Bill
HB 1257
85(R) - 2017
House Natural Resources
Senate Criminal Justice
House Natural Resources
Senate Criminal Justice
Criminal Procedure
Water
Vote Recommendation
Yes
-
Neutral
-
Neutral
-
Positive
-
Neutral
-
Neutral
Author(s)
Kyle Kacal
Sponsor(s)
Brian Birdwell
Bill Caption
Relating to the prosecution of and punishment for the offense of
criminal mischief involving property used for flood control
purposes or a dam.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, an offense is subject to state jail felony if the pecuniary loss is less than $30,000 and the actor causes impairment or interruption of public communications, transportation, gas, power, or another public service. HB 1257 would also apply this penalty to the impairment or interruption of property used for flood control purposes or a dam.
Vote Recommendation Notes
The willful damaging of critical public infrastructure is a serious crime that should appropriately carry a substantial penalty. This bill appears to strike a balance between substantial punishment and overcriminalization; ensuring that the punishment is commensurate with the crime. For this reason we support HB 1257 under our personal responsibility principle.
Read Bill & Check Bill Status