Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4287

Caption

Relating to changing the eligibility of persons charged with certain offenses to receive community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision.

Impact

The changes proposed by HB 4287 imply a shift towards harsher penalties for those convicted of serious offenses, thereby limiting alternatives to incarceration. By eliminating the possibility of community supervision for certain violent or severe crimes, the bill underscores a commitment to stringent sentencing measures. This could lead to increased prison populations, as individuals who would have otherwise qualified for community supervision will instead serve traditional prison sentences. Additionally, the bill affects sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Health and Safety Code, reinforcing legislative themes around criminal accountability.

Summary

House Bill 4287 seeks to amend the provisions regarding the eligibility of individuals charged with certain offenses to receive community supervision, particularly deferred adjudication community supervision. The bill introduces stricter criteria, disallowing certain high-severity offenses from qualifying for such supervision. These offenses include serious crimes such as murder, aggravated kidnapping, and various sexual offenses, significantly narrowing the scope of eligibility for community supervision. As a result, the bill is positioned as part of a comprehensive approach to criminal justice reform within Texas, focusing on the balance between rehabilitation and public safety.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4287 seems to be multifaceted. Proponents argue that it enhances public safety by ensuring that individuals convicted of serious crimes do not benefit from reduced sentences through community supervision, thereby holding offenders more accountable for their actions. Conversely, critics express concerns that the bill may perpetuate over-incarceration and fail to provide rehabilitative opportunities for those who might benefit from community supervision. The debate reflects ongoing tensions in legislative spheres over how best to address crime and punishment in a manner that balances societal protection with rehabilitative justice.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 4287 include the potential implications for incarcerated individuals and the broader community. By excluding certain offenses from receiving community supervision, advocates for reform suggest that the bill overlooks opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. This exclusion raises questions about the effectiveness of punitive measures in reducing recidivism rates. Additionally, discussions highlight the need for comprehensive support systems for offenders post-incarceration, which may be jeopardized by the stricter eligibility criteria introduced by the bill.

Companion Bills

TX SB1803

Same As Relating to changing the eligibility of persons charged with certain offenses to receive community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2742

Relating to increasing criminal penalties for the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances; changing the eligibility for community supervision, deferred adjudication community supervision, or mandatory supervision.

TX HB1629

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

TX SB324

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision for certain repeat intoxication offenders.

TX HB93

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain repeat intoxication offenders.

TX SB2019

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole of certain persons convicted of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault.

TX HB1227

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision of a person convicted of possession or promotion of child pornography.

TX HB1163

Relating to creating the criminal offense of boating while intoxicated with a child passenger; changing the eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision.

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 SB2042

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

Similar Bills

OK HB2051

Practice of medicine; creating the Supervised Physicians Act; limiting scope of supervised practice; directing specified Boards to promulgate certain rules; requiring collaborative practice arrangements; creating certain exemptions; effective date.

CA AB1421

Supervised release: revocation.

CA AB1758

Board of Behavioral Sciences: marriage and family therapists: clinical social workers: professional clinical counselors: supervision of applicants for licensure via videoconferencing.

CA AB1827

Criminal procedure: high-risk parolees.

WV SB260

Mandating extended supervision for defendants convicted of stalking and related felonious acts

WV HB2257

Relating to extended supervision for certain drug offenders

CA SB194

Probation: revocation: new period.

CA SB1024

Healing arts: Board of Behavioral Sciences: licensees and registrants.