Relating to increasing the penalty for causing injury to a child; changing the eligibility for community supervision.
Impact
The implications of this bill are significant as it amends Article 42A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, affecting how offenders may be sentenced and whether they can qualify for community supervision. By establishing clearer guidelines regarding eligibility, the bill aims to ensure that serious offenders who have caused harm to children face harsher consequences. Additionally, this change reinforces the legal principle that child victims should receive increased protection under the law, thereby encouraging more substantial penalties aligned with the nature of the offenses committed against them.
Summary
House Bill 2190 seeks to increase penalties for individuals found guilty of causing injury to a child, specifically by modifying the existing laws surrounding the offense as defined in the Penal Code. The bill proposes changes to the eligibility criteria for community supervision for certain offenders based on the severity and nature of their crimes against minors, especially those involving intentional or knowing actions that result in harm. This modification signals a stricter approach to dealing with crimes impacting children, reflecting a commitment to child safety and protection within the state's criminal justice framework.
Contention
While the bill may garner support as a necessary action to enhance child safety, it could also prompt discussions about the adequacy and fairness of such punitive measures within the broader context of the criminal justice system. Questions may arise regarding the balance between punishment and rehabilitation, particularly concerning the eligibility for community supervision, which can impact how offenders reintegrate into society. Critics may raise concerns that the bill's stricter penalties could disproportionately affect certain demographics or lead to overcrowding in correctional facilities, creating a counterproductive effect on the rehabilitation of offenders.
Relating to increasing criminal penalties for the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances; changing the eligibility for community supervision, deferred adjudication community supervision, or mandatory supervision.
Relating to prohibiting the possession of a firearm by a person in a criminal street gang; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties; changing eligibility for community supervision.
Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole of certain persons convicted of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault.
Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a firearm by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in certain criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.
Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a handgun by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.
Relating to the prosecution and punishment of juveniles who commit certain felony offenses while committed to the custody of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the waiver of jurisdiction and discretionary transfer of a child from a juvenile court to a criminal court; changing eligibility for community supervision.