H.B. No. 4502 aims to enhance court security in Texas by establishing a framework for developing court emergency management plans, defining the roles and responsibilities of court security committees, and increasing penalties for harassment of court employees and judges. The bill introduces new provisions that require commissioners courts and municipal governing bodies to prioritize recommendations from court security committees when allocating funds for security measures. It also mandates that these committees develop emergency management plans to ensure adequate security for municipal courts and trial courts.

Additionally, the bill amends the Penal Code to increase the criminal penalties for harassment of court employees and judges, categorizing such offenses based on the relationship of the offender to the victim. Specifically, it establishes that harassment against a known court employee is a Class A misdemeanor, while offenses against judges can escalate to state jail felonies or third-degree felonies depending on prior convictions. The bill emphasizes the importance of court security and the safety of court personnel, with an effective date set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 29.014, Government Code 30.00007, Government Code 72.015, Government Code 74.092, Penal Code 1.07, Penal Code 42.07 (Government Code 74, Government Code 30, Penal Code 42, Government Code 72, Government Code 29, Penal Code 1)
House Committee Report: Government Code 29.014, Government Code 30.00007, Government Code 72.015, Government Code 74.092, Penal Code 42.07 (Government Code 74, Government Code 30, Penal Code 42, Government Code 72, Government Code 29, Penal Code 1)