KJG H.B. 118 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS CIVIL PRACTICES H.B. 118 By: Hirschi 3-6-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Elderly citizens are often the target of deceptive trade practices and fraudulent schemes throughout Texas. The majority of elderly Texans are particularly vulnerable to thieves and illegal scams due to physical limitations and low income. An increase in penalties for extortion crimes against the elderly may discourage criminal acts against older Texans. PURPOSE To deter and prevent the continuing practice of deceptive and fraudulent acts against the elderly by increasing the civil penalties levied against an individual or commercial enterprise found guilty of violating the Deceptive Trade Practices and the Consumer Protection Act when the injured party is 60 years or older. 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 17.47(c), Business and Commerce Code, as follows: (c) increases the civil penalties to not more than $10,000 per violation, not to exceed a total of $100,000 if the action is brought by a person who is 60 years or older. SECTION 2. Provides that this act applies only to actions brought on or after the effective date. SECTION 3. Emergency Clause. Effective date: upon passage.