Texas Senate Bill SB1681

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/2/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/16/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/11/09
• Voted on by House: 5/20/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/21/09

Caption

Relating to requiring the corroboration of certain testimony to support a criminal conviction.

Impact

The introduction of SB1681 has significant implications for the criminal justice system in Texas. By mandating corroboration for in-custody informant testimony, the bill aims to provide safeguards against convictions that rely heavily on potentially biased or unreliable witnesses. This could lead to a reduction in wrongful convictions, thereby fostering a more trustworthy judicial process. The impacts of this legislation could be far-reaching in ensuring that only well-supported testimonies contribute to criminal convictions, likely impacting cases that have traditionally relied on informant testimonies.

Summary

Senate Bill 1681, introduced in Texas, seeks to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure by establishing requirements for the use of testimony from in-custody informants in criminal cases. The bill specifies that a defendant cannot be convicted solely based on the testimony of such informants unless there is corroborative evidence linking the defendant to the crime. This change is crucial in enhancing the reliability of testimonies used in court, thereby aiming to prevent wrongful convictions based on potentially unreliable informant statements.

Contention

While supporters advocate for stronger protections against unreliable testimony, there are concerns among law enforcement and legal professionals regarding the potential challenges this bill may impose on prosecuting cases. Critics argue that the requirement for corroboration could hinder investigations and complicate the prosecution of crimes, particularly where informants play a key role. There may also be apprehensions about how this change could alter the use of informants in ongoing investigations, possibly impacting plea deals and the willingness of informants to cooperate in exchange for leniency.