Texas House Bill HB828

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to credit toward payment of a fine and costs for certain misdemeanants confined in jail or prison before sentencing.

Impact

The effect of HB 828 may significantly alter the landscape of misdemeanor sentencing in Texas. By allowing for credit towards fines based on prior confinement, the bill could potentially reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses stemming from individuals' inability to pay fines, thus addressing underlying economic factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Furthermore, the bill applies to any defendant sentenced after its effective date, ensuring it has immediate implications for relevant cases moving forward. This change could lead to a more equitable treatment of offenders, particularly those who might otherwise be financially disenfranchised.

Summary

House Bill 828 proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure in Texas, specifically focusing on the crediting of time served in jail or prison towards the payment of fines and costs for certain misdemeanants. The bill aims to ensure that individuals confined for other offenses are credited for that time when it comes to managing their financial obligations for misdemeanors. In particular, if a defendant was incarcerated following the commission of a misdemeanor, this legislation seeks to provide a pathway for the justice or judge to apply that time toward any fines imposed for the misdemeanor, potentially lessening the overall financial burden on the defendant.

Contention

While the bill is designed to create a fairer system for offenders, there may be concerns or disputes around its practical implementation. Critics could argue that the measure may incentivize non-compliance with fines or even encourage some individuals to serve multiple sentences to gain financial relief, albeit this perspective could overlook the systemic issues of poverty and access to justice faced by many defendants. Additionally, the amendment may prompt discussions on how it interacts with existing policies and judicial discretion, as judges may vary in their willingness to apply such credits to fines depending on individual circumstances.