Bill: HB 591, 85(R) - 2017

Committee

House Criminal Jurisprudence

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Ina Minjarez

Bill Caption

Relating to the punishment for the offense of aggravated assault. 


Fiscal Notes

The probable fiscal impact of implementing the bill is indeterminate due to the unavailability of reliable data or information related to the victim's medical outcome.

Bill Analysis

This bill would expand the category of aggravated assault eligible for a felony of the first degree. If this bill passes aggravated assault that results in the permanent paralysis of the victim would be considered a first degree felony. Under current law, a crime of this nature would be considered aggravated assault and would be treated as a felony of the second degree.

Vote Recommendation Notes

An assault that results in permanent paralysis to the victim is a different crime than an assault resulting in serious bodily injury that does not result in paralysis and it should be penalized to a higher degree. If someone has been paralyzed, their prospects for future earnings and the general quality of life would be greatly diminished so the penalty escalation in this situation is not a case of overcriminalization. For this bill's role in providing a penalty that is commensurate with the offense, we support this bill. 

Organizations Supporting

Game Warden Peace Officers Association

Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 09:03 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/85r/hb591?print_view=true