Texas House Bill HB2467

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/8/11
• Refer: 3/14/11

Caption

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.