Texas House Bill HB3355

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to electronic monitoring as a required condition of community supervision and parole for certain violent offenders.

Impact

The bill mandates that any defendant placed on community supervision for violent offenses must submit to electronic monitoring for no less than one year. Additionally, it provides stipulations that require releasees under parole to similarly comply with electronic tracking. Both groups will also need to refrain from tampering with the monitoring equipment and, unless proven indigent, pay the costs associated with the electronic monitoring services. This could mean significant changes in how the criminal justice system supervises individuals transitioning back into society.

Summary

House Bill 3355 is focused on implementing mandatory electronic monitoring as a condition of community supervision and parole for certain violent offenders in Texas. Under this proposed legislation, judges will be required to enforce electronic monitoring for defendants found guilty of violent crimes, as categorized under the specified sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This measure aims to increase public safety by ensuring that violent offenders are tracked throughout their supervised release period.

Contention

While proponents argue that HB3355 enhances safety measures and accountability for violent offenders, there are concerns regarding the balance of punitive and rehabilitative approaches in criminal justice policy. The imposition of electronic monitoring, including its costs and potential impacts on the treatment of indigent offenders, has raised questions about fairness and the effectiveness of such measures in deterring future crimes. Critics may also argue that excessive monitoring could infringe on personal freedoms and necessary support during reintegration into the community.