Honorable Pete Gallego, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1273 by Carona (Relating to the prosecution of and punishment for the theft of certain electronic equipment and interference with certain radio frequencies. ), Committee Report 2nd House, As Amended
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code to create the offense of interference with a radio frequency licensed to a government entity punishable as a Class A misdemeanor and provide for enhancement to a state jail felony if the offense was committed with the intent to facilitate the commission of another offense or interfere with the ability of a law enforcement agency, fire department, or emergency medical service provider to respond to an emergency.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2009 and apply only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of the Act.
The number of offenders convicted under the provisions of the bill is not expected to result in increased demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.