Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3241 by Thompson, Senfronia (Relating to the civil prosecution of racketeering related to trafficking of persons; providing penalties.), As Engrossed
The fiscal implication to the State cannot be determined as the number of new cases cannot be estimated, but is not expected to be significant.
The bill would amend the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to provide that the Office of the Attorney General may bring suit against a person for racketeering and may seek civil penalties, costs, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief. The bill would provide that 80 percent of assets awarded would be paid to the State and 20 percent to local law enforcement agencies. The bill would also provide that first $10 million paid to the State would be dedicated to the General Revenue Dedicated-Compensation to Victims of Crime Account No 469.
The Office of the Attorney General indicates that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed within existing resources. It is also assumed that there would be a revenue gain to the state based on awarded penalties and costs; however, it is assumed that any revenue gain would not be significant.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 302 Office of the Attorney General, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts