Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a Public Integrity Unit operated by the Texas Rangers.

Highlights:

• Repeals the Travis County District Attorney’s authority to investigate an offense by a state employee in connection with the powers and duties of the state office or state employment (Secs. 1 & 3).
• Establishes a Public Integrity Unit within the Department of Safety’s Texas Rangers (Sec. 1).
• Authorizes the unit to investigate an offense against the public administration (Sec. 1).
• Specifies that a matter be referred to the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the defendant resides if an initial investigation by the unit demonstrates a reasonable suspicion that an offense against public administration occurred (Sec. 1).
• Defines “residence” as the following places (Sec. 1):
• The county where an individual claims a residence homestead if the individual is a member of the legislature, a justice on the supreme court, or a judge on the court of criminal appeals; or
• The county where an individual claimed to be a resident before being subjected to residency requirements under Article IV of the Texas Constitution, if the individual is a member of the executive branch of the state; or
• The county where an individual otherwise claims residence if no other provisions of this legislation apply.

Full Bill Text