Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1554 by Lozano (Relating to the prosecution and punishment of the smuggling of persons.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code as it relates to the prosecution and punishment of smuggling of persons. Under the provisions of the bill, assisting, guiding, or directing multiple individuals to remain on agricultural land without the owner's consent would be punishable as a third degree felony. The bill would also enhance the penalty from a third degree to a second degree felony if the offense was committed with the intent to obtain pecuniary benefit and make knowingly possessing a firearm during the commission of the offense also a second degree felony.
The Office of Court Administration and Texas Department of Criminal Justice do not anticipate a significant fiscal impact.
This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions for criminal offenses 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
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 696 Department of Criminal Justice