West Legislation Passed to Help Victims of Identity Fraud

Senator Royce West gives positive points about SB 566 and its protections against identity theft.

Austin - The Senate unanimously passed legislation today that would assist victims of identity fraud. Under current law, a person has no way of knowing if someone who was caught committing a crime used a false identity at the time of arrest. Senate Bill (SB) 566, authored by Dallas Senator Royce West, would require local law enforcement agencies that attain identifying information to contact a person whose identity has been misused once the true identity of the person has been determined.

Another bill by Senator West was approved by a 25-3 vote of the Senate. West explained that the purpose of SB 1111 is to help fund a new sports stadium by imposing an additional one percent tax on car rentals and hotel room rates in Dallas County. If the measure is sanctioned by both the House and Governor Rick Perry, it will then need the approval of Dallas County voters before it can be put into effect. This method of raising funds is used in several cities across the state.

Legislation that addresses the ability of landowners to remove feral hogs from their property was also passed by the Senate today with a vote of 27-2. Committee Substitute to Senate Bill (CSSB) 236 would amend the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code to exempt landowners from the hunting license requirement to hunt feral hogs on their land. Horseshoe Bay Senator Troy Fraser's bill was amended to include coyotes.

Senator Kenneth Armbrister talks to fellow Senators about CSSB 501 regarding handgun licensing which passed to engrossment today.

A bill authored by Houston Senator Rodney Ellis aimed at assisting in the prosecution of corporate fraud passed unanimously. CSSB 1060 would provide for improved enforcement of investment securities and require the licensing of any person who acts as an investment adviser.

Lubbock Senator Robert Duncan's CSSB 1053 was also passed by the Senate today. The bill consolidates three existing financial assistance programs that deal with water conservation in rural areas into one program.

Finally, CSSB 501, by Victoria Senator Kenneth Armbrister, was approved by the Senate after some debate. The bill would clarify language in the Texas concealed handgun license law regarding where a license holder may lawfully carry a gun.

The Senate will reconvene Monday, April 7, 2003, at 1:30 p.m.

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