurisdiction of a peace officer commissioned as such includes the property owned or controlled by the district and that a district peace officer has the authority granted by statutory provisions relating to arrest without a warrant in the peace officer's jurisdiction.

H.B. 1378 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to make a conforming change.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.