Texas Political Lobbyist News: Texas 83rd Legislative Session Bill Update
The following is a synopsis of recently filed bills in the 83rd session.
HB32
Menendez
Relating to the punishment and civil consequences of prostitution
This bill would amend current penal codes regarding prostitution, elevating the penalties for various criminal activities related to this crime.Under the provisions of the bill, promotion of prostitution would be enhanced from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony if the actor has a previous conviction for this offense. Promotion of prostitution would be enhanced to a third degree felony if the person who provides prostitution services from which the actor receives money or other property is younger than 17 years old at the time of the offense or the actor solicits another to engage in sexual conduct with a person who is younger than 17 years old. Aggravated promotion of prostitution would be enhanced from a third degree felony to a second degree felony if any prostitute that is part of the actor’s prostitution enterprise is younger than 17 years old at the time of the offense. The bill would also add the offenses of prostitution enhanced to a second or third degree felony, promotion of prostitution enhanced to a third degree felony, and aggravated promotion of prostitution enhanced to a second degree felony to the list of offenses for which sex offender registration is required. The bill would take effect on September 1, 2013, and only applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
HB260
Callegari
Relating to requiring the use of an ignition interlock device for cars on conviction of certain intoxication related offenses.
This bill would require an ignition interlock device to be place on the vehicles of those under supervision after certain intoxication related offenses.
The bill would amend the Criminal Procedure and Transportation Codes to require an ignition interlock device be placed on the motor vehicle of persons placed on community supervision for certain intoxication offenses involving the operation of a motor vehicle. For intoxication offenses not involving a motor vehicle, the bill would also amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to make it discretionary in some instances and mandatory in others for the court placing a defendant on community service to require a defendant to have an ignition interlock device installed on the appropriate non-motor vehicle, i.e., aircraft, watercraft, or amusement ride. Where the defendant has been found guilty previously of an intoxication with any vehicle offense, if the person used a vehicle in the commission of the offense, the court must also require the defendant to drive motor vehicles equiped with an ignition interlock device. The bill provides an exception for a probationer’s use of a motor vehicle owned by the probationer’s employer. The bill would take effect September 1, 2013.