Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2339

Caption

Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of information concerning the release on bond of persons charged with committing a violent offense.

Impact

This legislation modifies Chapter 17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by introducing Article 17.50, which stipulates that as soon as a magistrate releases an individual on bond for a violent offense, necessary details must be communicated to the sheriff. The sheriff is then responsible for entering the information into the crime database. This will facilitate a more efficient flow of information within law enforcement agencies and could aid in preventing violent crimes by keeping a record of individuals who might pose a risk to the community after their release from custody.

Summary

House Bill 2339 aims to enhance public safety by mandating that specific information regarding the release on bond of individuals charged with violent offenses is recorded in the Texas Crime Information Center. The bill outlines the responsibilities of magistrates, sheriffs, and the Department of Public Safety in relation to this new requirement. It ensures that timely updates are made to the law enforcement information system regarding those individuals, which is critical for monitoring potentially dangerous offenders upon their release.

Contention

Key points of contention in discussions around HB 2339 revolve around the balance between public safety and individual rights. Supporters argue that the bill is a proactive measure to keep communities safe from potential re-offenders by ensuring that law enforcement has accurate and accessible information about those charged with serious crimes. However, critics may express concerns regarding the potential for these measures to infringe upon the rights of individuals who have yet to be convicted, highlighting the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.

Notable_points

One significant aspect of HB 2339 is its definition of 'violent offenses', which includes a variety of serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, and aggravated robbery. This broad scope means that the bill impacts a considerable number of cases, prompting discussions on the implications for how individuals charged with these offenses are treated within the criminal justice system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB767

Relating to the entry into the Texas Crime Information Center of certain information regarding conditions of bond for stalking offenses.

TX HB5202

Relating to a central database containing information about offenders who have committed certain violent 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.

TX SB1318

Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the notice provided by peace officers to adult victims of family violence.

TX HB3400

Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1279

Relating to the release on personal bond of certain defendants with a mental illness or an intellectual disability.

TX HJR94

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to set a minimum amount of monetary bond for persons charged with certain felony offenses involving violence and requiring the denial of bail to a person accused of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony under most circumstances.

TX SB1010

Relating to requiring the denial of bail to a person accused of committing certain trafficking or sexual offenses against a child while released on bail for committing a similar offense.

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 HB948

Relating to the release on bail of certain persons charged with a violation of a condition of the person's release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.