Texas House Bill HB155

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to notice provided to a court regarding a defendant confined in a state jail felony facility.

Impact

The legislation impacts state laws governing the criminal justice system, particularly Article 42A.558 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It aims to establish a clear protocol for keeping judges informed about the duration of a defendant’s confinement, which is vital for decisions regarding parole, sentencing adjustments, and further court proceedings. This change is particularly significant for cases involving state jail felonies, as it introduces a systematic approach to record-keeping and judicial notification that was previously more ad-hoc.

Summary

House Bill 155 focuses on enhancing the notification process for courts regarding defendants who are confined in state jail felony facilities. The bill mandates that upon request from a judge, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) must notify the court electronically when a defendant has served 75 days of their sentence. This is intended to streamline communication between the TDCJ and the judicial system, ensuring that judges remain informed about the status of defendants in a more timely manner.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around HB155 appears to be supportive among legislators, given its unanimous passage in the House with 146 votes in favor and only one against during the readings. The sentiments shared in legislative discussions likely reflect a consensus on the importance of improving judicial oversight and communication within the criminal justice framework. The bill is seen as a practical step towards increasing efficiency and accountability in how courts handle the information connected to incarcerated defendants.

Contention

Despite its generally positive reception, there may be underlying concerns related to the administrative burden placed on the TDCJ to ensure timely notifications for all applicable defendants. While the bill's intent is to streamline processes, any operational challenges that could arise from this requirement may be points of contention in future discussions or evaluations of the bill's effectiveness. Additionally, there were no significant public opposing views expressed in the documentation reviewed, indicating a favorable alignment among stakeholders on the need for improved notification practices.