H.B. 170 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 170 By: Keel Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current law provides numerous rights for a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim, including the right to be informed of the process of an investigation and the right to certain monetary relief under the Crime Victim's Compensation Act. These statutes do not provide for compensation to these persons for costs incurred in witnessing an execution. H.B. 170 allows eligible persons under the Crime Victim's Compensation Act to also file for compensation for reasonable travel and lodging costs incurred to witness an execution. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 170 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow eligible persons under the Crime Victim's Compensation Act to also file for compensation for reasonable travel and lodging costs incurred to witness an execution. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2003.