The bill would amend the Penal Code by allowing for the possibility for intoxication assault, improper photography or visual recording, and possession or promotion of child pornography offenses to be served as consecutive sentences. The bill would also amend the Penal Code by specifying when the right of severance of offenses would not be applied to consolidated or joined offenses.

It is assumed that the number of offenders convicted for these offenses and receive consecutive sentences under this statute would not result in a significant impact on the programs and workload of state corrections agencies or on the demand for resources and services of those agencies.  During fiscal year 2004, 161 offenders were admitted to TDCJ for intoxication assault, 53 for possession or promotion of child pornography, and seven offenders were admitted for improper photography or visual recording.   The impact of the bill would depend on the number of persons caught and convicted of multiple offenses and then sentenced to serve their time consecutively.  Due to the small number of offenders admitted to TDCJ currently for these offenses, the increased workload and demand for resources would probably not be substantial.