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.