Texas House Bill HB326

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to a study on the assessments used by the Board of Pardons and Paroles to make parole decisions.

Impact

Upon implementation, HB 326 is expected to enhance the decision-making framework of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. By systematically evaluating the effectiveness of the current assessment components, the study aims to yield findings that could lead to significant recommendations or changes in parole guidelines. The analysis will enable the board to identify potential weaknesses in the existing assessment methodology, thereby aligning the parole decisions more closely with recidivism outcomes and public safety.

Summary

House Bill 326 pertains to the evaluation of the assessment guidelines utilized by the Board of Pardons and Paroles in making parole decisions. The bill mandates a comprehensive study to investigate the effectiveness of these assessments in predicting recidivism rates amongst inmates who have been considered for parole. Specifically, the study will analyze inmates considered between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017, granting insights into parole success rates and failures by examining their subsequent criminal offenses.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, there are concerns regarding the limitations of the assessments currently in place and the implications of the study’s recommendations. Critics may argue that focusing solely on recidivism rates might overshadow the complexities of individual cases and the various factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Additionally, the bill proposes an expiration date for the section mandating the study, which could affect the sustained evaluation and adjustment of the parole assessment processes beyond 2019.