Honorable Bryan Hughes, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB997 by West (Relating to the publication of certain photographs of human remains by first responders, coroners, medical examiners, and certain other employees for a purpose other than an official purpose; creating a criminal offense.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would create a state jail felony offense and civil liability for publishing a photograph of human remains obtained while acting within the course and scope of duties as a first responder, coroner, medical examiner, employee of a coroner's office, or employee of an office of a medical examiner. The bill would create a defense to prosecution for the offense if the photograph was published for an official law enforcement or medical purpose.
It is assumed that any fiscal impact and any impact on state correctional populations or on the demand for state correctional resources would not be significant. While it is assumed that any state revenue impact would not be significant, it would be dependent on the number of offenses committed and the associated court costs.
Local Government Impact
It is assumed that any fiscal impact to units of local government associated with enforcement, prosecution, supervision, or confinement would not be significant.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts