Honorable Joe Moody, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2583 by Martinez, "Mando" (Relating to prohibiting the reckless discharge of a firearm; creating an offense.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code as it relates to prohibiting the reckless discharge of a firearm. Under the provisions of the bill, the reckless discharge of a firearm would be punishable as a Class A misdemeanor or first degree felony depending on the specific circumstances of the offense.
The Office of Court Administration, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice indicate the provisions of the bill could be implemented within existing resources.
This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions would not result in a significant impact on the demands for state correctional resources. The bill would take effect on September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
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. Costs associated with enforcement, prosecution and confinement could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal implication.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 696 Department of Criminal Justice, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department