SRC-CDH S.B. 329 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 329
By: Brown
Criminal Justice
2-5-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, it is not a criminal offense under the Texas Penal code to give
a false statement to a law enforcement employee conducting an
investigation if that employee is not a peace officer.  This legislation
makes it a criminal offense to intentionally give false information to any
law enforcement personnel conducting an investigation. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 329 establishes the offense of making a false report to
a peace officer or to an employee of a law enforcement agency.   

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 37.08, Penal Code, as follows:

Sec. 37.08.  New heading:  FALSE REPORT TO PEACE OFFICER OR LAW
ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEE.  Provides that a person commits a Class B
misdemeanor if, with intent to deceive, the person knowingly makes a false
statement that is material to a criminal investigation and makes the
statement to a peace officer or any employee of a law enforcement agency
that is conducting the investigation. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.