SRC-JBJ H.B. 2125 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2125
76R6960GWK-DBy: Reyna, Elvira (Carona)
Criminal Justice
5/13/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, stolen checks are among the main instruments used for mail
theft.  The increasing trend of mail theft complaints and stolen or forged
checks reported by postal inspectors and credit unions demonstrates the
need for a stronger deterrent.  H.B. 2125 would create the offense of
stealing or receiving a stolen check or sight orders. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2125 creates the offense of stealing or receiving a
stolen check or sight offer. 

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 32B, Penal Code, by adding Section 32.24, as
follows: 

Sec.  32.24.  STEALING OR RECEIVING STOLEN CHECK OR SIMILAR SIGHT ORDER.
Provides that it is a state jail felony if a person steals an unsigned
check or similar sight order or, with knowledge that an unsigned check or
similar sight order has been stolen, receives the check or sight order with
intent to use it, to sell it, or to transfer it to a person other than the
person from whom the check or sight order was stolen. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.