Honorable Terry Keel, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB482 by McClendon (Relating to an oral statement regarding the impact of an offense in certain cases involving a violent crime.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to require the court, upon a finding of guilt or order of deferred adjudication but before imposition of sentencing, to allow a victim or close relative or guardian, to present an oral statement to the court about the offense and its effect on the victim. The oral statement would be in addition to consideration of a written victim impact statement. The oral impact statement would not apply if a jury is assessing the punishment. The bill would take effect September 1, 2005 and would apply only to a sentencing proceding that commences on or after that date.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 696 Department of Criminal Justice