SRC-JEC S.B. 1585 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1585
By: Van de Putte
Jurisprudence
3/22/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

As proposed, S.B. 1585 requires corroborating evidence to support the
testimony of an undercover officer in a criminal trial. 

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 Part 1, Chapter 38, Code of Criminal Procedure, by
adding Article 38.141, as follows: 

Art. 31.141.  TESTIMONY OF UNDERCOVER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. Provides
that a conviction cannot be had upon the testimony of an undercover law
enforcement officer unless corroborated by other evidence tending to
connect the defendant with each element of the offense committed.  Provides
that the corroboration is not sufficient if it merely shows the commission
of the offense. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.