Relating to certain matters affecting the supervision of persons released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to certain hearings conducted concerning persons released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Impact
The implications of HB1940 are significant for both the administration of parole in Texas and the treatment of parolees. By refining the roles of the parole board and its commissioners, the bill attempts to establish a more structured process for handling parole and mandatory supervision. This could lead to increased compliance and oversight of parolees, aiming to enhance public safety while also addressing recidivism through established counseling and treatment requirements for substance abusers.
Summary
HB1940 aims to amend several provisions related to the supervision of individuals released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill outlines the powers of parole commissioners and board members in determining release conditions and specifications on how revisions to these conditions can be implemented. Additionally, it specifies the criteria under which parole and mandatory supervision may be granted, denied, or revoked.
Contention
There are points of contention within bill discussions, particularly concerning the conditions imposed on parolees, especially those related to substance abuse treatment requirements. Opponents might express concerns over the adequacy and availability of such treatments in various regions, fearing that inadequate resources could hinder successful reintegration into the community. Additionally, the bill's emphasis on sex offender restrictions raises concerns regarding civil liberties and the balance between community safety and individual rights.
Relating to certain personnel policies of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to certain related duties of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice.
Relating to the release on bail of certain persons charged with a violation of a condition of the person's release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Relating to the payment of certain fines and court costs by an inmate during a term of imprisonment or following release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Relating to the payment of certain fines and court costs by an inmate during a term of imprisonment or following release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Relating to the admissibility of hearsay evidence in a hearing for a person charged with a violation of a condition of release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.