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BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 1552

By: Rodriguez, Justin

Criminal Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Due to the recent rapid growth and development of computer and telecommunications technologies, it has reportedly become difficult for law enforcement agencies to properly fund regular technology updates and maintenance. These technologies are crucial for law enforcement to operate effectively and ensure public safety and, if continually financed, appropriate technologies can be properly maintained and updated. H.B. 1552 seeks to address this issue by authorizing a county commissioners court to create a law enforcement technology fund to finance the purchase and maintenance of technological enhancements for a county law enforcement agency.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 1552 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to authorize the commissioners court of a county by order to create a law enforcement technology fund and, if such a fund is created, to require a defendant convicted of a misdemeanor offense in a justice court or county court at law to pay a $2 law enforcement technology fee as a cost of court. The bill specifies that a person is considered convicted if a sentence is imposed on the person, the person is placed on community supervision, or the court defers final disposition of the person's case. The bill requires the clerks of a justice court or county court at law to collect the fee and pay the fee to the county treasurer, or to any other official who discharges the duties commonly delegated to the county treasurer, for deposit in the law enforcement technology fund. The bill limits use of a law enforcement technology fund to financing the purchase and maintenance of technological enhancements for a county law enforcement agency and requires the fund to be administered by or under the direction of the commissioners court of the county.

 

H.B. 1552 amends the Government Code to make conforming changes.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.