Texas House Bill HB1271

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the award of good conduct time to certain inmates; changing parole eligibility.

Impact

The bill seeks to provide a clearer framework for earning good conduct time, which is critical for reducing periods of incarceration and facilitating timely parole, thus impacting a significant number of inmates under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The proposed changes would allow for good conduct time to also be awarded to inmates who diligently participate in voluntary work programs while in county jail, which was previously less structured. This ensures that such contributions could influence parole eligibility positively.

Summary

House Bill 1271 aims to amend the award of good conduct time to certain inmates in Texas, significantly altering their eligibility for parole. The bill proposes to extend good conduct time as a privilege that can be granted based on an inmate's behavior and participation in designated programs, aligning with existing statutes while making some changes to quantities and conditions for earning such time. Specifically, categorization criteria for good conduct time will become stricter, with the department determining eligibility based on both the classification of the inmate and their participation in various programs.

Contention

Notably, discussions around HB 1271 highlight concerns regarding the impacts of increased bureaucracy on inmates' ability to earn good conduct time and subsequently their chance for early release. Critics may argue that the changes could create barriers for those eligible for parole, particularly for certain inmates who may find it difficult to fulfill the structured criteria for good behavior during their confinement. Balancing punishment with rehabilitation remains a focal point of contention in the legislative discourse surrounding this bill.