Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1529

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to procedures for certain persons charged with a violation of a condition of release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on parole or to mandatory supervision.

Impact

The implementation of HB1529 could significantly alter how minor parole violations are handled within the Texas criminal justice system. If enacted, the bill aims to reduce the burden on individuals charged with administrative violations that occur after their parole conditions have been met by providing a more lenient approach compared to existing warrant issuance. The bill potentially serves to lessen the punitive measures faced by individuals who have shown compliance with parole requirements by maintaining stable employment and residence.

Summary

House Bill 1529 addresses procedures related to certain individuals who are charged with violating conditions of their release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice while on parole or mandatory supervision. Specifically, it amends Section 508.251(c) of the Government Code to allow the issuance of a summons instead of a warrant in specific circumstances. This bill proposes that individuals not classified as a high risk, such as those not on intensive supervision or considered a threat to public safety, may be required to appear at hearings rather than facing immediate arrest via warrants.

Contention

While the bill's intent is to create a more rehabilitative process for parolees, it also brings to light discussions regarding public safety and risk management. Critics may argue that this approach could undermine the strict conditions traditionally associated with parole, raising concerns about whether it adequately protects the community from individuals who may still pose a threat, even if they meet employment and residency criteria. The specific amendments regarding the conditions under which a summons may be issued are points of contention, reflecting a broader dialogue about the balance between rehabilitation and public safety in the context of parole legislation.

Companion Bills

TX SB380

Identical Relating to procedures for certain persons charged with a violation of a condition of release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on parole or to mandatory supervision.

Previously Filed As

TX HB948

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.

TX HB3685

Relating to the award of time credits to certain persons released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

TX HB5114

Relating to the award of work-for-time credits to certain persons placed on community supervision or released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

TX SB374

Relating to the period for disposing of a charge that a person violated a condition of release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX HB3603

Relating to the payment of restitution by a person released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

TX HB3547

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.

TX SB2127

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.

TX HB965

Relating to post-release housing for inmates released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

TX HB606

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.

TX HB3983

Relating to changing the eligibility for release on parole or to mandatory supervision of a person convicted of certain violent offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.