HBA-KMH H.B. 899 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 899 By: Dutton Criminal Jurisprudence 4/8/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Article 59.01(2), Code of Criminal Procedure, provides for the forfeiture of property used in the commission of a first or second degree felony. Other statutes also provide for the confiscation of proceeds gained and or acquired through the use of certain property in the commission of a first or second degree felony. In many cities, misdemeanors such as prostitution are no longer limited to "red light districts" but are being solicited by strangers driving into neighborhoods looking for prostitutes without regard for the residents. H.B. 899 includes motor vehicle in the definition of "contraband," if it is used in the commission of certain misdemeanors. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Article 59.01(2), Code of Criminal Procedure, to include "a motor vehicle" in the definition of "contraband," if it is used in the commission of a misdemeanor under Section 43.02(a)(2) (Prostitution), Penal Code. Makes nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective as to the forfeiture of contraband. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 4. Emergency clause.