SRC-JBJ H.B. 2567 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2567 77R8419 GWK-DBy: Hinojosa (Shapleigh) Criminal Justice 5/11/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE In 1995, the legislature eliminated the second degree felony offense of extortion from provisions regarding theft. H.B. 2567 sets forth provisions establishing extortion as a second degree felony offense, except that under certain conditions it is a first degree felony. 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 31, Penal Code, by adding Section 31.031, as follows: Sec. 31.031. EXTORTION. Provides that a person commits an offense if the person commits or attempts to commit theft under Section 31.03 by threatening to take certain enumerated actions. Provides that an offense under this section is a felony of the second degree, unless in response to the threat, a building or any device in, on, or by which any person or property is or may be propelled, moved, or drawn in the normal course of commerce or transportation is evacuated, in which event the offense is a felony of the first degree. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001.