Texas House Bill HB3001

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/11
• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Voted on by House: 5/12/11
• Refer: 3/17/11
• Report Pass: 4/26/11
• Engrossed: 5/12/11
• Refer: 5/12/11

Caption

Relating to the monitoring of and provision of certain information regarding certain high-risk sex offenders; providing a penalty.

Impact

The introduction of HB3001 aims to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure by adding provisions regarding affirmative findings for high-risk offenders, particularly those convicted of serious sexual offenses. By requiring electronic monitoring, the bill intends to enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to supervise offenders after their release. This effort is seen as a proactive measure to reduce recidivism rates and protect the public from potential harm posed by high-risk individuals. Moreover, the bill provisions specify that offenders will bear the costs of monitoring if they are not indigent, which could affect compliance and program funding.

Summary

House Bill 3001, titled 'Relating to the monitoring of and provision of certain information regarding certain high-risk sex offenders,' seeks to establish a framework for the electronic monitoring of specific high-risk sex offenders in Texas. This bill proposes the implementation of monitoring systems that will track the locations of offenders who have been discharged from penal institutions and have been determined likely to re-offend. The bill emphasizes the need for stringent monitoring to ensure community safety and hold offenders accountable post-incarceration.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that electronic monitoring will help track and manage high-risk sex offenders effectively, concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of monitoring data have been raised. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding the financial burden on offenders not classified as indigent, as the costs could lead to financial strain for some individuals. Nevertheless, supporters assert that the benefits to public safety and the potential for reduced rates of sexual offenses justify these measures, highlighting a significant tension between community safety and individual rights.