LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 2, 2007

TO:	Honorable Aaron Pena, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB872 by Otto (Relating to the prosecution of and punishment for the offense of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Penal Code by broadening tampering with or fabricating physical evidence to include altering, destroying, or concealing a human corpse.  Under the provisions of the bill altering, destroying, or concealing a human corpse would be punishable as a felony of the second degree.

Broadening the definition of the types of behavior punishable is expected to result in increased demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State due to an increase in offenses; however the increased workload and demand for resources would probably not be substantial.  It is expected individuals who would be affected under the provisions of this bill are currently being sentenced for other, possibly lesser felony, offenses. 

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

696 Department of Criminal Justice

LBB Staff:

JOB, ES, GG, LM