Honorable James White, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB88 by Thompson, Senfronia (Relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, witnesses to the commission of those offenses, and other members of the public, to peace officer liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
It is assumed that the costs associated with the bill's provisions relating to interactions between law enforcement and individuals detained or arrested on suspicion of the commission of criminal offenses, witnesses to the commission of those offenses, and other members of the public, to peace officer liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals could be absorbed using existing resources.
This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill would not result in a significant impact on state correctional populations or on the demand for state correctional resources.
Local Government Impact
The Texas Association of Counties anticipates a negative fiscal impact to counties due to increased litigation costs and necessary policy changes, but the extent of the impact cannot be determined at this time.
The bill would repeal a Class C misdemeanor. 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. Lost revenue from reduced fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Admin, 405 Department of Public Safety, 407 Law Enforcement, 717 Texas Southern University