Texas House Bill HB345

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the creation of a commission to study intellectual and developmental disability determinations in capital cases in which the state seeks the death penalty.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant because it addresses the intersection of mental health and the justice system, particularly in death penalty cases. By examining how intellectual and developmental disabilities are determined, the commission may influence future legal standards and practices. This could lead to necessary reforms that ensure constitutional protections are upheld for defendants who may not fully comprehend the nature of their actions or the legal proceedings against them due to their disabilities.

Summary

House Bill 345 seeks to establish a commission tasked with studying the determination of intellectual and developmental disabilities in defendants facing the death penalty. The aim of the bill is to ensure that individuals who have such disabilities are properly identified in capital cases. The commission will be responsible for defining prevailing standards in this aspect and examining the percentage of defendants sentenced to death with these disabilities. Their findings and recommendations will be reported to key state officials, including the governor and legislative committees overseeing criminal justice.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB 345 may focus on the adequacy of current standards for assessing disabilities in the context of capital punishment cases. Some stakeholders might argue that existing procedures are insufficient, risking wrongful executions. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the potential lengthening of capital case resolutions and the impact on law enforcement's ability to pursue justice effectively. The establishment of this commission could also evoke debate on broader societal values regarding the death penalty and the treatment of individuals with disabilities.