House Committee on Emerging Issues in Texas Law Enforcement, Select - 84th R.S. (2015)
Committee Members
- Allen Fletcher, Chair
- Dawnna Dukes, Vice Chair
- Dan Flynn
- Linda Koop
- Marisa Márquez
- Armando Martinez
- James White
Charges
- Study body camera policies and best practices to develop guidelines available for reference by agencies utilizing the funding grants provided by the state. Accordingly, review the issues of data storage, records retention, the Public Information Act, and evidentiary procedures. Determine if there is a need to expand on the minimum standards set by SB 158 (84R).
- Study the impact of emerging technologies used by law enforcement and issues related to appropriate dissemination of the data provided by those technologies, including the impact of technologies on the operation of law enforcement agencies, the operation of the Public Information Act, and any appropriate safeguards for citizens and law enforcement officers who interact with those technologies or whose data is recorded. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Government Transparency & Operation)
- Review the training and professional needs of law enforcement in the State of Texas, including the award and sufficiency of law enforcement training grants, methods of training, and types of training, including training in emerging or changing threats such as human trafficking, mental health crisis and confrontation, organized crime, and critical incident shooting.
- Examine and address emerging use of new technologies by law enforcement in policing and community interaction, including advanced technologies used by federal agencies and the U.S. military, and the rise of various information technology collection and sorting systems.
- Determine any changes necessary to assure that each Texas law enforcement officer is provided with the necessary and appropriate tools and protocols to increase public safety of all Texans, including the safety of Texas peace officers.
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Conduct legislative oversight and monitor the implementation of relevant legislation, including implementation of the database established by HB 1036 (84R), passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should:
a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens;
b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate;
c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and
d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
Notes
Appointed by Speaker Joe Straus 2/4/2015, pursuant to Rule 1, Section 16, House Rules (Proclamation, Speaker Joe Straus, 2/4/2015).
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