BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 298 85R1722 TSR-D By: Hinojosa Criminal Justice 3/10/2017 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT In 2015, the legislature required the Forensic Science Commission (FSC) to establish a process for licensing forensic analysts. By January 1, 2019, a person practicing in a forensic discipline subject to accreditation by Texas law may not act as a forensic analyst unless they hold a license. FSC is responsible for successfully licensing forensic analysts, supporting the licensing advisory board, and ensuring the efficient implementation of the program. S.B. 298 creates a General Revenue-Dedicated Account so that the licensing fee revenue is dedicated to FSC for the implementation of licensing as required by the statute. As proposed, S.B. 298 amends current law relating to the creation and funding of the Texas Forensic Science Commission operating account. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Article 38.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding Section 13, as follows: Sec. 13. TEXAS FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMISSION OPERATING ACCOUNT. Provides that the Texas Forensic Science Commission (FSC) operating account is an account in the general revenue fund. Requires FSC to deposit fees collected under Section 4-a (Forensic Analyst Licensing) for the issuance or renewal of a forensic analyst license to the credit of the account. Authorizes money in the account to be appropriated only to FSC for the administration and enforcement of this article. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 298
85R1722 TSR-D By: Hinojosa
Criminal Justice
3/10/2017
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 298
85R1722 TSR-D
By: Hinojosa
Criminal Justice
3/10/2017
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
In 2015, the legislature required the Forensic Science Commission (FSC) to establish a process for licensing forensic analysts. By January 1, 2019, a person practicing in a forensic discipline subject to accreditation by Texas law may not act as a forensic analyst unless they hold a license.
FSC is responsible for successfully licensing forensic analysts, supporting the licensing advisory board, and ensuring the efficient implementation of the program.
S.B. 298 creates a General Revenue-Dedicated Account so that the licensing fee revenue is dedicated to FSC for the implementation of licensing as required by the statute.
As proposed, S.B. 298 amends current law relating to the creation and funding of the Texas Forensic Science Commission operating account.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Article 38.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding Section 13, as follows:
Sec. 13. TEXAS FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMISSION OPERATING ACCOUNT. Provides that the Texas Forensic Science Commission (FSC) operating account is an account in the general revenue fund. Requires FSC to deposit fees collected under Section 4-a (Forensic Analyst Licensing) for the issuance or renewal of a forensic analyst license to the credit of the account. Authorizes money in the account to be appropriated only to FSC for the administration and enforcement of this article.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2017.