Bill > SB2201

This bill modifies Texas law regarding intelligence databases for criminal street gangs and foreign terrorist organizations by introducing several key changes. First, the bill requires the Department of Public Safety to develop a mandatory minimum training course for anyone accessing the state's intelligence database, which must be completed before database access is granted. The bill also clarifies the standards for including criminal information in these databases, establishing that reasonable suspicion is required and defining what constitutes reasonable suspicion for inclusion. Specifically, the bill expands the criteria for identifying individuals as part of a criminal street gang or foreign terrorist organization, which now includes a broader range of evidence such as digital and online activities, communications, use of symbols, and associations. The bill also mandates that if a law enforcement officer identifies an individual as potentially associated with a gang or terrorist organization, the officer's name and department must be included with the submitted information. Additionally, the bill modifies the retention periods for information about individuals in these databases, allowing for continued inclusion if new supporting information is submitted, and requires the state auditor to conduct annual audits of the intelligence database. The changes are designed to provide more comprehensive and flexible guidelines for tracking and monitoring potential criminal street gang and foreign terrorist organization members while maintaining certain privacy protections.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2201