Friday, May 27, 2005

Watch Texas House debate consent searches

It’s really easy to watch videos of the fascinating House debates on SB 1195 requiring written or recorded consent to search at traffic stops. Go here for the video archives.

To watch the Second Reading debate and vote from May 24 (12 minute video), when you get to the archive page, click on:
“May 24, 2005 7:41 p.m. - 12:27 a.m.” Fast forward to: 3:59:10. The vote ends at 4:11:00

To watch the Third Reading debate and vote from May 25 (49 minute video - the more substantive of the two), click on:
“May 25, 2005 1:50 p.m. - 9:05 p.m.” Fast forward to: 5:10:25. The vote ends at 5:59:14.

Rep. Glenn Hegar's speech in support of the bill on third reading was some of the best House floor oratory I've heard this session, and Chairman Dutton's rebuttal of the bill's critics truly was masterful. Enjoy.

UPDATE: On Friday the Senate occurred with the House amendments on a 28-1 vote, so SB 1195 has finally passed and been sent to Governor Perry for his signature. Go here to let the Governor know you support this legislation, which protects drivers' rights but also benefits prosecutors, since there's less chance a judge will suppress search results later in court.

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