BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 481
By: Denny
5-3-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Under current law a defendant convicted of a felony or a
misdemeanor pays certain fees that include a 21 cents per mile fee
for mileage required of a peace officer for specific services
performed in the case.

PURPOSE

If enacted, H.B. 481 would increase the mileage fee that a
defendant convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor pays from 21 cents
to 29 cents per mile in order to reflect the actual costs incurred
by peace officers.

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.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Article 102.011(b), Code of Criminal Procedure
(FEES FOR SERVICES OF PEACE OFFICERS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES), by
increasing the fee a defendant is required to pay under this
article from 21 cents to 29 cents per mile for mileage required of
an officer to perform a service listed in this subsection and to
return from performing that service.

SECTION 2.

     (a) Change in law made by this Act applies only to fees
     imposed for an offense committed on or after the effective
     date of the Act.

     (b) Makes effect of the Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 1995.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 481 was considered by the full committee in a public hearing on
May 1, 1995. The following persons testified for the bill:

     Lt. Bob Powell, representing the Texas Police Chiefs
     Association; and
     Tom Martin, representing the Texas Police Chiefs Association.

HB 481 was left pending in committee.  HB 481 was considered in a
public hearing on May 1, 1995.  HB 481 was reported favorably
without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be
printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and Consent
Calendars, by a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 4 absent.