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.