Texas House Bill HB184

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to prosecutors providing information about the benefits and costs of a proposed sentence for a defendant in a criminal trial.

Impact

The introduction of Article 37.0701 requires prosecuting attorneys to calculate the financial cost of a proposed sentence, which enhances the focus on the fiscal responsibilities tied to incarceration. The aim is to provide a clearer picture of the economic burden that sentences impose on local governments, thus promoting a more informed decision-making process regarding sentencing. The bill compels the commissioners court of each county to calculate the average daily cost of confining a prisoner, ensuring that prosecutors have accurate and updated financial data to inform their recommendations during trials.

Summary

House Bill 184 seeks to amend the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure by introducing requirements for prosecutors during the penalty phase of criminal trials. The bill mandates that the prosecuting attorney articulate the reasoning behind their recommended sentence, including an analysis of the benefits and costs associated with that sentence. This new procedure aims to bring transparency to the sentencing process, allowing courts and defendants to understand not only the justification for a sentence but also its financial implications for the public and the justice system.

Contention

While the bill purports to foster accountability and transparency in sentencing, points of contention may arise regarding the accuracy of cost calculations or the way these costs are utilized. Opponents may argue that focusing on financial implications could detract from other crucial considerations of justice and rehabilitation in sentencing. Additionally, there is a potential risk that such financial analyses could lead to disparities in sentencing based on economic factors rather than the nature of the crime or individual circumstances, raising concerns about equity in the criminal justice system.