Relating to the discharge of a surety's liability on a bail bond in a criminal case.
Impact
The passage of HB2467 would significantly alter the procedures surrounding bail bonds by introducing clearer guidelines for how and when a surety can be discharged from their obligations. This change is expected to strengthen the enforcement of bail agreements by making it more difficult for sureties to avoid their responsibilities. Furthermore, the bill would likely impact how courts handle bail procedures, potentially affecting the strategic decisions that sureties make in securing bonds for defendants.
Summary
House Bill 2467 seeks to amend Article 17.16 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in Texas, concerning the discharge of a surety's liability on a bail bond in a criminal case. The bill establishes that a surety can relieve themselves of their undertaking before the forfeiture of the bond by either surrendering the accused into custody or by providing an affidavit that verifies the accused’s incarceration in federal or state custody. Notably, the bill specifies that if the accused is unlawful present in the U.S. and not a citizen, the surety must surrender them into custody directly rather than solely relying on an affidavit.
Sentiment
The general sentiment regarding HB2467 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, who argue that it brings much-needed clarity to Texas's bail bond laws. However, concerns may arise from opposition groups who feel that the bill could create loopholes or complicate the process for sureties. Therefore, legislative discussions may reflect a balancing act between making the system more efficient and ensuring adequate protections for defendants and their rights.
Contention
A notable point of contention is the requirement for sureties to surrender unlawfully present individuals rather than simply providing verification of their incarceration. Critics may argue that this requirement could burden local law enforcement and complicate situations involving non-citizens. Additionally, there are concerns about the implications that such changes could have on individuals' rights and their ability to post bail, which may lead to further legislative debates.
Relating to state, local, and court involvement in determining whether victims and witnesses to an offense and certain detained, arrested, or incarcerated persons are lawfully present in the United States.
Relating to state, local, and court involvement in determining whether victims and witnesses to an offense and certain detained, arrested, or incarcerated persons are lawfully present in the United States.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the notice provided by peace officers to adult victims of family violence.
Relating to the release on bail of certain defendants accused of committing a felony offense and the criminal consequences of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony; creating a criminal offense; increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for certain felonies; changing eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole.
Relating to the state's continuing duty to disclose exculpatory, impeachment, or mitigating evidence in a criminal case and prohibited retaliation against local assistant prosecutors for discharging that duty.