TX
Texas House Bill HB2012

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2012

Caption

Relating to conditions of community supervision for defendants convicted of certain criminal offenses involving animals.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2012 would impact sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure relating to community supervision, explicitly applying to defendants convicted of designated animal-related offenses. The bill's provisions would ensure that judges have the authority to prevent offenders from having contact with animals, which some advocates argue is crucial for enhancing the welfare of animals and preventing future offenses. This change could also influence the decisions made by judges in sentencing, providing a framework for addressing cases of animal cruelty more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 2012 aims to amend the conditions of community supervision for defendants convicted of specific criminal offenses involving animals. The bill allows judges to impose stricter conditions when granting community supervision, including the requirement for defendants to relinquish custody of animals, prohibiting them from possessing animals, and mandating participation in counseling or treatment programs. This legislative move reflects a growing concern regarding the treatment of animals and seeks to establish clearer guidelines within the criminal justice system for those who violate animal welfare laws.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2012 appears to be supportive among animal welfare advocates who view the bill as a necessary step towards protecting animals from potential harm. However, there may be some contention among legal practitioners and defendants' rights groups who could argue that such measures may impose excessive restrictions on individuals still undergoing legal processes. The discussions indicate a balancing act between the need for community protection and the rights of individuals accused of crimes.

Contention

One notable point of contention in discussions around HB 2012 revolves around the implications of prohibiting defendants from possessing animals and undergoing psychological treatment. Critics could potentially argue that mandatory restrictions might infringe on the rights of individuals, particularly in cases where the animal in question is not involved in the offense or when rehabilitation could be effectively implemented. This highlights an essential debate regarding the scope of punishment in relation to rehabilitation and public safety.

Companion Bills

TX SB804

Same As Relating to conditions of community supervision for defendants convicted of certain criminal offenses involving animals.

TX SB804

Same As Relating to conditions of community supervision for defendants convicted of certain criminal offenses involving animals.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3854

Relating to creating the criminal offense of possession of an animal by a person convicted of multiple offenses involving animal cruelty and to conditions of punishment and community supervision for defendants convicted of certain criminal offenses involving animals.

TX HB1449

Relating to certain technical violations of conditions of community supervision.

TX HB1629

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision of a person convicted of certain burglary offenses.

TX HB4843

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain felony offenses in which a firearm is used or exhibited, to certain consequences on conviction of certain of those offenses, and to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony.

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 HB4502

Relating to jury instructions regarding parole eligibility, to certain conditions of bail and community supervision, and to the early termination of community supervision and the dismissal and discharge of deferred adjudication community supervision.

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 HB4014

Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a firearm by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in certain criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.

TX SB23

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain felony offenses in which a firearm is used or exhibited and to certain consequences on conviction of certain offenses.

TX HB4642

Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.