Bill
HB 1884
85(R) - 2017
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
Courts
Crimes
Vote Recommendation
Vote No; Amend
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Negative
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Neutral
Author(s)
Charles Anderson
Sponsor(s)
Lois Kolkhorst
Bill Caption
Relating to the penalties for certain littering offenses.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This bill would increase the penalties for certain violations associated with littering. If an individual is convicted of illegal dumping, outdoor burning of household refuse, or the disposal of litter in a cave they would be required to perform a term of community service not to exceed 60 hours, in addition to any fine or other penalties assessed.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Mandating community service for these violations on top of existing penalties violates our limited government principle. A judge should have discretion to take into account the totality of the facts before deciding whether to assign community service.
We oppose this legislation as it currently appears, however we would withdraw our objection if the Senate Committee Report Version were amended to change the word "shall" to "may" on page 1, line 36, page 1, line 42, and page 1, line 48.
Organizations Supporting
San Antonio River Authority
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