Relating to the creation of a commission to review certain laws of this state that restrict the rights or activities of persons convicted of a felony offense and to make certain recommendations regarding those laws.
Impact
The potential impact of HB 2932 is significant, as it could lead to considerable changes in how the state addresses the rights of individuals with felony convictions. By evaluating existing laws, the commission may reveal areas where reforms can be made to promote rehabilitation and reintegration of former felons into society, enhancing their participation as productive members of the community. This could set the stage for broader criminal justice reform in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 2932 seeks to establish a commission tasked with reviewing all laws in Texas that limit the rights and activities of individuals convicted of felony offenses. Key rights subject to review include the right to vote, participation in jury service, and eligibility for specific occupational licenses. The creation of this commission aims to identify laws that may be excessively restrictive, with the potential for recommending amendments or repeals of such laws to ensure justice is served appropriately.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly from those who hold the view that restoring rights to individuals with felony convictions could undermine public safety. Proponents of the bill argue that these laws perpetuate systemic disenfranchisement and hinder successful reintegration efforts for former offenders. The debate around this issue will likely center on balancing the need for justice and rehabilitation against concerns regarding accountability and community safety.
Relating to the creation of a commission to review certain laws of this state that restrict the rights or activities of persons convicted of a felony offense and to make certain recommendations regarding those laws.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions, and authorizing under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate certain of those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.
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.
Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.