Honorable Abel Herrero, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1845 by King, Susan (Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for causing certain assaultive physical contact with a child.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code to increase the punishment of an offense relating to certain assaultive physical contact with a child from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor.
A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both.
Local Government Impact
The increase in revenue generated from higher fines would vary depending on the number of offenses committed, but that amount may be offset by costs associated with increased jail time per offender.