Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB727

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to the eligibility for judge-ordered community supervision or for release on parole of certain defendants convicted of burglary with the intent to commit a sex offense.

Impact

The legislation is expected to strengthen the state's stance on serious crimes involving sexual offenses, contributing to the overall goals of increasing public safety and reducing recidivism among violent offenders. With the implementation of SB727, it will be more challenging for certain offenders to gain early release or community supervision due to the specified criteria, particularly aligning with concerns over potential risks posed by individuals with sexual offense convictions.

Summary

SB727 amends the eligibility criteria for judge-ordered community supervision and parole for defendants convicted of burglary with the intent to commit a sex offense. The bill's intent is to establish tougher standards for specific offenders, thereby enhancing public safety and ensuring that certain high-risk individuals face stricter scrutiny before being eligible for parole or community supervision. It introduces limitations on eligibility based on the nature of the offense and the involvement of a deadly weapon during the commission of the crime.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding SB727 is the balance between public safety and the rights of defendants. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to protect communities from high-risk offenders, while opponents may raise concerns about the fairness of denying parole opportunities to offenders who could demonstrate rehabilitation. Critics might argue that the bill simplifies complex cases and overlooks the potential for positive change in the lives of those who have committed offenses, fostering an environment that may not account for individualized circumstances.

Notable_points

Additionally, SB727 contains provisions that defer to previous laws governing offenses committed before the effective date of the new regulations, ensuring that existing legal standards are maintained for those cases. This consideration reflects an understanding of the legal and ethical implications of retroactively applying heightened restrictions on individuals who committed offenses prior to the passage of SB727.

Companion Bills

TX HB1620

Identical Relating to the eligibility for judge-ordered community supervision or for release on parole of certain defendants convicted of burglary with the intent to commit a sex offense.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1629

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision of a person convicted of certain burglary offenses.

TX HB3983

Relating to changing the eligibility for release on parole or to mandatory supervision of a person convicted of certain violent offenses.

TX SB23

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain felony offenses in which a firearm is used or exhibited and to certain consequences on conviction of certain offenses.

TX HB1728

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.

TX SB955

Relating to the release on parole of certain youthful offenders; changing parole eligibility.

TX HB93

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain repeat intoxication offenders.

TX HB4843

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain felony offenses in which a firearm is used or exhibited, to certain consequences on conviction of certain of those offenses, and to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony.

TX HB4502

Relating to jury instructions regarding parole eligibility, to certain conditions of bail and community supervision, and to the early termination of community supervision and the dismissal and discharge of deferred adjudication community supervision.

TX SB2019

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole of certain persons convicted of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault.

TX HB4014

Relating to prohibiting the carrying of a firearm by a member of a criminal street gang while engaged in certain criminal activity; creating a criminal offense; changing the eligibility for community supervision.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.