BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2484 By: Solomons 04-19-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Since the last adjustment to the jurisdiction of Class C misdemeanor theft, the inflationary movement of the economy has deflated the value of the dollar to the point that $50 is a more appropriate level for justice and municipal court jurisdiction. PURPOSE If enacted, H.B. 2484 would raise theft jurisdiction from $20 to $50. 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 Section 31.03(e), Penal Code (GRANTED ON MOTION OF DEFENDANT), by raising the maximum property value of Class C misdemeanor theft from $20 to $50 and establishing the jurisdiction of justice and municipal courts over theft by check where the value of the property obtained was less than $20. SECTION 2. (a) Change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this act. (b) Makes effect of the Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1995. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION HB 2484 was considered by the full committee in a public hearing on April 19, 1995. The following persons testified on the bill: Michael L. O'Neal representing the Texas Municipal Courts Association; and James D. Bethke, representing the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center. HB 2484 was reported favorably without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed by a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 3 absent.