Honorable Pete Gallego, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB4484 by Howard, Charlie (Relating to the creation of the offense of unlawful transport or concealment of an illegal alien.), As Introduced
The bill would amend the Penal Code to create the offense of unlawful transport or concealment of illegal alien punishable as a state jail felony.
A state jail felony is punishable by confinement in a state jail for any term of not more than two years or less than 180 days, or, in addition to confinement, a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Broadening the definition of the types of behavior punishable is expected to result in increased demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State due to an increase in offenses. It is assumed that persons affected under the provisions of this bill are currently being sentenced under federal statute. The probable impact of implementing the provision of this bill cannot be determined due to the unavailability of reliable data or information related to the unlawful transport or concealment of illegal aliens.