Honorable Abel Herrero, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB564 by Dutton (Relating to the admissibility of certain evidence in capital cases in which the state seeks the death penalty.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to make the testimony of informants or an alleged accomplice of the defendant inadmissible in capital cases where the state seeks the death penalty if the testimony is given in exchange for a promise by the prosecution of immunity, reduction of sentence, or any other form of leniency or special treatment. The bill would also provide that a statement against interest made by the defendant to another prisoner while confined with the defendant would not be admissible unless corroborated by an electronic recording. Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council