BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 605

By: Jones, Jolanda

Intergovernmental Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill author has informed the committee of the need to enhance the safety and security of the Harris County Hospital District by allowing it to employ peace officers, specifically for the district's health care facilities, which would enable a more effective response to emergencies and incidents within the district and align the district's capabilities with those of other major hospital districts in Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, and El Paso Counties. H.B. 605 seeks to address this issue by granting the board of hospital managers of the Harris County Hospital District the authority to employ and commission district peace officers.

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. 605 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and Health and Safety Code to include the board of hospital managers of the Harris County Hospital District among the hospital district boards that may employ and commission district peace officers.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.