Relating to the creation of a commission to review certain penal laws of this state.
Impact
The formation of this commission could lead to significant changes in Texas's penal laws by identifying statutes that lack efficacy or clarity. The commission is required to report its findings and recommendations to key legislative leaders and relevant judicial authorities, including the governor and chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. By potentially streamlining and reforming laws that may no longer serve their intended purposes, HB2804 aims to enhance the overall efficiency of the criminal justice system in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 2804 aims to establish a commission tasked with reviewing certain penal laws within the state of Texas. This commission will focus on laws that are not categorized as criminal offenses under the Penal Code or related to health and safety regulations. The legislative purpose of this bill is to evaluate existing laws to determine which may be deemed unnecessary, unclear, outdated, or overly broad, thereby contributing to the refinement of the state's legal framework.
Conclusion
Overall, HB2804 targets the improvement of Texas's penal laws through a systematic review, with the potential for substantial impacts on how these laws are applied and enforced. By allowing for a commission that can reassess the necessity and clarity of existing legislation, it opens opportunities for reform while also presenting challenges regarding oversight and legislative priorities.
Contention
While the bill's intentions are generally geared towards improving legal clarity and functionality, there may be concerns regarding the commission's composition and authority. The appointments are made by various high-ranking officials, which could lead to questions about the independence of the commission’s evaluations. Critics could argue that the review process might overlook certain critical laws that require protection, particularly those that address vulnerable populations or specialized legal concerns. Additionally, the limited lifespan of the commission, set to expire at the end of 2014, raises concerns about the sustainability of proposed reforms.
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 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.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to the creation of the Fifteenth Court of Appeals with jurisdiction over certain civil cases, the compensation of the justices of that court, and the jurisdiction of the courts of appeals in this state.
Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures regarding proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including the service of process and delivery of documents related to the proceedings, the administration of oaths, and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the composition of certain juvenile boards; establishing a civil penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.