|
|
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
relating to the creation of the offense of prohibited conduct of a |
|
bail bond surety. |
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
SECTION 1. Chapter 38, Penal Code, is amended by adding |
|
Section 38.124 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 38.124. PROHIBITED CONDUCT OF BAIL BOND SURETY. (a) A |
|
person who is a surety on a bail bond in a criminal case commits an |
|
offense if the person knowingly prepares, provides, or otherwise |
|
makes available to the defendant in the case a form for a motion to |
|
reduce the amount of the defendant's bond or for a motion to change |
|
the conditions of the defendant's bond. |
|
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that |
|
the actor is currently licensed to practice law in this state, |
|
another state, or a foreign country and in good standing with the |
|
State Bar of Texas and the state bar or licensing authority of any |
|
and all other states and foreign countries where licensed. |
|
(c) An offense under this section is a state jail felony. |
|
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. |