Honorable Pete Gallego, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB689 by Dutton (Relating to the admissibility of certain evidence in capital cases in which the state seeks the death penalty.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to render testimony by an alleged accomplice or informant inadmissible in a capital murder trial if the testimony is given in exchange for immunity from prosecution, reduction in sentence, or any leniency granted or promised by the attorney representing the state; and (2) make "jail house confessions" by the defendant to a person in custody admissible only if corroborated by an electronic recording. To the extent the bill would amend court procedures, no impact on judicial workloads or fiscal implication to the state is anticipated. The bill would take effect September 1, 2011.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council