ACM H.B. 2502 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


CRIMINAL JURISPRUDENCE
H.B. 2502
By: Elkins
5-1-97
Committee Report (Amended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, the offense of nonpayment of a toll is prosecuted in the
justice court precinct in which the offense occurs.  In Harris County,
this has created a backlog of cases in those justice court precincts in
which the offenses usually occur. 

PURPOSE

HB 2502, as proposed, allows for the prosecution of the offense of
nonpayment of a toll to be prosecuted in any precinct in the county in
which the offense occurs. 

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.  Adds Subsection (d) to Section 284.070 of the Transportation
Code to allow prosecution of the offense of nonpayment of a toll in a
justice court in any precinct in which the offense was committed. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1997

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

The committee amendment provides that an offense under Section 284.070,
Transportation Code, may be prosecuted in any precinct in the county in
which the offense was committed as long as the county has a population
greater than 2.8 million.