BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 840

                                                                                                                                          By: Riddle

Criminal Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Contraband that is used in the commission of a crime is subject to forfeiture and seizure by the State.  Vehicles that are used in the commission of an sexual performance by a child or criminal solicitation of a minor do not meet the definition of contraband under the current statute.  H.B. 840 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to link these crimes to the property used to facilitate the crime.

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

H.B. 840 amends the definition of contraband under Article 59.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include property that is used in the commission of sexual performance by a child or solicitation of a minor.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2005.