BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2580
89R15151 JCG-D	By: Hancock
	Criminal Justice
	4/16/2025
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Emergency "pings" are used to identify the location of an individual during a crisis situation that would classify as an exigent circumstance. Such situations can include�but are not limited to�search and rescues, kidnapping, hostages, escaped inmates, or fleeing suspects for murder or dangerous offenses. To execute a "ping," a law enforcement agency must follow specific procedures, processes, and training.

Current law allows only certain law enforcement agencies to execute an emergency "ping" on a phone number during situations of an exigent circumstance. While the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Office of Inspector General, the Texas Department of Juvenile Justice Office of Inspector General, and larger cities are allowed to execute such "pings" on their own, only the Harris County Sheriff's Office has this capability for county law enforcement. Every other metropolitan sheriff's office must currently seek assistance from one of the aforementioned entities or the Texas Department of Public Safety to execute a "ping" on their behalf.

S.B. 2580 seeks to allow more sheriffs capability in utilizing emergency "pings" in exigent circumstances.

As proposed, S.B. 2580 amends current law relating to the definition of a designated law enforcement office or agency for purposes of certain laws governing the installation and use of tracking equipment and access to certain communications.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Article 18B.001(4), Code of Criminal Procedure, to redefine "designated law enforcement office or agency" to include the sheriff's department of a county with a population of 500,000 or more, rather than 3.3 million or more.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.