Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1360 by Rodríguez (Relating to the punishment for the offense of tampering with a witness and the evidence that may be offered to show that offense.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code as it relates to the punishment of tampering with a witness and the evidence that may be offered to show that offense. Under the provisions of the bill, the punishment for tampering would be enhanced to a second-degree felony from a third-degree felony or the most serious offense charged in the criminal case if the proceeding involves family violence or the defendant has previously been convicted of an offense involving family violence.
The bill increases the penalty for certain offenses involving tampering with a witness or evidence. Increasing the penalty for any criminal offense is expected to increase demands on state and/or county correctional agency resources due to longer terms of community supervision, county jail confinement, 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. Also, to the extent the bill would amend court procedures in criminal cases and punishments for tampering with witnesses, no significant fiscal implication to the judicial system is anticipated.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council