LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 5, 2013

TO:	Honorable Abel Herrero, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1425 by Moody (Relating to the definition of property for purposes of the offense of stalking.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Penal Code as it relates the offense of stalking.  Under current law it is an offense to engage in conduct that is threatening towards another person's property.  The bill clarifies that property includes a pet, companion animal, or assistance animal.  The offense of stalking is punishable as a third degree felony or a second degree felony, depending upon the circumstances. 

 

The bill broadens the definition of stalking.  Broadening the definition of any criminal offense is expected to increase demands on state correctional agency resources due to longer terms of community supervision, state correctional institution confinement, and/or parole. However, in the case of the bill, it is assumed that the number of offenders supervised or incarcerated under this statute would not significantly impact state correctional agencies' workload and programs.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

UP, ESi, GG, JPo