Texas Senate Bill SB2106

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to authorizing a fee for certain pretrial intervention programs.

Impact

The introduction of this fee has the potential to impact several areas of state law related to criminal procedure, particularly the Code of Criminal Procedure. The amendment would add new provisions allowing counties to collect these fees and deposit the funds into a special county treasury for the benefit of pretrial services. This shift could standardize how counties manage and fund their pretrial programs and ensure that they can continue providing services necessary for monitoring defendants' compliance while they await trial.

Summary

SB2106 is an act that seeks to authorize county pretrial services offices to collect supervision fees from defendants participating in pretrial intervention programs. According to the bill, a fee not exceeding $60 per month may be imposed as a condition of participation in such programs. This legislative move aims to provide counties with a means of generating revenue to support the operational costs associated with pretrial interventions, which are designed to help manage defendants before trial, ideally reducing jail populations and improving outcomes for those awaiting court dates.

Conclusion

In summary, SB2106 represents a significant change in how Texas handles pretrial intervention programs. The potential benefits include enhanced funding for these county services, while possible downsides may arise relating to equity and access to justice for lower-income defendants who might struggle with additional financial burdens.

Contention

However, the bill may not be without its points of contention. Critics of the fee structure might argue that imposing such fees could disproportionately burden low-income defendants or those who may not be able to afford the additional financial obligations. As a result, there may be concerns regarding whether this could create barriers for individuals attempting to comply with pretrial conditions. Some advocates argue that pretrial services should not impose fees that penalize those who are already navigating a complex and challenging legal process.