SRC-TNM H.B. 2516 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2516
By: Chavez (Whitmire)
Criminal Justice
5-17-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, subsections of the disorderly conduct statute, Section 42.01,
Penal Code, prohibit a person from looking into dwellings, hotels and
similar establishments for a lewd or unlawful purpose. However, these
provisions do not apply to other locations such as schools, gymnasiums,
and health clubs.  H.B. 2516 would render it unlawful for a person to look
into a public restroom, shower stall or changing or dressing room for a
lewd and unlawful purpose. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2516 outlines provisions regarding the prosection and
punishment of the offense of disorderly conduct. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 42.01(a) and (d), Penal Code, to provide that a
person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly, among other
actions, looks into an area such as a restroom or shower stall or a
changing or dressing room that is designed to provide privacy to a person
using the area for an unlawful purpose while on the premises of a public
place.  Provides that an offense under this section is a Class C or B
misdemeanor, except that an offense regarding looking into an area for a
lewd or unlawful purpose is a Class A misdemeanor. 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.