SRC-JJJ S.B. 665 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 665
76R1903 PEP-DBy: West
Criminal Justice
4/13/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, a person sentenced to a prison term can be more severely
punished when a deadly weapon finding is made on the person's judgment by
making him ineligible for parole until the person has completed one-half of
their prison sentence.  However, the definition has been so broadly
interpreted by the courts that deadly weapon findings are sought, and often
made, according to a prosecutor's wishes.  S.B. 665 would redefine "deadly
weapon" for purposes of the prosecution of certain offenses. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 665 redefines "deadly weapon" for purposes of the
prosecution of certain offenses. 

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 1.07(17), Penal Code, to redefine "deadly
weapon." 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.