The House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence

88th Legislature

September 16, 2024

12:00 p.m.

E2.010

Pursuant to a notice posted on September 11, 2024, the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Moody, at 12:05 p.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Moody; Cook; Bhojani; Darby; Harrison; Leach; and Schatzline.

A quorum was present.

The Chair made opening remarks.

The Committee heard testimony on the implementation of HB 6, Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning or fentanyl toxicity for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Bowers now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee heard testimony on the implementation of HB 611, Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of unlawful disclosure of residence address or telephone number.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee heard testimony on the implementation of HB 1221, Relating to authorizing the comptroller to release a reported owner's unclaimed property to the owner's crime victim in certain circumstances and payment by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice of certain amounts owed by an inmate.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee heard testimony on the implementation of  HB 1442,  Relating to the prosecution of certain criminal conduct involving a reckless driving exhibition or racing on a highway and to the forfeiture of contraband as a result of a reckless driving exhibition.                                                  

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee heard testimony on Interim Charge 2, Protecting Survivors Against Crimes of Abusers: Examine the shift in criminalization of children by human traffickers into other criminal enterprises, such as aggravated robbery, as well as the Texas Penal Code definition of “duress” as an affirmative defense for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. Make recommendations to prevent the criminalization of survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence for the crimes of their abusers.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 2:35 p.m., on the motion of Representative Moody and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Moody, Chair

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Rachel Wetsel, Clerk