Texas House Bill HB221

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/13/08
• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09
• Voted on by House: 5/7/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to delaying parole eligibility for an individual convicted of certain violent offenses who evades arrest and to the punishment prescribed for the offense of evading arrest or detention.

Impact

The implications of HB221 are substantial within the realm of state laws governing parole. By instituting these changes, the bill aims to hold individuals accountable for their actions, particularly those who evade law enforcement. This may result in a more rigorous approach to handling violent offenders, potentially affecting the overall prison population and altering the trajectory of parole cases in Texas.

Summary

HB221 focuses on modifying the parole eligibility criteria for individuals convicted of certain violent crimes who evade arrest. Specifically, the bill introduces a new provision that lengthens the delay in parole eligibility based on the duration between the issuance of an arrest warrant and the actual arrest of the individual. This adjustment is particularly significant for those convicted of offenses against minors, where the delay could extend by six years, while other violent offenses face a three-year delay.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill has raised points of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that this measure is necessary for public safety, particularly for the protection of vulnerable populations such as children. Conversely, critics express concerns about the extension of parole delays and its possible ramifications on prison overcrowding and rehabilitation efforts. They contend that such measures may disproportionately affect minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, raising questions about fairness in the criminal justice system.