BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                           H.B. 1766

                                                                                                                                              By: Pena

                                                                                                                       Criminal Jurisprudence

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Under current law, penalties for theft generally vary by the value of the item stolen. Theft of aluminum wiring, bronze wiring, and copper wiring has increased recently in Texas as the price of these metals has increased.

 

H.B. 1766 makes the penalty for the theft of certain wire or cable that mainly consists of aluminum, bronze or copper and with a value of less than $20,000 a state jail felony.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

House Bill 1766 amends the Penal Code to make the theft of insulated or noninsulated wire or cable that consists of at least 50 percent aluminum, bronze or copper and that has a value of less than $20,000, a state jail felony.  The application of this Act is prospective.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2007.