Texas Senate Bill SB1169

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to confinement as a condition of community supervision.

Impact

The implications of SB1169 on Texas criminal justice laws are significant. By enabling judges to impose confinement conditions that are more tailored to individual cases, the bill may contribute to a more personalized approach to supervision. The potential ability for judges to enact confinement at different stages may encourage defendants to adhere to supervision conditions, as they could face confinement based on behavior rather than strict guidelines. This could alter how community supervision is perceived and applied, balancing the need for accountability with the opportunity for rehabilitation.

Summary

SB1169, sponsored by Senator Uresti, is a legislative act aimed at amending the provisions of community supervision as it relates to confinement conditions. The bill permits judges greater discretion in imposing terms of confinement as part of the community supervision process. Specifically, it allows judges to impose confinement at any point during the supervision period, not just at the initial imposition, and offers flexibility in the length of confinement, permitting terms to be set in smaller increments than previously mandated. This change is intended to give judges more tools to manage defendants under community supervision, potentially leading to better outcomes in terms of compliance and rehabilitation.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has faced scrutiny and debate among stakeholders. Critics may voice concerns regarding the potential for increased incarceration rates, suggesting that the increased authority granted to judges could lead to disproportionate sentencing practices. Questions about the adequacy of resources to support a more flexible system of confinement could also arise, highlighting the need for sufficient programs that aid in rehabilitation rather than solely punitive measures. Thus, while the bill may enhance judicial discretion, it also raises issues regarding equity and the ongoing challenge of prison overcrowding in Texas.