TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1582

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1582

Caption

Relating to community supervision in this state and the waiver or modification of certain fees, fines, and costs imposed on certain defendants; changing fees applicable to community supervision or a defendant's participation in certain programs.

Impact

The implications of SB1582 are significant as it alters existing statutes related to community supervision in Texas. By permitting judges to waive or modify fees imposed on defendants who are financially unable to comply, the bill potentially reduces recidivism by making community supervision more accessible. Additionally, it facilitates participation in rehabilitative programs as a form of compliance, allowing for an integrated approach to community service and rehabilitation that considers individual circumstances.

Summary

SB1582 aims to reform the community supervision system in Texas by addressing the imposition and modification of certain fees, fines, and costs applicable to defendants under community supervision. The bill proposes that judges can allow defendants to meet their financial obligations related to community service requirements through community service if they demonstrate an inability to pay, thus shifting the narrative around accountability and financial hardship. The revisions suggest a more supportive approach to rehabilitation, acknowledging that financial barriers can hinder successful compliance with community supervision terms.

Contention

While supporters of SB1582 argue that this bill fosters a fairer and more equitable justice system, critics may point to concerns about its enforcement and potential mismanagement of community service programs. The bill's provisions on fee waivers may also lead to discussions around fiscal responsibility and whether providing such allowances undermines accountability in the supervision of offenders. Striking the right balance between rehabilitation and accountability appears to be a key point of contention in discussions surrounding this legislative reform.

Companion Bills

TX HB2724

Relating to community supervision in this state and the waiver or modification of certain fees, fines, and costs imposed on certain defendants; changing fees applicable to community supervision or a defendant's participation in certain programs.

Previously Filed As

TX SB460

Relating to the extension of the period of community supervision for certain defendants who fail to pay a previously assessed fine or cost.

TX HB5114

Relating to the award of work-for-time credits to certain persons placed on community supervision or released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

TX HB2742

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.

TX HB2380

Relating to credit toward payment of fines and costs for certain defendants.

TX SB352

Relating to credit toward payment of fines and costs for certain defendants.

TX HB1449

Relating to certain technical violations of conditions of community supervision.

TX HB401

Relating to automatic orders of nondisclosure of criminal history record information for certain misdemeanor defendants who successfully complete a period of community supervision following conviction; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1728

Relating to the release on bail of certain defendants accused of committing a felony offense and the criminal consequences of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony; creating a criminal offense; increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for certain felonies; changing eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole.

TX SB324

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision for certain repeat intoxication offenders.

TX HB2141

Relating to a hearing for an alleged violation of community supervision by a defendant and the manner in which that defendant is required to appear before the court.

Similar Bills

TX SB2188

Relating to community supervision.

TX HB3512

Relating to conditions of community supervision and procedures applicable to the reduction or termination of a defendant's period of community supervision.

TX HB385

Relating to conditions of community supervision and procedures applicable to the reduction or termination of a defendant's period of community supervision.

TX HB2724

Relating to community supervision in this state and the waiver or modification of certain fees, fines, and costs imposed on certain defendants; changing fees applicable to community supervision or a defendant's participation in certain programs.

TX HB2299

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain laws concerning community supervision granted in criminal cases, including conforming amendments.

TX SB1096

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain laws concerning community supervision granted in criminal cases, including conforming amendments.

TX SB803

Relating to a hearing for an alleged violation of community supervision by a defendant and the manner in which that defendant is required to appear before the court.

TX HB2141

Relating to a hearing for an alleged violation of community supervision by a defendant and the manner in which that defendant is required to appear before the court.