Honorable Joe Moody, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3515 by Gervin-Hawkins (Relating to the disposition by a peace officer of certain Class B misdemeanors.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure allowing a peace officer to dispose of certain Class B misdemeanors without taking the alleged offender before a magistrate. The bill would allow the peace officer to refer the alleged offender to a governmental agency other than a court, refer the alleged offender to one or more approved service providers, or issue a warning.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
According to the Office of Court Administration, the bill may result in a reduction in the misdemeanor caseload statewide with resulting decreases in court cost revenue; however, no significant fiscal impact to the state court system is anticipated.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Association of Counties, the bill could have a positive impact on counties that choose to implement the provisions of the bill.
According to the Office of Court Administration, the bill could reduce the misdemeanor population in county jails if counties implement the provisions of the bill.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 405 Department of Public Safety