Texas House Bill HB2100

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/7/09
• Voted on by House: 4/24/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/14/09

Caption

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 bill's impact on state law includes amendments to Section 508.254 of the Government Code, granting magistrates more discretion in the release of individuals on bond who are awaiting hearings for certain violations. This change is intended to alleviate the backlog in the criminal justice system while ensuring that the rights of individuals are respected. By specifying non-violent offenses that allow for bond release, the law aims to prevent excessive incarceration for individuals who do not pose a threat to public safety.

Summary

House Bill 2100 establishes new procedures for individuals charged with certain violations related to parole or mandatory supervision from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill outlines specific conditions under which a magistrate may grant bond release to individuals who are arrested for particular offenses, particularly administrative violations. The provisions aimed at clarifying the eligibility for bond release are designed to address the bureaucratic complexity currently faced by individuals in these circumstances.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2100 include discussions on the balance between public safety and the rights of individuals on parole. Some lawmakers may express concerns that granting bond release too easily could lead to increased risks to community safety, while others argue that the current system unnecessarily detains individuals who do not pose a threat and who deserve the chance for timely resolution of their cases.

Implementation

The law applies only to individuals charged after its effective date, ensuring that previous cases are unaffected by the new rules. This is an important element of the bill, as it provides clarity and a structured path forward for future violations while maintaining consistent legal standards for past cases.