BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 187
By: Nelson (Pitts)
05-03-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure allows a court to charge a
defendant who has been convicted of a crime the expenses accrued by
a peace officer in performing various services.  Currently, the
statute does not allow for reimbursement for any overtime required
by the peace officer to appear in court as a witness.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 187 adds the cost of a peace officer's time in
court to the fees a defendant must pay.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Article 102.011, Code of Criminal Procedure, by
adding Subsection (i), to require a defendant to pay the costs of
overtime paid to a peace officer for time spent testifying in the
trial of a case or for traveling to or from testifying in the trial
of the case, in addition to fees provided by Subsections (a)-(g).

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 1995.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.
     

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

SB 187 was considered by the full committee in a public hearing on
May 1, 1995.  The following person testified in favor of the bill:

     Tom Martin, representing the Texas Police Chiefs Association.

SB 187 was left pending.

SB 187 was considered by the full committee in a public hearing on
May 3, 1995.  SB 187 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
6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 3 absent.