Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision of a person convicted of stalking and to the offense of improper contact with the person's victim.
Impact
By tightening the eligibility for community supervision, SB1021 impacts existing state laws significantly. It alters the Code of Criminal Procedure to prevent those adjudged guilty of specific serious offenses, including stalking, from benefiting from community supervision. This change signifies a shift towards more stringent controls within the justice system regarding how stalking and other violent crimes are treated. Proponents believe that this will lead to greater accountability and protections for victims, thereby enhancing public safety.
Summary
Senate Bill 1021 addresses the eligibility criteria for community supervision for individuals convicted of stalking and outlines improper contact with the victim. The bill seeks to limit the availability of community supervision for severe offenses related to stalking and other serious crimes, thereby aiming to enhance protection for victims. This legislation is intended to reinforce the seriousness of such convictions and prevent offenders from possibly exploiting community supervision to avoid serving time in prison for grave offenses.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding SB1021 appears to be supportive among advocates for victims' rights and legal reforms aimed at improving safety and justice for individuals subjected to stalking and similar offenses. While discussions may present opposing views on the severity of punishment and rehabilitation possibilities, many stakeholders agree that protecting victims is a priority. This aligns with trends in legislative reforms looking to prioritize the rights and security of victims over leniency for offenders.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the balance between punishment and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system. Critics may express concerns that the strict limitations on community supervision could lead to overcrowded prisons or may not adequately address the root causes of stalking behaviors. Also, some may argue that extending penalties could disproportionately affect individuals based on whether they can access effective rehabilitation programs, thus calling for a more nuanced approach to legislation that still contains safeguards for victim protection.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Code Of Criminal Procedure
Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 773. Emergency Medical Services
Section: 0614
Section: 06141
Section: 0614
Section: 06141
Section: 0614
Section: 06141
Section: 0614
Section: 06141
Section: 0614
Section: 06141
Section: 0614
Section: 06141
Section: 0614
Section: 06141
Penal Code
Chapter 38. Obstructing Governmental Operation
Section: 111
Section: 111
Section: 111
Section: 111
Chapter 42. Disorderly Conduct And Related Offenses
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.