Texas House Bill HB1205

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/2/11
• Voted on by House: 5/12/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 4/20/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/11
• Engrossed: 5/12/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/13/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/27/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the procedures for reducing or terminating community supervision and the establishment of certain time credits through which a defendant's period of community supervision is reduced.

Impact

The bill introduces time credit provisions that can significantly shorten the duration of community supervision for eligible defendants. Defendants may earn credits for fulfilling specific requirements such as full payment of court costs, fines, and restitution, as well as completing treatment or rehabilitation programs. The structure aims to incentivize compliance and successful rehabilitation, potentially alleviating overcrowded supervision systems. By recognizing achievements in treatment and community obligations, this bill provides a framework that can dramatically alter how community supervision is managed in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 1205 proposes a revision of the procedures surrounding the reduction or termination of community supervision imposed on defendants. The bill particularly addresses the timeline under which a judge can reduce or end a community supervision period. Specifically, it allows for a review process following the completion of one-third of the supervision term or two years, whichever is shorter, while mandating a judge's review after half of the term has been completed. This emphasizes a more structured approach to assessing defendants' eligibility for a shorter supervision duration based on their compliance with the imposed conditions.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of these provisions. Some stakeholders may argue that while incentivizing positive behavior is beneficial, there may also be risks related to public safety if supervision is terminated prematurely or if credits are granted too liberally. There is also a concern about the potential inequalities in access to programs that qualify for time credits, which may vary widely based on geographical and socioeconomic factors. Therefore, the balance between rehabilitation and accountability under this bill is likely to be a crucial topic of discussion among lawmakers.