The House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety

87th Legislature

May 3, 2022

10:00 a.m.

E2.028

Pursuant to a notice posted on April 8, 2022, revised on April 14, 2022 and April 28, 2022, the House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative White, at 10:05 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives White; Goodwin; Harless; Hefner; Patterson; Schaefer; and Tinderholt.

A quorum was present.

(Representative Morales, Eddie participating virtually, pursuant to Rule 4, Section 16A.)

The Committee met to hear invited testimony over the following Interim charge: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

· HB 3712, relating to the training of and policies for peace officers; and

· SB 24, relating to the procedures required before a law enforcement agency hires a peace officer.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Bowers now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Bowers in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative White in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Bowers in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative White in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee moved on to invited testimony on the following Interim charge: Study incidents of law enforcement injuries and fatalities to determine those situations that pose the greatest risk to law enforcement. Make recommendations on best practices for increasing and preserving the safety and security of law enforcement officers, including those undercover.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Bowers in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative White in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee moved on to invited testimony for the following Interim charge: Compare Texas' incident crime reporting requirements with those of other states and determine whether a standardized reporting requirement should be implemented for Texas law enforcement. Study opportunities to modernize and improve local and statewide data collection and dissemination throughout the criminal justice system to promote transparency and ensure uniform data collection processes.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee moved on to the following agenda item: Invited testimony from the Texas Division of Emergency Management to gather information on severe weather response and recovery.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee moved on to the following Texas-Mexico border charges:

A. Monitor the emergency operations at the Texas-Mexico border, including whether existing emergency management resources are sufficient to address a non-natural emergency, including and especially one involving a large geographic area and multiple thousands of people.

B. Review the increase in law enforcement personnel along the Texas-Mexico border. Determine whether law enforcement has sufficient resources to address the current or any anticipated circumstances. Determine whether law enforcement needs specific or individualized training or education on matters involving border security, human trafficking or other scenarios where unaccompanied minors are involved.

C. Monitor the recent surge in border crossings and make recommendations for enhancing safety and security of law enforcement, civilian populations on both sides of the Texas-Mexico border, and those entering the United States.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Bowers in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative White in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 4:23 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. White, Chair

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Roel Benavides, Clerk