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HB 3343

Relating to the duties of peace officers investigating a family violence allegation or responding to a disturbance call that may involve family violence.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Charlene Ward Johnson

HB 3343 establishes specific procedural duties for Texas peace officers responding to family violence allegations and disturbance calls involving potential domestic violence.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#family--familyviolence(i0353) #peaceofficers(s0007)
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Bill Summary · HB 3343

Legislative bill overview

HB 3343 modifies the statutory duties and procedures that Texas peace officers must follow when investigating family violence allegations or responding to disturbance calls that may involve family violence. The bill specifies what officers must do at crime scenes, during investigations, and in their interactions with potential victims and alleged perpetrators.

Why is this important

Family violence calls represent a significant portion of law enforcement activity, and how officers respond can directly affect victim safety, evidence collection, and prosecution outcomes. Clear statutory guidance on officer duties can reduce inconsistencies in response, potentially improve victim protection, and establish accountability standards across jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Mandatory arrest vs. officer discretion: Depending on specific language, the bill may either require arrests in certain situations or preserve officer discretion—each approach has advocates and critics regarding effectiveness and due process
  • Resource allocation: Enhanced duties and procedural requirements could increase training and administrative costs for law enforcement agencies, particularly in smaller departments
  • Victim privacy and autonomy: Provisions regarding victim interviews, evidence collection, and mandatory reporting procedures may conflict with victim preferences for case progression and confidentiality concerns

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

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