The House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety

88th Legislature

August 15, 2024

10:00 a.m.

E2.012

Pursuant to a notice posted on July 25, 2024, the House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Guillen, at 10:17 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Guillen; Bowers; Dorazio; Goodwin; Harless; and Troxclair.

A quorum was present.

(Representative Frazier was also in attendance)

The Chair made opening remarks.

(Representative Johnson, Jarvis now present.)

The Committee heard invited testimony from state agencies and advocacy groups on the following interim charges:

Charge #1: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th 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:

SB 602, relating to the law enforcement authority of federal border patrol agents.

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

Charge #1: Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 88th 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 3290, relating to the next generation 9-1-1 service fund.

(Rep. Wilson in attendance)

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

Charge #4: Communications Interoperability: Study the communications challenges of first responders and emergency personnel. Make recommendations, considering the need for a cross-agency communications upgrade or statewide interoperability plan, to increase reliable, available, and modern communications for public safety and emergency response purposes in communities across the state.

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

Charge #3: Use of Less-Lethal Devices in Law Enforcement: Study the use of less-lethal devices in law enforcement encounters, including recent incidents, and their potential to reduce the risk of death or injury to officers and suspects. Consider methods to increase the use of less-lethal devices for the safety and benefit of all parties.

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

At 4:41 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. Guillen, Chair

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Jonathan Wilson, Clerk