Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB989

Caption

Relating to a mandatory term of confinement for defendants placed on community supervision for the criminal offense of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of a person.

Impact

The implementation of SB989 will impact Texas law by introducing stricter penalties for individuals convicted of a serious offense involving motor vehicle accidents. It aims to ensure that offenders do not evade significant consequences that arise from such actions, thereby fostering a sense of justice for victims and their families. The bill specifically applies to offenses committed on or after its effective date, September 1, 2019. This means that cases decided prior to this date will continue to be governed by existing law, preserving legal consistency for earlier incidents.

Summary

SB989 is a legislative proposal focused on mandating a minimum term of confinement for defendants who are placed on community supervision after being convicted of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident that results in a person's death. This bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically introducing Article 42A.515, which stipulates that any individual convicted under the specified section of the Transportation Code must serve at least 120 days of confinement as a condition of their community supervision. This requirement aims to address the serious nature of the offense and enhance accountability among offenders.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB989 may stem from discussions about the appropriateness of mandatory confinement terms. Supporters may argue that the bill is necessary to deter individuals from leaving the scene of serious accidents, thereby enhancing public safety and accountability. Conversely, opponents of the bill might raise concerns regarding the effectiveness of mandatory confinement, citing issues such as overcrowding in prisons or the potential impact on rehabilitation efforts. The dialogue surrounding this bill could reflect broader societal values regarding justice, punishment, and victim rights.

Companion Bills

TX HB2502

Same As Relating to a mandatory term of confinement for defendants placed on community supervision for the criminal offense of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of a person.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5114

Relating to the award of work-for-time credits to certain persons placed on community supervision or released on parole or to mandatory supervision.

TX HB1728

Relating to the release on bail of certain defendants accused of committing a felony offense and the criminal consequences of committing a felony while released on bail for a prior felony; creating a criminal offense; increasing the minimum term of imprisonment for certain felonies; changing eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole.

TX HB361

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

TX HB1742

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole for persons convicted of intoxication manslaughter.

TX HB1163

Relating to creating the criminal offense of boating while intoxicated with a child passenger; changing the eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision.

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX HB2190

Relating to the terminology used to describe transportation-related accidents.

TX HB3854

Relating to creating the criminal offense of possession of an animal by a person convicted of multiple offenses involving animal cruelty and to conditions of punishment and community supervision for defendants convicted of certain criminal offenses involving animals.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.