SRC-HRD H.B. 2940 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2940
By: McCall (Fraser)
International Relations Trade & Technology
5-12-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law does not include computers in the definition of a
"business machine."  Police departments have had to respond to a rise in
theft in the area of high tech equipment such as computers.  This
legislation would simply update a law written before the widespread
commercial and personal use of computers, thus allowing law enforcement
officers to facilitate the recovery of stolen merchandise.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2940 redefines "business machine" to include computers
or peripheral devices of computers.

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 1(1), Article 9024, V.T.C.S., to redefine
"business machine" to include a computer or a peripheral device to a
computer. 

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.