Texas House Bill HB3120

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the punishment for certain felony offenses committed by an inmate released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

Impact

With the enactment of HB3120, the dynamics of parole management are likely to shift considerably. The bill empowers judges to impose consecutive sentences for new felony convictions while a defendant is on parole. This change not only aims at deterring recidivism by making the consequences of reoffending more severe but also seeks to encourage compliance with parole rules. The automatic revocation clause is intended to streamline the process of handling violations, eliminating the need for separate hearings and expediting the re-incarceration of releasees who recommit offenses.

Summary

House Bill 3120 introduces significant amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code concerning the sentencing and supervision of inmates convicted of felonies while on parole or mandatory supervision. The bill establishes that if an inmate is released on parole or under mandatory supervision and subsequently commits a felony offense punishable under specific sections of the Penal Code, their parole or mandatory supervision will be automatically revoked. This amendment aims to enhance accountability and ensure that individuals are held responsible for their actions while under conditional release.

Contention

While proponents of HB3120 argue that stricter measures are necessary to ensure that parolees adhere to conditions of release and to protect public safety, critics may contend that the bill could lead to harsher penalties for individuals who find themselves in challenging situations that lend themselves to recidivism. Concerns have been raised regarding whether the automatic revocation of parole could disproportionately affect certain populations, potentially leading to overcrowding in prisons and increased burdens on the correctional system. The balance between punishment and rehabilitation remains a pivotal point of discussion in the ongoing debates about correctional reform.