SRC-JBJ H.B. 2798 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2798
77R13114 JMC-DBy: Menendez (Staples)
Criminal Justice
5/10/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Few effective options exist for law enforcement officers to stop fleeing
vehicles safely.  Other than physical arrest, vehicle pursuit is the most
common high-liability area of law enforcement.  H.B. 2798 increases the
penalty and financial responsibility for a person convicted of evading
arrest or detention.  

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 Section 1(4), Article 42.22, Code of Criminal Procedure,
to redefine "victim." 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 2(b), Article 42.22, Code of Criminal Procedure,
to provide that the state also has a restitution lien to secure certain
amounts. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 38.04(b), Penal Code, to provide that an offense
under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, except that the offense an
offense of an increased class under certain conditions. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.
            Makes application of this Act prospective.