LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 15, 2007

TO:	Honorable Aaron Pena, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3371 by Thompson (Relating to the penalty for the offense of compelling prostitution.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Penal Code by enhancing the penalty for those who cause someone younger than 18 years to commit prostitution.  At present the offense of compelling prostitution is punishable as a felony of the second degree.  Under the provision of this bill, causing someone younger than 18 years to commit prostitution would be punishable as a felony of the first degree.  

 

This bill would take effect September 1, 2007 and apply only to an offense committed on or after the effective date.

 

Increasing the penalty for any criminal offense is expected to result in increased demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State due to an increase in offenses.  During fiscal year 2006 less than ten offenders were admitted to prison for compelling someone under age to commit prostitution.  Assuming the same number of offenders in future years, implementation of this bill is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, ES, GG, LM