88R8751 JRR-D
By: Allison H.B. No. 2038
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of proceeds from the sale of forfeited property
to reimburse persons who suffered agricultural property damage as a
result of an offense involving the unlawful entry into the United
States.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article 59.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended by adding Subsection (v) to read as follows:
(v) As a specific exception to Subsection (c)(1), the office
of the attorney representing the state may use proceeds received
under this chapter for the purpose of providing reimbursements
under a program established by the office under Article 59.15.
SECTION 2. Chapter 59, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended by adding Article 59.15 to read as follows:
Art. 59.15. REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR AGRICULTURAL
PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM OFFENSE INVOLVING UNLAWFUL ENTRY
INTO UNITED STATES. (a) This section applies only to an office of
an attorney representing the state that:
(1) has executed a local agreement with law
enforcement agencies under this chapter; and
(2) is located in a county that borders the United
Mexican States.
(b) Each office of an attorney representing the state to
which this section applies shall:
(1) establish and administer a program to reimburse
persons who suffered damage to agricultural property as a result of
an offense that:
(A) is subject to the jurisdiction of the office;
and
(B) was committed in the course of or for the
purpose of unlawfully entering the United States;
(2) establish:
(A) eligibility criteria for reimbursements
under Subdivision (1);
(B) reimbursement application procedures; and
(C) procedures for evaluating reimbursement
applications; and
(3) use proceeds received by the office under this
chapter for the purpose of providing reimbursements under
Subdivision (1).
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.