BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1546

By: Nevárez

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that authorizing the tribal council of the Kickapoo Indian Tribe to employ and commission peace officers for the purpose of enforcing state law within the boundaries of the tribe’s reservation would significantly improve public safety on tribal lands. H.B. 1546 seeks to provide this authority to the tribal council.

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. 1546 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to authorize the tribal council of the Kickapoo Indian Tribe to employ and commission peace officers for the purpose of enforcing state law within the boundaries of the tribe's reservation.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.