Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB913 by Alvarado (Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of the possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of certain prohibited explosive weapons.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code to expand the circumstances under which the offense of prohibited weapons may be prosecuted. Under the provisions of the bill, an improvised explosive device would be added to the list of prohibited weapons.
This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions would not result in a significant impact on the demand for state correctional resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017 and apply only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of the Act.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Association of Counties, under the provisions of the bill, the number of prosecutions cannot be determined. However, TAC does not anticipate that the additional prosecutions will result in a significant fiscal impact to counties.
Travis County anticipates new operational costs based on an estimated five or six new felony cases per year with a cost per criminal disposition of $1,299.