BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 285

By: Murr

Criminal Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding the high incidence of threats of physical harm directed towards public servants, such as judges, due to their status or involvement in a legal proceeding or case. It has been noted that while current law provides a second degree felony for obstruction or retaliation offenses committed against jurors, there is no parallel penalty specifically imposed for similar conduct against a public servant due to their service or status as such. H.B. 285 seeks to address this issue by increasing the punishment for certain conduct constituting the criminal offense of obstruction or retaliation. 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill expressly does one or more of the following: creates a criminal offense, increases the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or changes the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 285 amends the Penal Code to increase the penalty for obstruction or retaliation against any public servant from a third degree felony to a second degree felony.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.