LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 78TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 7, 2003

TO:	Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
FROM:	John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2145 by Gattis (Relating to the punishment of the offense of criminal nonsupport of a child.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Penal Code by enhancing the punishment for the offense of criminal nonsupport of a child from a state jail felony to:

 

a)      A felony of the third degree if the amount of unpaid support is at least $20,000 but less than $100,000;

b)      A felony of the second degree if the amount of unpaid support is at least $100,000 but less than $200,000; and

c)      A felony of the first degree if the amount of unpaid support is at least $200,000. 

 

Increasing the penalty for any criminal offense is expected to result in increased demands upon the correctional resources of the State due to longer terms of probation, or, longer terms of confinement in prison. In the case of this bill, the increased workload and demand for resources would probably not be substantial. 

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

696 Department of Criminal Justice

LBB Staff:

JK, GO, GG