Bill

SB 961

86(R) - 2019
Senate Criminal Justice
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Crimes

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Paul Bettencourt
Pete Flores

Bill Caption

Relating to the issuance of a citation for a criminal trespass offense punishable as a Class B misdemeanor.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 961 would give peace officers the discretion of issuing a citation to a person charged with committing the Class B misdemeanor offense of criminal trespass instead of taking the person before a magistrate.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 961 because it advances the principle of limited government. This bill allows an officer to issue a citation for Criminal Trespass instead of arresting the offender and holding them until they can be brought before a magistrate. This decreases the cost of housing a non-violent offender and reduces the burden on courts.