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.