SRC-JBJ, TBR S.B. 139 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 139
77R2377 KEL-DBy: Carona
Criminal Justice
                 01/19/2001
As Filed

       
DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, certain forms of communication, including those by electronic or
mechanical means, are not covered under Texas statutes pertaining to
harassment.  As proposed, S.B. 139 adds electronic and mechanical means of
communication to the forms regulated for protection from the commission of
a harassment offense. 

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 42.07(a), Penal Code, to provide that a person
commits an offense if, with the intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse,
torment, or embarrass another, the person initiates communication or causes
the initiation of communication by mail or any other written form of
communication or by electronic or mechanical means, including the use of a
telephone or telegraph. 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2001.