Relating to electronic monitoring as a condition of community supervision and parole for certain sex offenders.
Impact
The bill amends portions of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Government Code to obligate both community supervision judges and parole panels to institute electronic monitoring protocols. This change is expected to strengthen the state’s oversight of sex offenders, thereby enhancing public safety and potentially reducing recidivism rates among this population. The implications are considerable, as it centralizes authority on monitoring and creates a state-standardized process for tracking offenders under supervision.
Summary
House Bill 2760 introduces new requirements for electronic monitoring as a condition of community supervision and parole specifically for defendants required to register as sex offenders. Under this bill, judges are mandated to impose electronic monitoring by a tracking service which may include global positioning satellite technology for individuals granted community supervision. The bill is aimed at enhancing the monitoring of sex offenders by providing law enforcement with real-time tracking capabilities to ensure compliance with supervision conditions.
Contention
Some points of contention revolve around the financial implications for offenders who may be required to cover the costs of tracking services unless deemed indigent. Critics may argue that imposing such fees could disproportionately affect low-income offenders and complicate their reintegration into society. Furthermore, the requirement for real-time tracking could be viewed as an invasion of privacy, raising ethical concerns about the extent of surveillance implemented on supervised individuals. As such, discussions may arise regarding balancing public safety interests with the rights and rehabilitation prospects of offenders.
Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of indecency with a child and sexual assault and to a child safety zone applicable to a person on community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision for certain sexual offenses.
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.
Relating to the execution of a warrant issued for certain releasees who violate a condition of parole or mandatory supervision related to the electronic monitoring of the releasee.
Relating to the required approval of certain hospital visits as a condition of release on parole or to mandatory supervision for certain releasees and to the hospital's liability for damages resulting from those visits.
Relating to the required approval of certain hospital visits as a condition of release on parole or to mandatory supervision for certain releasees and to the hospital's liability for damages resulting from those visits.
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.
Board of Behavioral Sciences: marriage and family therapists: clinical social workers: professional clinical counselors: supervision of applicants for licensure via videoconferencing.