Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB966 by Watson (Relating to criminal offenses regarding the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Alcoholic Beverage Code to provide that criminal offenses committed by a minor relating to consumption or possession of an alcoholic beverage would not apply to a minor who reports a sexual assault of a minor or another person to certain health care providers, an employee of a law enforcement agency, or the Title IX coordinator of an institution of higher education. It is assumed the costs to implement the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact. In addition to the fine, punishment can include up to 180 days of deferred disposition.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 405 Department of Public Safety, 458 Alcoholic Beverage Commission