BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 222

By: Watson

Criminal Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Under current law, there is no provision for venue for prosecution of a computer crime in the jurisdiction where a victim resides if it is different from the offender.

This bill closes that venue loophole to better protect victims of online impersonation by authorizing prosecution in the jurisdiction where the victim resides if it is different from the offender.

Specifically, this bill amends Section 13.25 (Computer Crimes), Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding language to include "any county in which an individual who is a victim of the offense resides" to the venue options for the prosecution of computer crimes.

As proposed, S.B. 222 amends current law relating to the venue for prosecution of certain computer crimes.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Article 13.25(b), Code of Criminal Procedure, to add to the locations where an offense under Chapter 33 (Computer Crimes), Penal Code, is authorized to be prosecuted, any county in which an individual who is a victim of the offense resides.

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

EFFECTIVE DATE

Effective date: September 1, 2013.