Texas Senate Bill SB1248

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a community supervision and corrections department policy regarding supervision officer meetings and visits.

Impact

The adoption of this bill would significantly impact the operational procedures of community supervision and corrections departments across Texas. By requiring departments to create policies that accommodate the schedules of defendants, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of community supervision programs. This could result in improved participation by defendants in their supervision processes, thereby potentially reducing the chances of violations due to unmanageable meeting schedules.

Summary

Senate Bill 1248 is designed to establish clear policies for community supervision and corrections departments regarding the scheduling of meetings and visits with defendants on community supervision. The bill aims to ensure that the supervision officers consider the personal schedules of defendants, including their work, treatment, or community service obligations, when arranging necessary meetings or visits. This change is intended to promote better compliance and support for defendants under supervision by aligning meeting times with their personal commitments.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of such policies, particularly concerning how departments will balance the needs of the defendants with the requirements of community supervision. Some may argue that while it is essential to consider defendants' schedules, it could pose challenges in maintaining oversight and ensuring that all supervision requirements are met timely. Additionally, the bill could lead to discussions on the resources required for departments to effectively develop and implement these policies, particularly in jurisdictions with limited budgets or staffing.