Honorable Joan Huffman, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB415 by Huffman (Relating to the entry of a plea by defendants charged with certain misdemeanors involving family violence.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to exempt misdemeanors involving family violence from the provision which allows defendants in fine-only cases to enter guilty or nolo contendere pleas by mail. The bill would add a new article to require that pleas to misdemeanors involving family violence be taken by the judge in open court. Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished using existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council