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.