Sulphur Springs Man Accused of Bellview Street Burglary
A 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of a Bellview Street burglary Monday morning.
Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Brandon Mayes and Officer Edward Jaime were dispatched at 9 a.m. Dec. 19, 2022, to a Bellview Street address, where a man was reported to be inside the home without the owner’s permission. He was seen entering the building through a bedroom window.
Upon arrival, police reported finding Braylan Parker Tillery on the property. He agreed to let them search is belongings; officers reported finding a plastic container with marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.
As a result, the 22-year-old Sulphur Springs man taken into custody at 9:31 a.m. Dec. 19, and transported to jail. Tillery was booked into jail at 10:44 a.m. on burglary of a habitation and possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana charges. Because of the proximity of the address to Little Acorn School, within 1,000 feet, a drug-free zone enhancement was added to the marijuana charge, Jaime noted in arrest reports.
Tillery remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022; his bond was set at $30,000 on the burglary charge and $1,000 on the marijuana charge, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Dr. David Sargent Honored At Retirement Celebration For 14 Years As ENT Specialist With CHRISTUS Clinic
Staff, coworkers, family, friends and community members gathered Monday evening to wish Dr. David Sargent well as he embarks on the next chapter of life – retirement. Sargent has most recently served as an ear, nose and throat specialist with CHRISTUS in Sulphur Springs.
Brad Burgin, Practice Manager for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Specialty Clinics, said Sargent glorifies CHRISTUS’ five core values — dignity, excellence, compassion, integrity and stewardship.
“I cannot think of any person who glorifies those five values than Dr. David Sargent. I have been fortunate to spend many hours talking with him in his office with nothing to do with the clinic, nothing to do with the practice. Everything from life in general, to wives and family, politics. It is moments like that that I will treasure in years to come,” Burgin said. “You are a unique individual. I am honored to have not only worked with you but to know you.”
Burgin presented Sargent with a plaque on behalf of CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic “in grateful appreciation of 14 years of service to CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.”
“I’ve gotten to know him in almost 7 years of the 14 years he’s been in Sulphur Springs, along with his lovely wife. It has truly been an honor for me and my wife, Jill, to know him professionally. I couldn’t agree more with Brad with living the core values. CHRISTUS may have core values, but Dr. David Sargent has his core values. A lot of that matches what we at CHRISTUS try to adhere to,” CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs President and CEO Paul Harvey said. “I’m just thankful that I’ve had the privilege to know him these few short years. He’s been blessed. He’s done a lot for us in this community. I can’t think of a better way of honoring him here in front of some of his peers here in our community, and being able to say thank Dr. Sargent for 14 years service at our hospital.”
Harvey noted that while Sargent is retiring after 14 years of service to Hopkins County and the surrounding communities, to fully understand the type of person he is, one has only to look at his background — “how young he got started.”
After graduating from Kansas State University in 1975, Sargent then studied at the College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1979. The next 10 years were spent in the Army, serving part of his residential fellowship in Belgium and several different Army hospitals, then continued his work in Army hospitals throughout the country. When was honorably discharged from the Arm, Sargent had attained the rank of lieutenant colonel, Harvey noted, extending thanks to Sargent for his service in the Army.
Sargent was state licensed in North Carolina, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. After the Army, he worked at the Ear, Nose and Throat Center of North Texas, then worked at Texoma Medical Center, Wilson Jones Medical Center in Sherman and a facility in Oklahoma.
Longtime Sulphur Springs ENT Dr. Bill Dietze, planning for retirement, set about recruiting the best candidate to take over his job. As part of that process, he contacted Sargent, and convinced Sargent and his wife, Jane to come talk to him about David potentially taking over as the ENT physician at the specialty clinic in Sulphur Springs. While Jane conceded to a visit to Sulphur Springs, she did not plan to like the community or to bond so quickly with Dr. Dietze’s wife.
“When I left that day, I knew that’s where we would be,” Jane Sargent said, not how she quickly grew to love Bill’s wife too.
“When Dave joined me, I kind of made a decision and agreement with Dave that we’d work a year together,” Dr. Bill Dietze said. “If we felt comfortable and he felt comfortable with the practice and whatever that would be our decision to make after 1 year. He did.”
Dietze said he observed Sargent over that year of working together, a year in which Sargent, who is taller, squatted down real low at his desk and chairs to accommodate the furniture Dietze had had built for his my size. He laughed and said Sargent never complained about the size of the built-ins while working with him. However, within 6 months of Sargent taking over, all of the built-ins had been replaced.
“If you’ve had a solo practice for years and it means much to you, you’re going to turn it over to someone, someone special that make the practice go,” Dietze said, noting that a few others had been considered but until Sargent, none were a good fit. “With Dave it was different.”
Dietze too referenced Sargent’s standards, which he indicated were very high as a physician and a human being.
“He always strives to make himself better, even though he’s a really a good guy. He never can be satisfied with just where he is if there’s something that can do better. That’s a great quality you can have. It’s a real great quality when you’re taking care of kids. You want to be better for them,” Dietze said, adding that he thinks Sargent is retiring too early
Harvey presented on behalf of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs a token of “grateful appreciation” to Dr. David Sargent, honoring his “14 years of devoted service to Hopkins County.” His CHRISTUS Sulphur Springs family will greatly miss him.”
“I have enjoyed my time here. It is the most wonderful place I have every lived,” Dr. Sargent said.
Harvey also extended love and appreciation to Jane Sargent as well.
One staff member noted she’d enjoyed working with Sargent. Another voiced one request as he begins wrapping up his schedule as the year draws to a close: “the bear has got to go.”
“He is the most creepiest thing you will ever see. And he had to sit him on the counter beside you, and he’s creepy,” she said, asking him to load it into the back of his truck and take it when he leaves the office or give it back to Dr. Dietze.
Dietze firmly declined to reclaim the figure with a laugh.
Joe Bob Burgin, who served on the hospital district board when Dietze announced his retirement and Sargent was hired,
“It was great,” said Joe Bob Burgin, who also currently serves on Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors. “We hated to see Bill retire. He got a good replacement and continued
“What Dr. Sargent did and what Dr. Dietze did is important to our community and service area,” Harvey said. “We will actually replace Dr. Sargent and will be recruiting for that. We’ll look to him and Bill for guidance in that as well. It’s very important to have ENT services for Hopkins County and our service area. Just know from a hospital perspective, we’re going to do that. But tonight is about Dr. Sargent and his years of service here and what he’s meant to our community. I really want to thank you again doc.”
Harvey then invited those present to enjoy the punch and festive Christmas cookies provided while visiting with and honoring Dr. Sargent, and called for a big hand of appreciative applause for Sargent.
Lady Cats Basketball Heads Into Christmas 13-4 After Big Victory in Quitman
Coach Bryan Jones and his team have a lot to be excited about headed into their break for Christmas.
Lady Cats basketball is 13-4 headed into their Christmas break.
Sulphur Springs on Monday picked up another win, their thirteenth in 17 games when they made the short trip out to Quitman for their last regular-season contest of the 2022 year.
The Lady Cats came out on fire, blazing past the Lady Bulldogs in the first quarter 26-1. Even with Quitman outscoring Sulphur Springs in a 11-9 margin in the second, Coach Jones and his squad still led in a big way heading into the locker room 35-12.
That would be the only time Sulphur Springs was outscored in a quarter in Quitman, as from there the Lady Cats cruised to a 56-25 win on Monday, Dec. 19.
Monday’s win is the fifth straight for women’s basketball now 13-4 after the big win in Quitman.
They take about a week off, playing in Hallsville in a holiday invitational next Thurs. through Saturday, Dec. 29-31.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
SSPD: Woman Jailed After Failing To Pay For More Than $100 Worth Of Merchandise
A 35-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was jailed on a felony charge after admitting she failed to pay for more than $100 worth of merchandise before leaving the self-checkout at Walmart over the weekend, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro reported being contacted at 3:32 p.m. Dec. 15, 2022, about a theft that’d just occurred at Walmart. Upon arrival, asset protection staff advised a woman and a man were detained after they left all points of sale without paying for them. The couple was detained in the asset protection official’s office.
Castro contacted the pair, who her learned were husband and wife. The woman, identified in arrest reports as Veronica Marie Zamora, admitted she was at fault for the alleged theft as she was the one scanning the merchandise at the self checkout.
The officer then was allowed to view store surveillance video from the time of the incident. Castro, in arrest reports, alleged she at first to initially skip scanning items while at the self checkout. The unpaid items, an inventory showed, added up to more than $100 in merchandise.
Both Zamora and the man identified as her husband received criminal trespass warning prohibiting them from returning to Walmart. Both reportedly refused to sign the warnings, but were warned they will no longer allowed to be on the property, including the parking lot and gas station. at Walmart, Castro alleged in arrest reports.
The male was released with the items the couple did pay for and their children, who had apparently accompanied them to the store. Zamora, however, was placed under arrest at 4:09 p.m. Friday and transported to the county jail. A records check showed the 35-year-old Sulphur Springs woman has two prior convictions, which enhanced the charge from a misdemeanor offense to a felony theft of less than $2500 worth of merchandise with two previous convictions charge, Castro noted in arrest reports.
Zamora was booked into jail on that charge at 5 p.m. Friday, and remained there for 2 days before her release on bond, according to sheriff’s office and jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Here’s To A Healthy Holiday!
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas AgriLife Extension
Family and Community Health Agent For Hopkins County
[email protected]
This most wonderful time of the year is known for cozy weather, family gatherings, and delicious holiday meals and treats. I won’t repeat the tips from my November Thanksgiving column, but I will reiterate a few things. Many times, holiday foods are high in calories, saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the foods and portions we are choosing. Holiday foods play an important role in bringing people together and connecting us with culture and traditions, but keep in mind that moderation is key.
Cooler outdoor temperatures might also encourage us to be more sedentary. Physical activity is just as important as making conscious food choices. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults should incorporate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle strengthening into their weekly routine. Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving. It can be an indoor or outdoor activity and can include gardening, dancing, or following along with an exercise video. There are so many options, so choose whatever activity you enjoy and get your body moving.
Incorporating a few small changes can really make a difference during the holiday season. Here are some quick tips to make your holidays a little bit healthier:
- Add to Your Plate! Instead of worrying about what to take off your plate this holiday season, add to it! Add colorful veggies and fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy options to ensure you have a well-balanced meal. Don’t hesitate to enjoy and savor holiday favorites but eat those in moderation.
- Avoid Distracted Eating– The holiday season is a prime time for endless snacking and many times we can eat mindlessly with distractions such as the television or an intriguing conversation. During this time, try setting a place at the table to eat and serving yourself a plate.
- Include a Holiday Exercise Activity– Start a fun family tradition of incorporating physical activity this holiday season. Whether it be a family walk or a holiday 5k run, you’ll get your body moving by making memories and traditions with your family.
- Visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight link– Dinner Tonight offers delicious and budget-friendly recipes that are great to include in your holiday meals. To check out some delicious recipes, visit https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu
While the holidays can be a stressful time to stay healthy, trying these tips is a great starting point. More importantly, enjoy the family fun, make memories, eat those holiday treats, stay active, and have a happy holiday season! May you be blessed, even if it is in the small things!
Closing Thought
Whenever you decide something with kindness, you usually make the right decision.
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent, at the Hopkins County Office at P.O. Box 518 or 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report —Dec. 12-18, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of Dec. 12-18, 2022, included:
Arrests
- Randy Merida, 18 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 12-19-2022 for Driving While Intoxicated.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 90 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 17 citations and 17 warnings during this reporting period.
Four EMS Staff Recognized During Hospital District Board Meeting — 3 Receive Pins For Efforts Saving A Life, 1 For 36 Years Service
Four Hopkins County EMS staff members were recognized during the regular December 2022 Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors meeting last week.
Service Recognition
Laura Ballard was recognized for 36 years of dedicated service with Hopkins County EMS, starting in 1986.
“She’s been serving the citizens of Hopkins County over the terms of 7 US Presidents. Exactly 36 year ago today is when she started. That’s 4,320 shifts on the ambulance, away from her family for 24 hours at a time. That’s almost 12 years of work for Hopkins County EMS, which is 4 years more than the average 8 to 5 job,” said Hospital District CEO/EMS Director Brent Smith on Dec. 13, 2022.
Smith presented Ballard with a crystal award thanking her leadership, service and dedication to HCEMS service.
“Now, the special things is we’re not going to be losing Laura. She’s coming over to the admin side. She’s going to be working alongside Stacy. She’s just changing departments,” Smith noted.
Life Saving Recognition
Three paramedics received a special award during the Dec. 13, 2022, Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors meetings
Hopkins County EMS Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson explained the EMS service recognizes staff hose who perform outstanding service. When an ambulance crews “runs a full arrest,” they are eligible to receive a ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) pin. They return any previous ROSC pins and exchange it for a new one for the additional number of saves.
Another special pin that can be given is a CPR Save pin. Sanderson said in his 30 years in the EMS service, he can only recall three times in which one has been awarded. When an EMS service or other first responder is credited with saving a life using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for a full arrest in which the patient eventually leaves the hospital neurologically intact, they are eligible to receive a CPR Save Citation Bar.
This week, three members of Hopkins County EMS received the Save pins for a June 29, 2022 call involving a cardiac arrest, which turned out to be a bit more difficult than usual.
Sanderson, EMS Bradford Berry and Paramedic Jacob Kelso responded to a 911 call in which dispatchers advised the caller’s condition was deteriorating. The crew arrived on scene, then spoke to the patient long enough to figure out who she was
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022. 
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022. 
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022. 
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022. 
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022. 
Clary Parker Presents CPR Save pins to EMT Bradford Berry, Paramedic Jacob Kelso and Shift Supervisor Jeff Sanderson with Hopkins County EMS for their actions, which helped save her life June 29, 2022.
“It wasn’t hard because we all knew her, then she coded,” Sanderson said, looking toward Clary Parker, with whom they’d worked on different occasions over the years. “Nothing prepares you for that. It was very stressful.”
The crew followed protocol, beginning CPR, and continued to give care while transporting her to the emergency room, where the “ER staff went above and beyond” to save Parker.
“And because of that, she’s sitting right over there,” an emotional Sanderson said, calling on Parker to present the pins to the two paramedics who cared for her on the call.
“What do you say to someone that saved your life other than thank you? But, I’m here today because they recognized that I was in a full arrest and went above and beyond everybody did. All I can say is thank you. I need to hug you,” Parker said before presenting each member of the team with his pin.
“For those of you who don’t know, Clary has been a house supervisors at the hospital a long time. It’s a miracle she’s here. It is a tribute to what Jeff said, first responders, their quick responders getting her quick to the hospital. It was very shocking for our staff to see someone you’ve worked with for a long time in that condition,” CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs CEO Paul Harvey said.
CHRISTUS Asks Community To Consider Donating Blood At Drive Friday To Help Bolster Supplies Through Holiday
Holiday Hours For CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, Urgent Care, Virtual Announced
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
New Gastroenterology Physician
CHRISTUS proudly announces the addition of Umair Sohail, M.D., to our Gastroenterology team in Sulphur Springs. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Obesity medicine. Dr. Sohail will be seeing patients at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic located at 107 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. Ask your provider for a referral.
Blood Drive this Friday
Carter BloodCare is holding on strong to maintain a safe supply during the holiday season.
However, with high schools out and donors traveling, it will be difficult to maintain the supply if we do not have donors come to give these next couple of weeks. Please consider stopping by the Carter BloodCare bus to donate blood in the front hospital parking lot.
You may drop by the blood donation bus on December 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 800-
366-2834 or go to https://ww2.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/136519.
Donors will receive a fleece blanket while supplies last.
Holiday Hours – CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and CTC Urgent Care
- CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary care and specialty clinics will be open regular hours this week, but closed the day after Christmas, Monday, December 26th.
- CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care in Sulphur Springs will be open on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022, but closing early at 2pm. It will also be closed on Christmas, Sunday, December 25, 2022. However, it will be open regular hours on December 26, 2022.
- For non-emergencies, CHRISTUS Virtual Care On Demand is another option available. It is a service available to patients over the age of five and providers are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day and on holidays. To schedule CHRISTUS On Demand Care visit christushealth.org/virtual-medicine or go to your MyCHRISTUS account (formerly known as “MyChart”) and click on virtual visit or On Demand Care.
Physician Retirement
It is bittersweet to announce that Dr. David Sargent will be retiring at the end of this year.
He has blessed Hopkins County with his Ear, Nose, and Throat expertise for fourteen years! He will be truly missed. We wish him all the best in his retirement.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Lady Cats Soccer Wins 3rd Annual Sulphur Springs Lady Cats Scrimmage Tournament
Lady Cats soccer scored early and often in their 3rd Annual Lady Cats Scrimmage tournament, finishing as champions on Saturday, Dec. 17.
Coach Adriana Brena and her team won their first game, beating Mabank 3-1. The one goal given up in their tournament-opening win was the one and only goal given up by Lady Cats soccer on the day.
From there, they blew out their next two opponents Kaufman and Spring Hill by a combined margin of 12-0.
Their efforts on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Gerald Prim Stadium were more than enough to crown Lady Cats soccer Champions of their 3rd Annual Sulphur Springs Scrimmage Tournament.
The three wins picked up on Saturday brings women’s soccer’s preseason record to 5-0.
Sulphur Springs plays in their final scrimmage next Tuesday, Dec. 27 when they travel to Gainesville.
That game kicks off at 12:30 P.M.
After that, Coach Brena and her team take Christmas off before hosting their first regular season game Friday, Dec. 30. Henderson comes to town to take on the Lady Cats in both teams’ season-opener.
The regular season kicks off for women’s soccer at Gerald Prim Stadium prior to the New Year next Friday at noon.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Rep. Slaton Files Legislation To Prevent Manufacture, Selling of Vehicles With Remote Kill Switches in Texas
Representative Bryan Slaton of House District 2, in a Dec. 19, 2022 press release, announced the filing of legislation to stop the implementation of remote kill switches in personally owned vehicles.
According to the release, House Bill 1031, if passed, would outlaw the manufacture or sale of vehicles with remote kill-switches that can be activated by the manufacturer or the government, or the installation of such a device in personal vehicles, in the State of Texas.
In the press release, Representative Slaton issued the following statement:
“The idea that the federal government or an international mega-corporation would have the ability to decide when, where and if private citizens can operate their own personal vehicles is not only preposterous, but it is deeply antithetical to the principals of a free country. We all saw the incredible encroachments on individual liberty during COVID. God forbid something like that occurs again, and the government or leftists corporations have the power to remotely shut-down your personal car, and prevent you from traveling. And in an age of cancel-culture, woke-ism, and social-credit scores, this kind of power is just one more step in the direction of an Orwellian future for America.”
The bill, according to Slaton, would help nullify any current or future federal requirements that personal vehicles be equipped with technology that could remotely shut down or disable the vehicle.
“I am grateful for the work that Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom and their Executive Director, Terri Hall, have done on this bill and this issue as a whole. The surveillance-state and their corporate cohorts are bent on making everything that we do trackable and regulated, and we must get ahead of it. The freedom to travel within our own country is incredibly important, and steps must be taken now to ensure it is preserved,” Rep. Slaton concluded.
House Bill 1031 doesn’t apply to an ignition interlock device required for individuals convicted of drunk driving offense. HB 1031 would, however, make it a state jail felony offense to manufacture, distribute (sell) or possess with intent to distribute any application or device with technology capable of being activated by the manufacturer or a governmental entity, including US, state and local government entities (which would include law enforcement officials) or of being installed on a light truck or passenger car in Texas beginning Sept. 1, 2023. Certain occupational licenses would also be revoked for those caught with the devices.
As worded, it seems an app or technology on a personal vehicle could not be accessed by law enforcement or car manufacturer to locate and shut down the vehicle if it was stolen.
According to Slaton’s office, the bill would not effect vehicles that already have this technology included, nor does it have any effect on vehicles sold outside the state or passing through the state.
“We are not prohibiting the ownership of a vehicle with this tech, just the manufacture or sale of such a vehicle in Texas,” according to Andrew J. McVeigh V, Slaton’s Chief of Staff.
When asked if the bill would impact discounts insurance companies might offer for vehicles equipped with anti-theft systems, Slaton’s office said while they can’t “speak to current insurance company policies,” Legislators could be asked “in a committee sub” to consider a “prohibition on insurance companies punishing someone for not having something that is illegal under state law.”
