SRC-JRN H.B. 3375 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3375
By: Hamric (Whitmire)
Criminal Justice
5-17-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law does not address instances when a person
intentionally uses another person's identification and gives false
information.  The use of false or stolen official identification by
persons intent on committing a criminal offense is a problem for law
enforcement officials and private citizens.  This bill makes it a crime
for an individual to use the official identification of another person to
commit an offense; evade detention or arrest; or avoid prosecution,
conviction, or punishment. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3375 makes it a crime for an individual to use the
official identification of another person to commit an offense; evade
detention or arrest; or avoid prosecution, conviction, or punishment. 

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 Chapter 38, Penal Code, by adding Section 38.021, as
follows: 

Sec. 38.021. USING FALSE IDENTIFICATION.  Defines "official
identification." Provides that a person commits an offense if the person
uses the official identification of another to commit or attempt to commit
an offense; evade or attempt to evade detention or arrest for any offense;
or avoid or attempt to avoid prosecution, conviction, or punishment for
any offense.  Provides circumstances under which an offense is a Class C
or B misdemeanor, or a felony of the third degree. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.