Texas House Bill HB2869

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of an advisory committee to study issues related to community supervision and corrections departments.

Impact

The committee will comprise a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Criminal Justice, community supervision departments, district attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, judges, and experts in related fields. This structure ensures a wide range of perspectives, particularly emphasizing the needs of historically underserved communities. The recommendations from the committee aim to streamline grant processes and improve the equity in fund distribution, potentially leading to more effective community supervision practices across the state.

Summary

House Bill 2869 establishes an advisory committee aimed at addressing various issues related to community supervision and corrections departments in Texas. The bill mandates the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to appoint this committee, which will be responsible for studying funding mechanisms, evaluating the effectiveness of current grant funding formulas, and reviewing challenges faced by community supervision departments, particularly concerning funding adequacy and grant allocation processes. The committee's insights are intended to enhance public safety and reduce community supervision revocation rates.

Contention

A notable point of discussion surrounding HB 2869 is the reliance on fees paid by defendants on community supervision to fund department operations. The bill seeks to decrease this dependency, advocating for the needs of low-income individuals who may struggle under such financial burdens. By addressing these critical issues, the advisory committee has the potential to influence significant reform in the state's approach to community supervision and corrections, highlighting the urgent need for equitable and effective solutions in the criminal justice system.