CJ C.S.H.B. 677 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


JUVENILE JUSTICE & FAMILY ISSUES
C.S.H.B. 677
By Solomons
3-20-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


BACKGROUND

Person's younger than 17 years of age who possess or fabricate driver's
licenses pose potential problems for the general public.   

PURPOSE

The intent of this bill is to enhance punishment for a child who sells,
manufactures, distributes, or possesses a document that is deceptively
similar to a driver's license. 

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 521.453. Transportation Code by adding
Subsection (g) which adds an option of eight hours of community service to
the punishment for first time offenders where such programs exist. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 54.044. Family Code by adding Subsection (i)
which adds an option of eight hours of community service to first
offenders as a condition of probation, where such programs exist. 

SECTION 3.  The law applies prospectively. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date, September 1, 1997.

SECTION 5.  Emergency clause.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

The original bill required the additional eight hours of community
service.  The substitute makes the addition optional.