The bill would amend the Local Government Code to reduce the penalty for failure to comply with an order from a fire marshal from a Class B to a Class C misdemeanor in certain circumstances. The bill would also authorize certain counties to grant the authority to issue these citations to certain county employees not currently authorized.
This analysis assumes that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed using existing resources and that implementing the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions for criminal offenses would not result in a significant impact on state correctional agencies.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both.
A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. In addition to the fine, punishment can include up to 180 days of deferred disposition.
Lost revenue from reduced fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.