Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

________________ C RIMINAL
USTICE/General/General
RIMINAL JUSTICE
77 th Texas Legislature
Counties Must Notify TDCJ of Certain Dismissals of Criminal Cases - H.B. 1658
by Representative Ritter
Senate Sponsor: Senator Staples
The Code of Criminal Procedure fails to address a court's responsibility for notifying the Texas Department
of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) when a convicted defendant's case is subsequently dismissed. Some courts do
not inform TDCJ when charges are dropped, and inmates are being housed longer than needed while
TDCJ confirms that an inmate is free to be released.
Requires a county to immediately notify an officer designated by TDCJ when charges against a defendant
or an inmate transferred to TDCJ are dismissed.
Unsolved Crimes Investigation Team - H.B. 1748
by Representatives Giddings and Sylvester Turner
Senate Sponsor: Senator Barrientos
Advances in genetic and forensic sciences increase the possibility of solving “cold” crimes.
Creates an unsolved crimes investigation team (team) under the command of the chief of the Texas
Rangers.
Requires peace officers of the team to have a college degree in law, accounting, or computer science or
two or more years of experience in homicide or major felony investigation.
Authorizes the team to assist local law enforcement in the investigation of crimes.
Prohibiting Weapons Near a Place of Execution - H.B. 1925
by Representative Haggerty
Senate Sponsor: Senator Staples
A dangerous situation could occur if individuals participating in death penalty demonstrations near the
execution site display weapons.
Makes it a third degree felony offense for a person to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possess or take
a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon within 1,000 feet of a place of execution. Provides for
certain exceptions to the prohibition.
Liability for Manufacturing Methamphetamine - H.B. 2087
by Representative Clark, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Haywood
Makes a person who manufactures methamphetamine strictly liable for damages for personal injury, death,
or property damage arising from the manufacture.
Sets the minimum damages for any exposure by an individual to the manufacturing process, including
exposure to the methamphetamine or any resulting byproducts or waste and provides there is no limit on
exemplary damages in an action for damages arising from such manufacture.
Senate Research Center 55