LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 87TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


April 7, 2021

TO:	Honorable James White, Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety

FROM:	Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	HB2746 by Ellzey (Relating to the punishment for the criminal offense of use of laser pointers; increasing a criminal penalty.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Penal Code as it relates to the criminal offense of use of a laser pointer. Under the provisions of the bill, if a person knowingly directs a light from a laser pointer at a uniformed safety officer and causes bodily injury, the offense would be enhanced from a Class C misdemeanor to a state jail or third degree felony depending on the specific circumstances of the offense.

The Office of Court Administration indicates the modifications outlined in the bill's provisions would not result in a significant fiscal impact. This analysis assumes implementing the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions would not result in a significant impact on the demand for state correctional resources.

Local Government Impact

According to the Texas Association of Counties the bill as introduced would not have a significant fiscal impact on counties.