SRC-TBR, JBJ C.S.S.B. 1202 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1202
77R11599 JAT-FBy: Zaffirini
Criminal Justice
4/6/2001

Committee Report (Substituted) 

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the maximum amount that the attorney general may award for
extraordinary pecuniary losses is limited to $50,000 if the personal injury
is catastrophic and results in total and permanent disability to the
victim.  The costs to such victims for the equipment and assistance used to
better enable them to return to their lives can easily exceed this limit.
C.S.S.B. 1202 increases the maximum limit for this additional compensation
to a crime victim from $50,000 to $75,000. 

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 56.42(b), Code of Criminal Procedure, to
authorize the attorney general to award, in addition to an award payable
under Subsection (a), an additional $75,000, rather than $50,000, to
certain crime victims.  Adds to the list of costs for which a victim may
receive the award. 

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2001.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amends As Filed S.B. 1202 to add durable medical equipment, rehabilitation
technology and long-term medical expenses incurred as a result of medically
indicated treatment of the personal injury, to the list of items for which
the attorney general may award extraordinary pecuniary loss.