HBA-SEP S.B. 786 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 786
By: Barrientos
Public Safety
5/9/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

During the interim, the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
recommended the creation of an unsolved crimes investigation team (team)
under the command of the chief of the Texas Rangers to take advantage of
the advances in genetic and forensic sciences.  The senate committee also
recommended that the team investigate cold cases on a level of expertise
that exceeds the capabilities of local law enforcement agencies.  Senate
Bill 786 establishes an unsolved crimes investigation team.    

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 786 amends the Government Code to establish an unsolved crimes
investigation team (team) within the Department of Public Safety of the
State of Texas.  The team will be located at the headquarters of the Texas
Rangers in Austin, Texas, and will be commanded by the chief of the Texas
Rangers.  The bill authorizes the public safety director (director) to
employ commissioned peace officers and noncommissioned employees to perform
duties required of the team and sets forth eligibility requirements of
peace officers and noncommissioned employees.  On the request of an
attorney representing the state and with the approval of the director, the
team is authorized to assist local law enforcement in the investigation of
a crime.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.