Honorable Poncho Nevárez, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB302 by Paul (Relating to the carrying, storage, or possession of a firearm or firearm ammunition by certain persons on certain residential or commercial property.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code to provide an additional defense to prosecution for Criminal Trespass for certain actions relating to the carrying, storage, or possession of a firearm or firearm ammunition by certain persons on certain residential or commercial property. The offense of Criminal Trespass may be variously a Class A, B, or C misdemeanor.
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. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both. A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. In addition to the fine, punishment can include up to 180 days of deferred disposition.
According to the Texas Association of Counties, the bill is not anticipated to have a significant impact on counties.
Lost revenue from reduced fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.