WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1274

Relating to intelligence databases for combinations, criminal street gangs, and foreign terrorist organizations.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mary González and 1 co-sponsor

Texas bill creates law enforcement intelligence databases for tracking criminal gangs, organized crime, and terrorist organizations while raising privacy and due process concerns.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#auditor #state(v4364) #audits&auditors(s4334) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #gangs(s0154) #lawenforcement(i0510) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #terrorism&internalsecurity(s0574)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1274

Legislative bill overview

HB 1274 establishes or modifies intelligence database protocols in Texas for tracking criminal street gangs, organized crime combinations, and foreign terrorist organizations. The bill appears to create standardized data collection and sharing mechanisms among law enforcement agencies regarding these designated groups and their members.

Why is this important

Intelligence databases directly affect law enforcement operations, criminal investigations, and public safety resource allocation. Such systems also raise significant privacy concerns, as they determine what personal information is collected, who can access it, and what safeguards protect individuals from misidentification or misuse.

Potential points of contention

  • Accuracy and due process: Database inclusion criteria and removal procedures—individuals could be flagged based on association, arrest without conviction, or mistaken identity with limited recourse
  • Privacy and surveillance scope: The breadth of information collected and shared between agencies, particularly regarding legal association and First Amendment-protected activities
  • Definitional clarity: How "criminal street gangs" and "combinations" are defined could be overly broad or subjective, potentially capturing non-criminal community groups
  • Data security and access controls: Who can query databases, what oversight exists, and protections against unauthorized use or data breaches
  • Transparency and accountability: Public record access to understand how these databases function and impact marginalized communities disproportionately

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.