Does the Texas statute need to be amended by the Texas Legislature?
While the statute can still be used by the courts, the trial courts will be included to follow the same in-camera process ordered by the appellate court in Hinterlong. This is similar to the process used by the criminal courts in Texas in the interim period between the time of the Thomas decision and the amending of the Crime Stoppers statute to provide for an in-camera process. A legislative bill was drafted which corrects the problem by creating an in-camera process applicable in both criminal and CIVIL cases. Additionally, an effort should be made to provide immunity to those who in good faith communicate or act upon reports of criminal activity to the Texas Crime Stoppers Council or a Crime Stoppers organization. Another bill was drafted during the session, for more information see What’s Hot.
