Honorable Dan Huberty, Chair, House Committee on Public Education
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB306 by Minjarez (Relating to student harassment, bullying, cyberbullying, injury to or death of a minor; creating a criminal offense.), As Introduced
The provisions of the bill addressed by this analysis would amend the Penal Code it relates to harassment, bullying, cyberbullying, injury to or death of a minor. Under the provisions of the bill, the circumstances of the offense of harassment would be expanded to include certain types of internet communication. This offense is punishable as a Class A or Class B misdemeanor, depending upon the specific circumstances of the offense. The bill would also creates a criminal offense for inducing suicide or attempted suicide of a minor by nonphysical bullying which would be punishable as a Class A misdemeanor.
A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by confinement in county jail for a term not to exceed one year and an optional fine not to exceed $4,000. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by confinement in county jail for a term not to exceed 180 days and an optional fine not to exceed $2,000.
This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill would not result in a significant impact on the demand for state correctional resources.