BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1551

                                                                                                                                             By: Estes

Criminal Justice

4/11/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Article 18.20, Code of Criminal Procedure, allows the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to use wire intercepts as an investigative tool.  The article is subject to sunset on September 1, 2005.  The sunset provision has been extended in the past.  As proposed, S.B. 1551 repeals the sunset provision to ensure the prevention of future oversights.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Repealer:  Section 18, Article 18.20 (Interception and Use of Wire, Oral, or Electronic Communications), Code of Criminal Procedure.

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2005.