Texas lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 376, a significant legislative measure aimed at enhancing the transparency of crime statistics reported to the federal government. Proposed by Senator Miles and introduced on November 15, 2024, the bill mandates that local law enforcement agencies include the ethnicity of arrestees in their incident-based crime reports submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The primary objective of Senate Bill 376 is to provide a clearer picture of crime demographics in Texas, which advocates argue is essential for understanding and addressing issues related to racial disparities in the criminal justice system. By requiring the collection of this demographic data, the bill seeks to improve the accuracy of crime statistics and foster accountability among law enforcement agencies.

The bill has sparked notable discussions among lawmakers and community stakeholders. Proponents emphasize that including ethnicity in crime reporting could lead to more informed policy decisions and targeted interventions to combat crime and improve community relations. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential misuse of the data and the implications for privacy and civil rights.

If passed, Senate Bill 376 is expected to take effect on September 1, 2025. Its implementation could have far-reaching implications for law enforcement practices and community trust, as well as influence future legislative efforts aimed at reforming the criminal justice system in Texas. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its impact on crime reporting and community relations will be closely monitored by both supporters and opponents.