SRC-CDH S.B. 526 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 526 By: Patterson Criminal Justice 2-23-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, Texas law contains no provisions regarding changes made to offense or accident reports. Under this system, police officers who are asked to alter an offense report by a superior officer receive little protection. This legislation allows an offense or arrest report to be altered only if the change is made by a written supplement to the report indicating the name of the person who originated the change in an attempt to provide more security for police officers. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 526 establishes the procedure for making a change to an offense report or accident report prepared by a peace officer. 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 2, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding Article 2.26, as follows: Art. 2.26. CHANGING ACCIDENT REPORT. Defines "accident report." Authorizes an offense or accident report, if a peace officer prepares such a report as part of the officer's official duties, to be changed only if the change is made by a written supplement to the report and the written supplement clearly indicates the name of the person who originated the change. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.