SRC-BWC S.B. 251 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 251 77R1509 GWK-DBy: Harris Criminal Justice 1/22/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, law enforcement agencies are allowed to spend proceeds from forfeited property on law enforcement purpose only. Law enforcement agencies are required to submit a budget to the court or governing body. Some agencies have made purchases that are not for law enforcement purposes. As proposed, S.B. 251 requires the budget to be approved by the commissioners court or governing body of the municipality. 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 Article 59.06(d), Code of Criminal Procedure, by authorizing proceeds awarded under this chapter to a law enforcement agency or to the attorney representing the state to be spent after a budget for the expenditure of the proceeds has been submitted to and approved by the commissioners court or governing body of the municipality. Deletes text that prohibits the use of an award for payment of salary, expense, or allowance for certain employees. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2001. Makes application of this Act prospective.