Texas House Bill HB913

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of a commission to study capital punishment in Texas and to a moratorium on executions.

Impact

The bill introduces a moratorium on executions that will be effective from the date the bill is enacted until September 1, 2011. This temporary halt is designed to ensure that the commission can conduct its study and gather evidence without the pressure of pending executions. The establishment of such a commission indicates an acknowledgment of potential flaws within the capital punishment system, which may lead to significant reforms in how capital cases are prosecuted and reviewed in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 913 seeks to address issues surrounding capital punishment in Texas by establishing the Texas Capital Punishment Commission. This commission is tasked with studying significant aspects of capital punishment including the legal representation of inmates, the certainty of guilt regarding capital convictions, and the adequacy of appellate reviews. The intent of the commission is to gather comprehensive data that could inform future legislative amendments aimed at refining the capital punishment process in Texas.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding HB 913 may arise from differing opinions on the effectiveness and necessity of a moratorium on executions. Advocates for death penalty reform argue that the commission's study is essential for addressing concerns related to wrongful convictions, inadequate legal representation, and systemic biases in capital cases. Conversely, opponents may argue that a moratorium is unwarranted, suggesting that it undermines the enforcement of law and the gravity of capital crimes. The discussion around this bill reflects broader societal debates about the ethics of capital punishment and the pursuit of justice.