Texas House Bill HB2736

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the placement on community supervision of certain defendants convicted of a state jail felony.

Impact

The provisions established under HB2736 would primarily influence defendants serving sentences for state jail felonies, encouraging compliance with supervision terms while creating a more structured process for transitioning offenders back into the community. When defendants complete at least half of their imposed sentence, the bill mandates that they may be placed on community supervision unless specific exceptions apply, such as prior adjudications for serious offenses. This change aims to streamline the judicial process for managing offenders while attempting to reduce overcrowding in state jails and support resource allocation for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Summary

House Bill 2736 aims to amend the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure regarding offenders convicted of state jail felonies. The bill introduces significant changes to the process of community supervision, particularly when a defendant violates the terms of their supervision. Specifically, it allows for the forfeiture of previously earned time credits upon revocation, meaning that offenders face stricter consequences for non-compliance. Notably, it lays out the procedures for a judge to follow upon reaching the halfway mark of a defendant's sentence, including requirements for holding a hearing to determine suitable community supervision conditions.

Contention

Despite the intended objectives of HB2736, the bill may face scrutiny regarding its potential impact on rehabilitation. Critics might express concern that the forfeiture of time credits could disincentivize positive progress by offenders and increase recidivism rates, as strict penalties could lead to discouragement among those striving for reform. Additionally, the bill strengthens the authority of judges in determining community supervision terms, which may raise questions about consistency and fairness in sentencing among various districts. The balance between ensuring compliance and facilitating rehabilitation will be pivotal in the ongoing discussions surrounding the bill.