Relating to the restoration of rights to certain persons convicted of a felony offense.
Impact
By stipulating that individuals who have been on parole for at least 10 years and have completed their supervision can regain their voting rights, the bill may greatly expand the electorate in Texas. This change reflects a growing movement towards criminal justice reform, emphasizing rehabilitation rather than punishment. Additionally, the amendments to the Penal Code regarding firearm possession could alter existing laws that traditionally prohibit firearm ownership for a much longer time for individuals with felony convictions.
Summary
House Bill 2676 focuses on the restoration of rights for individuals convicted of felony offenses in Texas. The bill proposes amendments to the Election Code and Penal Code, specifically addressing the conditions under which a person who has been released on parole or mandatory supervision can be considered to have fully discharged their sentence. This classification is crucial for determining eligibility to vote and for firearms possession after felony conviction.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2676 may arise from concerns regarding public safety and the potential implications of allowing individuals with felony records to possess firearms or vote. Proponents argue that the bill addresses long-standing injustices and aids reintegration into society, while opponents may express fears of increased risks associated with gun ownership among those with violent felony backgrounds. The discussion also delves into the broader issues of civil rights and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.
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.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
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.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.
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.
Relating to prohibiting a registered sex offender in certain circumstances from going within a certain distance of the residence of the victim of the offense for which the offender is subject to registration.
Practice of medicine; creating the Supervised Physicians Act; limiting scope of supervised practice; directing specified Boards to promulgate certain rules; requiring collaborative practice arrangements; creating certain exemptions; effective date.
Board of Behavioral Sciences: marriage and family therapists: clinical social workers: professional clinical counselors: supervision of applicants for licensure via videoconferencing.