Summary of S.B. No. 2580
Summary of Senate Bill 2580 (S.B. No. 2580)
This bill updates the official definition of what counts as a "designated law enforcement office or agency"
in Texas. This is important because the law uses this definition when deciding which law enforcement groups can legally install and use tracking devices or access certain communications.
Here’s what the bill says in simple terms:
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The sheriff's department in counties with a population of 500,000 or more is considered a designated law enforcement agency.
(Before the bill, it was for counties with 3.3 million or more people — the new law lowers this threshold.)
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Police departments in cities with a population of 200,000 or more are also included.
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The inspector general’s office of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is included.
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The inspector general’s office of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department is also included.
Simply put, this bill changes which law enforcement offices are officially recognized for certain legal powers related to tracking and communication monitoring — broadening access to some smaller counties and specifying certain state offices.
When does this change take effect? September 1, 2025.