Relating to procedures for certain persons charged with certain new offenses or an administrative violation of a condition of release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on parole or to mandatory supervision.
Impact
The enactment of SB840 is expected to affect the legal proceedings surrounding parole violations and administrative offenses. By allowing magistrates the discretion to release certain individuals on bond before their hearings, the bill seeks to alleviate the burden on the penal system by reducing unnecessary detention for individuals who are not deemed a threat. This legislative change is aimed at promoting a more equitable approach to handling minor offenses and administrative violations, potentially leading to quicker resolutions of cases and reduced costs for the state.
Summary
SB840 aims to amend the Texas Government Code regarding procedures applicable to individuals charged with specific new offenses or for violating conditions of release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill provides that, pending a hearing for a parole violation or related charges, certain individuals may be eligible for release on bond based on specified criteria. This includes cases where the individual is charged only with administrative violations or minor new offenses and does not pose a threat to public safety.
Contention
Notably, the bill sets forth specific criteria under which individuals can be considered for bond, which can be seen as a proactive measure to ensure that non-violent offenders are not unfairly detained. However, there could be concerns from opponents who might argue that the bill may allow individuals who have committed prior offenses to evade appropriate consequences by getting released on bond. This could lead to discussions about public safety and the adequacy of the screening process that determines bond eligibility, raising questions about how best to balance the rights of the accused with community safety.
Identical
Relating to procedures for certain persons charged with certain new offenses or an administrative violation of a condition of release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on parole or to mandatory supervision.
Similar To
Relating to procedures for certain persons charged with certain new offenses or an administrative violation of a condition of release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on parole or to mandatory supervision.
Relating to the release on bail of certain persons charged with a violation of a condition of the person's release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Relating to the release on bail of certain defendants accused of committing a felony offense and the criminal consequences of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony; creating a criminal offense; increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for certain felonies; changing eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the release on personal bond of certain defendants charged with, or released on bail or community supervision for, certain family violence misdemeanors.
Relating to certain requirements of protective orders and conditions of release on bond and to the criminal penalties for violating those requirements and conditions.
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.