Texas House Bill HB1539

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the punishment for the criminal offense of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Impact

The amendments proposed by HB1539 affect how individuals are prosecuted for offenses related to evidence tampering, establishing stricter penalties for more serious violations. The law differentiates the severity of offenses based on the nature of the evidence involved, which may help streamline charging decisions and clarify punishments for law enforcement and legal practitioners. Overall, this bill could have significant implications for the criminal justice system by reinforcing accountability in handling physical evidence and potentially deterring such offenses through clearer legal consequences.

Summary

House Bill 1539 aims to amend the penal code regarding the punishment for the criminal offense of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. The bill introduces changes to existing provisions in Section 37.09 of the Penal Code, specifying the degrees of felonies and misdemeanors associated with different types of evidence-related offenses. Notably, it establishes that tampering with a human corpse constitutes a felony of the second degree, whereas alteration or concealment involving evidence pertinent only to misdemeanors may result in a Class A misdemeanor charge.

Contention

While there are no recorded votes or heated discussions reflected within the documents provided, amendments to legal definitions and penalties often attract scrutiny regarding their effectiveness and fairness. Concerns may arise about the potential for over-penalization of certain actions and the equitable application of the law, particularly with regards to minor offenses involving evidence that may not significantly impact criminal investigations. These factors could lead to debates in legislative sessions or impact public perception of the justice system if the bill were to encounter opposition.