Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3884 by Dutton (Relating to the carrying of knives; creating a criminal offense.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code as it relates to the carrying of knives. Under the provisions of the bill, the unlawful carrying of a location-restricted knife by a person younger than 18 would be punishable as a class A misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, depending on the circumstances. The bill would also reduce the penalty, in certain circumstances, for the carrying of a location-restricted knife in certain places where weapons are prohibited. This analysis assumes the bill would not result in a significant impact on state correctional agencies.
Local Government Impact
Implementing the provisions of the bill could decrease the number of offenders remanded to local jails. Changes in costs associated with enforcement, prosecution, and confinement are not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact. Changes in revenue from fines imposed and collected are not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 701 Central Education Agency