Bill

HB 834

87(R) - 2021
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Criminal Justice
Criminal Procedure
Police

Contact the Author

Senfronia Thompson

Phone:

(512) 463-0720

Capitol Office:

3S.6

Email:

[email protected]
View Official Website

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Senfronia Thompson
Jeff Cason
Nicole Collier
Steve Toth

Co-Author(s)

Art Fierro
Jon E. Rosenthal

Bill Caption

Relating to requiring the corroboration of certain testimony in a criminal case involving a controlled substance.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 834 would prohibit a defendant from being convicted of a drug offense on the sole testimony of any person acting undercover, rather than only non-police officers, unless that testimony is corroborated by other evidence.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports HB 834 because it would raise the evidentiary standards needed for a drug conviction to a more sensible level. Police officers do not always offer perfect eyewitness testimony. Criminal proceedings based off of a single police officer’s testimony invite government abuse and potential wrongful convictions. HB 834 would prevent juries from convicting an individual based only upon the testimony of a single witness, regardless of who they are.

Contact the Author

Senfronia Thompson

Phone:

(512) 463-0720

Capitol Office:

3S.6

Email:

[email protected]
View Official Website