By: Johnson of Harris H.B. No. 1703
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the discharge by certain defendants of fines and costs
through community service.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article 45.041, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended by adding Subsection (b-6) to read as follows:
(b-6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter,
when imposing a fine and costs, the justice or judge may not require
a defendant who is under the conservatorship of the Department of
Family and Protective Services or in extended foster care as
provided by Subchapter G, Chapter 263, Family Code, to pay any
amount of the fine and costs. The justice or judge shall require
the defendant to perform community service to discharge the fine
and costs as provided by Article 45.049, 45.0492, as added by
Chapter 227 (H.B. 350), Acts of the 82nd Legislature, Regular
Session, 2011, or 45.0492, as added by Chapter 777 (H.B. 1964), Acts
of the 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 2011, as appropriate.
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies to a
sentencing proceeding that commences before, on, or after the
effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.