H.B. 797 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 797
By: Farabee
Criminal Jurisprudence
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, a drug offense that occurs within 1,000 feet of a youth center
is not penalized as heavily as a drug offense that occurs within 1,000
feet of school. If a drug offense is committed within 1,000 feet of a
school, it is automatically classified as a more severe offense. Like
schools, youth centers are institutions that should be protected from
these type of offenses. Many Texas children regularly attend youth centers
and their safety is of the utmost importance. House Bill 797 increases the
penalty of a drug offense by one level, when that offense is committed
within 1,000 feet of a youth center.  

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 797 amends the Health and Safety Code to increase the penalty
of a drug offense by one level, when that offense is committed within
1,000 feet of a youth center. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.