Texas House Bill HB15

Texas 2023 - 88th 4th C.S.

• Filed: 11/7/23

Caption

Relating to a border crime property damage compensation program.

Impact

If passed, HB15 would significantly impact state laws governing compensation for property damage resulting from criminal activities that occur in connection with border crimes. The bill redefines 'border crime' and specifies the types of offenses that qualify for compensation under this program. This legislative change will formalize and potentially expand the scope of financial relief available to landowners and residents in border regions, ensuring a structured approach to compensating damages caused by these specific crimes.

Summary

House Bill 15 aims to establish a border crime property damage compensation program to provide financial support to individuals and businesses impacted by crimes linked to border-related activities. The bill seeks to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly focusing on landowners affected by property damage related to border crimes. The program would be administered by the attorney general and would act as a payer of last resort for these compensation claims, ensuring that those suffering from such crimes have an avenue for financial recovery.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB15 appears to be generally supportive among those who represent border communities, including many lawmakers who emphasize the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced in these regions. However, there are concerns that the implementation of this program might face logistical issues or lack sufficient funding in the long term. Some critics argue that the focus on border crime could lead to potential misallocation of resources or prioritizing certain crimes over others that are also significant.

Contention

Notable points of contention include how the program would be funded, as it relies on various sources including legislative appropriations and potentially the proceeds from forfeited property related to border crime. Critics also question the efficacy and breadth of the support offered, as the bill indicates that the attorney general’s office would not consider the outcomes of criminal prosecutions when deciding on compensation. This raises concerns about fairness and the risk of bureaucratic delays in processing claims for those impacted by border crimes.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

• Chapter 56a. Rights Of Crime Victims
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 59. Forfeiture Of Contraband
  • Section: New Section