Texas Senate Bill SB972

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/27/11
• Introduced: 2/25/11
• Refer: 3/8/11
• Report Pass: 4/27/11

Caption

Relating to the taking of a defendant's bail bond by county jailers.

Impact

The passage of SB972 is expected to have significant implications for the criminal justice system in Texas. By allowing county jailers to take bail bonds, the bill could reduce the workload of sheriffs and other peace officers, allowing them to focus on law enforcement duties. Furthermore, it could lead to a more efficient process for defendants seeking release on bail, potentially easing overcrowding in jails and promoting faster case resolutions.

Summary

Senate Bill 972 focuses on the authority of county jailers to take bail bonds from defendants. This legislation amends the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to explicitly recognize licensed jailers as officers who can manage bail bonds. These amendments aim to streamline the bail process for both misdemeanors and felonies, thus facilitating the effective administration of justice. By expanding the definition of who can take bail bonds, SB972 addresses practical considerations in managing inmates awaiting trial.

Contention

During discussions around SB972, there were concerns regarding the oversight and training of county jailers in taking bail bonds. Critics of the bill raised questions about whether county jailers are sufficiently equipped to handle the financial responsibility associated with bail proceedings. This raised debates about potential disparities in how bail might be handled across different counties, depending on the level of training and resources available to jail personnel.