BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 446

By: Moody

Criminal Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that the classification of the instrument of knuckles as a weapon for purposes of the prohibition against weapons is unnecessary and outdated and that the instrument represents no danger to the general public. H.B. 446 seeks to address this issue by removing that instrument as a classified weapon for purposes of that prohibition.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 446 amends the Penal Code to remove the instrument of knuckles from among the prohibited weapons whose intentional or knowing possession, manufacture, transportation, repair or sale constitutes an offense.

H.B. 446 repeals Section 46.01(8), Penal Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.