Honorable Pete Gallego, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1865 by Kolkhorst (Relating to the penalties for theft of cattle, horses, exotic livestock, exotic fowl, sheep, swine, or goats.), As Introduced
This bill would amend the Penal Code as it relates to the penalties for theft of cattle, horses, exotic livestock, exotic fowl, sheep, swine, or goats.
During fiscal year 2008, five offenders were admitted to prison and 14 offenders were placed on felony probation for theft of livestock. The impact of the bill on correctional populations would depend on how many persons would be prosecuted under the provisions of the bill, and the extent to which punishment would be enhanced under the proposed statute compared to existing statute. Assuming the same number of offenders in future years, implementation of the provisions of the bill are not expected to result in a significant impact on the programs and workload of state corrections agencies or on the demand for resources and services of those agencies.