Honorable Pete Gallego, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2966 by Coleman (Relating to an offense committed against a person because of bias or prejudice on the basis of gender identity or expression.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure relating to an offense committed against a person because of bias or prejudice on the basis of gender identity or expression. The bill would require the trier of fact in the trial of an offense under Title 5, Penal Code, or Sections 28.02, 28.03, or 28.08, Penal Code, to make an affirmative finding of fact and enter said finding in the judgment of the case, if it is determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally selected the person or property damaged or affected in the offense because of the defendant's bias or prejudice against a group identified by gender identity or expression. To the extent the bill would modify court procedures relating to a defendant's bias or predjudice, no effect on judicial workloads or fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would take effect September 1, 2009.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council