Honorable Terry Keel, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2296 by Cook, Robby (Relating to the reduction of certain felonies to a misdemeanor.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code by authorizing a prosecuting attorney to prosecute a felony of the third degree as a Class A misdemeanor. By potentially lowering the range of sanctions for selected offenders, the bill could potentially decrease community supervision and incarceration expenses. Such savings would depend on the extent to which the punishment for third degree felons would be decreased as provided by the bill.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.