SRC-MWN S.J.R. 25 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.J.R. 25 77R4772 GWK-DBy: Shapleigh Criminal Justice 4/2/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, there are concerns about certain factors regarding the implementation of capital punishment. As proposed, S.J.R. 25 amends the Texas Constitution to prohibit the Department of Criminal Justice from performing executions until September 1, 2003. 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 11, Article IV, Texas Constitution, by adding Subsection (c), to provide that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is prohibited from performing executions until September 1, 2003, to permit an entity created by the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001 to complete and present to the 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003, any studies on the administration of capital punishment in this state required by the legislature and any recommended legislation to improve procedures in capital cases. Provides that this subsection expires September 2, 2003. SECTION 2. Requires this amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 6, 2001. Requires the ballot to be printed voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment establishing a moratorium on the execution of persons convicted of capital offenses."