Texas House Bill HB796

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/21/09
• Voted on by House: 5/1/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the disposition of property alleged to have been illegally acquired and to the use of the photographic evidence of that property in a criminal action.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance the efficiency of criminal procedures surrounding theft and the illegal acquisition of property. By permitting photographs as valid evidence, it provides law enforcement and prosecutors with the ability to present photographic documentation rather than requiring the physical presence of the alleged stolen items. This could potentially expedite cases and reduce the burden on both law enforcement and the courts, while still safeguarding the rights of the accused by ensuring they have access to evidence.

Summary

House Bill 796 relates to the disposition of property alleged to have been illegally acquired, specifically focusing on the use of photographic evidence in criminal actions. The bill amends existing provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure, stating that photographs of alleged stolen property can be used as admissible evidence in court. This change allows for a more flexible approach in legal proceedings where physical evidence might not be readily available, thus streamlining the prosecutorial process.

Contention

While the bill presents advantages in terms of procedural efficiency, it may also raise concerns regarding the integrity of evidence and the rights of defendants. Critics may argue that reliance on photographs alone could lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations of evidence, impacting fair trial rights. The balancing of expediency in prosecuting theft cases against the rights to detailed examination and inspection of evidence remains a point of contention in discussions around the bill.