Texas House Bill HB1940

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/25/11
• Introduced: 3/1/11
• Voted on by House: 4/27/11
• Refer: 3/7/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/23/11
• Report Pass: 3/24/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/11
• Engrossed: 4/27/11
• Refer: 5/3/11
• Report Pass: 5/23/11

Caption

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.