TX
Texas House Bill HB50

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB50

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the discharge or waiver of fines and costs imposed on indigent defendants.

Impact

The passage of HB 50 would reform existing statutes, enabling courts to waive fines imposed on indigent defendants when deemed appropriate. It allows for community service to be a viable option in lieu of paying these fines, creating an alternative that could reduce recidivism by focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Overall, this could lead to a significant shift in how justice is administered for economically disadvantaged individuals in the state of Texas.

Summary

House Bill 50 is designed to address the treatment of indigent defendants regarding fines and costs imposed by the court. The bill proposes amendments to several articles within the Code of Criminal Procedure, allowing judges more flexibility in waiving fines and costs for defendants who prove their inability to pay. It aims to lessen the financial burden on those who cannot afford to fulfill financial penalties without undergoing undue hardship.

Contention

While the bill aims to protect the rights of indigent defendants, there remains some debate regarding its potential implications. Advocates for the bill argue that it promotes a more equitable legal system and alleviates the burden on those who are financially disadvantaged. Critics, however, may express concerns about the effectiveness of community service as a remedy and whether it truly addresses the root issues of poverty and its connection to crime.

Companion Bills

TX HB351

Duplicate Relating to the administrative, civil, and criminal consequences, including fines, fees, and costs, imposed on persons arrested for, charged with, or convicted of certain criminal offenses and to the creation of a commission to review certain penal laws of this state; increasing a criminal penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2380

Relating to credit toward payment of fines and costs for certain defendants.

TX SB352

Relating to credit toward payment of fines and costs for certain defendants.

TX HB2909

Relating to the imposition of fines and costs for a defendant who is younger than 18 years of age.

TX HB303

Relating to a justice or municipal court's authority to order a defendant confined in jail for failure to pay a fine or cost or for contempt and to the authority of a municipality to enforce the collection of certain fines by imprisonment of the defendant.

TX HB1921

Relating to the amount of a fine and costs discharged by a defendant while confined in jail or engaged in labor.

TX SB1921

Relating to the payment of certain fines and costs by a defendant.

TX HB734

Relating to a defendant's discharge of fines and costs through community service.

TX HB1528

Relating to magistration proceedings for criminal defendants and the retention of related records, to services and representation provided to indigent criminal defendants and indigent juveniles, and to the governance and administration of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.

TX HB4504

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including conforming amendments.

TX HB3186

Relating to youth diversion strategies and procedures for children accused of certain fine-only offenses in municipal and justice courts and related criminal justice matters; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.