H.B. No. 643
AN ACT
relating to the procedures for discharging bail in certain criminal
proceedings.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article 32.01, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended to read as follows:
Art. 32.01. DEFENDANT IN CUSTODY AND NO INDICTMENT
PRESENTED. (a) When a defendant has been detained in custody or
held to bail for the defendant's [his] appearance to answer any
criminal accusation, the prosecution, unless otherwise ordered by
the court, for good cause shown, supported by affidavit, shall be
dismissed and the bail discharged, if indictment or information be
not presented against the [such] defendant on or before the last day
of the next term of the court which is held after the defendant's
[his] commitment or admission to bail or on or before the 180th day
after the date of commitment or admission to bail, whichever date is
later.
(b) A surety may file a motion under Subsection (a) for the
purpose of discharging the defendant's bail only.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 643 was passed by the House on April
17, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 142, Nays 0, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 643 was passed by the Senate on May
15, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor