SRC-JBJ H.B. 1798 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1798 76R7479 PEP-DBy: King, Phil (Harris) Criminal Justice 5/13/1999 Engrossed DIGEST The Texas Association of Campground Owners has expressed a concern regarding customers who do not pay for use of the campground facilities, but remain on the premises. Campground owners have complained that in such instances law enforcement officials may decline to act, stating that it is a landlord tenant issue, while justice of the peace courts refuse to hear an eviction case, stating that the issue is a criminal matter. H.B. 1798 would add avoidance of payment for services rendered in campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks to the theft of services statute. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1798 amends regulations regarding the prosecution of theft of services provided at certain service establishments. 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 31.04(b), Penal Code, to provide that for purposes of this section, intent to avoid payment is presumed if the actor expressly refused to pay for a service ordinarily requiring immediately payment, such as a campground or recreational vehicle park. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.