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.