Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1268 by Watson (Relating to a statement presented in a criminal case by a victim, close relative of a deceased victim, or guardian of a victim.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to require that a court may not impose a limit on the number of victims, close relatives, or guardians who may appear and present statements in a criminal case unless the court finds that additional statements would unreasonably delay the proceeding. Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council