Denton County Law Enforcement Leaders Laud Parker's Initiative

Austin, TX – On Wednesday, the Texas House of Representatives unanimously passed Rep. Tan Parker's House Bill 2656. The bill, supported by law enforcement leaders, calls for an identifying emblem to be placed on the driver's license of sex offenders whose victims were younger than 14 years of age.

Parker stated, "Jessica's law certainly deals with the appropriate punishment of repeat offenders, but we should also work to prevent those repeat offenses before they occur. That is why I am proud that my colleagues have seen the value in passing HB 2656 so that we can more easily identify child predators."

House Bill 2656 is endorsed by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT), the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA), and the Texas Apartment Association, all of which see this legislation as an important step toward proactively promoting child safety.

Jason Hawley, President of the Flower Mound Police Association, offered his strong support for Parker's initiative. "As a police officer and father of two young children, I believe this bill will provide law enforcement with the tools to keep our community safe."

"It is a parent’s worst fear that their child will be molested by a sex offender," said Jill Dillard, a Flower Mound mother. "The fact that a sex offender will be identified by their driver's license will eliminate the possibility that they will be coaching, teaching or otherwise gaining access to our kids. This is a great step in the right direction to protecting our precious children."

Local law enforcement leaders from Denton County have offered support for HB 2656.

Argyle Police Chief William Tackett commented, "Community Libraries, YMCA's, children's daycare centers and the like now all have an effective tool to further safeguard their patrons."

Aubrey Police Chief Bryan Barrett recognized the immense value this brings to employers whose businesses operate closely with children.

Barrett said, "This law will prevent violators from falling through the cracks in the system. Employers regularly require a copy of a driver license where an expensive background check may have been avoided or overlooked."

House Bill 2656 now awaits action by the Texas Senate. If approved, it will be sent to Governor Perry for signing.

Elected on November 7th of this past year, Representative Parker represents both rural and urban parts of Denton County which encompass the cities of Flower Mound, Lewisville, Highland Village, Pilot Point, Argyle, Aubrey, Krugerville, Sanger, Cross Roads, Krum, Ponder, Justin, Northlake, Copper Canyon, Double Oak, Bartonville, Trophy Club, and Roanoke.

Serving his first term in the Texas Legislature, Representative Parker is focusing his efforts on further property tax relief, appraisal reform, strengthening border security and immigration policy, promoting fiscally responsible government spending, and protecting family values. As a freshman representative, Parker earned a key appointment to the powerful State Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Human Services Committee, and the Local and Consent Calendars Committee.