Texas House Bill HB3097

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the right of one immediate family member of certain deceased peace officers to make an oral statement regarding the terms of a plea bargain agreement.

Impact

The bill seeks to introduce a significant statutory change that enshrines the role of the family of fallen peace officers in judicial processes concerning plea bargains. By requiring the state attorney to inform the family about plea agreements and allowing a family member to speak publicly about their views on the deal, the legislation acknowledges the emotional and social impact of such loss on families and aims to incorporate their sentiments in judicial considerations. This could lead to a more comprehensive perspective on the justice process in cases involving peace officers.

Summary

House Bill 3097 proposes an amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure that grants the right for one immediate family member of a deceased peace officer, who died in the line of duty, to make an oral statement regarding plea bargain agreements related to their loved one's case. This provision aims to ensure that the family's voice is considered in legal proceedings that involve the tragic loss of a law enforcement officer due to alleged criminal behavior. The designated family member will represent the collective opinion of the immediate family concerning the plea deal offered to the defendant.

Contention

Some potential points of contention surrounding HB 3097 might include debates on the extent to which family opinions should influence plea bargains and sentencing. While supporters argue that including family voices is a matter of justice and acknowledgment of their trauma, critics might express concern about how this could affect defendants' rights. The balance between victim advocacy and criminal defense rights is a sensitive area, and there may be differing views on whether the inclusion of family statements could potentially bias the court's decision-making process.