AEZ H.B. 2442 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


CRIMINAL JURISPRUDENCE
H.B. 2442
By: Galloway
4-2-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Section 31.11, Penal Code, Tampering With Identification Numbers, states
that if a person knowingly or intentionally tamper with identification
numbers on tangible personal property it is a Class A misdemeanor. 

PURPOSE

HB 2442, as proposed, would make tampering with identification numbers on
a vehicle, firearm, aircraft, or boat a state jail felony. 

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 31.11, Penal Code, by adding a new subsection
(e) that increases the penalty for tampering with identification numbers
of a vehicle, a firearm, an aircraft, or a boat to a state jail felony.
Provides for a definition of the terms "vehicle" and "firearm." 

SECTION 2Effective date:  September 1, 1997.  The change in law applies to
an offense committed on or after the effective date of this act.  An
offense committed before the effective date is covered by the law in
effect when the offense was committed. 

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.