SRC-JBJ H.B. 2351 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2351
By: Hinojosa (Van de Putte)
Jurisprudence
5/11/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law does not require the testimony of an undercover officer used to
convict a defendant to be corroborated by other evidence.  H.B. 2351
provides that a conviction cannot be had on the testimony of an undercover
officer or of a person acting covertly on behalf of a law enforcement
agency or under the color of law enforcement unless the undercover officer
meets certain requirements or there is appropriate corroborating evidence.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 38, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding
Article 38.141, as follows: 

Art. 38.141.  TESTIMONY OF UNDERCOVER PEACE OFFICER.  Sets forth provisions
regarding the testimony of an undercover peace officer and the need for
additional corroborating evidence in order to convict a defendant of
certain offenses with such testimony under certain conditions. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.