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.