Honorable Terry Keel, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1466 by Hamilton (Relating to the punishment for the offense of harboring a runaway child.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code by enhancing the offense of harboring a runaway child from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony of the third degree if, at the time of the offense, the actor was required to register as a sex offender. The impact of the bill would depend on the number of persons caught and convicted of the offense; however, in the case of this bill, the increased workload and demand for resources would probably not be substantial.
Local Government Impact
Increasing the penalty for an offense from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony of the third degree represents a shift in responsibility from local government to the State in dealing with incarceration expenses. The impact to local governments would depend on the frequency of convictions, but would probably not be substantial.