LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 30, 2009

TO:	Honorable Pete Gallego, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB913 by Dutton (Relating to the creation of a commission to study capital punishment in Texas and to a moratorium on executions.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to create the Texas Capital Punishment Commission. The nine-member Texas Capital Punishment Commission to study capital punishment in Texas, identify problems with the system, and make recommendations for corrective action. The commission would propose legislation intended to correct any inequities in the capital punishment process to the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house. The members of the commission would not receive compensation, but would be entitled to reimbursement of travel expenses incurred while conducting official commission business. The Texas Legislative Council and the Legislative Budget Board would be required to assist the commission in performing the commission's duties.  It is assumed that costs associated with assisting the commission can be accomplished within existing resources.

A moratorium on executions would be imposed from September 1, 2009, through August 31, 2011. The commission would be abolished on January 1, 2011.

Local Government Impact

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

Source Agencies:

103 Legislative Council, 212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 696 Department of Criminal Justice

LBB Staff:

JOB, ESi, GG, LM