TX
Texas House Bill HB1205

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1205

Filed
 
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  
Bill Becomes Law
 
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.

Companion Bills

TX SB1077

Identical Relating to the establishment of certain time credits through which a defendant's period of community supervision is reduced.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5177

Relating to a defendant's eligibility for reduction or termination of community supervision.

TX HB5114

Relating to the award of work-for-time credits to certain persons placed on community supervision or released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

TX HB4502

Relating to jury instructions regarding parole eligibility, to certain conditions of bail and community supervision, and to the early termination of community supervision and the dismissal and discharge of deferred adjudication community supervision.

TX HB2141

Relating to a hearing for an alleged violation of community supervision by a defendant and the manner in which that defendant is required to appear before the court.

TX HB1449

Relating to certain technical violations of conditions of community supervision.

TX HB361

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX HB2742

Relating to increasing criminal penalties for the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances; changing the eligibility for community supervision, deferred adjudication community supervision, or mandatory supervision.

TX SB460

Relating to the extension of the period of community supervision for certain defendants who fail to pay a previously assessed fine or cost.

TX HB3685

Relating to the award of time credits to certain persons released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

TX HB2113

Relating to the issuance of a warrant for a violation of a condition of community supervision.

Similar Bills

TX HB385

Relating to conditions of community supervision and procedures applicable to the reduction or termination of a defendant's period of community supervision.

TX HB3512

Relating to conditions of community supervision and procedures applicable to the reduction or termination of a defendant's period of community supervision.

TX SB2188

Relating to community supervision.

TX HB361

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX HB232

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX HB1389

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX SB1462

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX HB624

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.