TX
Texas House Bill HB894

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB894

Caption

Relating to placement on community supervision of a defendant convicted of certain felony possession offenses under the Texas Controlled Substances Act; changing eligibility for and conditions of community supervision.

Impact

The implications of HB 894 are significant for criminal justice in Texas, particularly in how the state approaches felony possession offenses. The bill's changes potentially help in reducing the number of individuals incarcerated for drug-related offenses by promoting community supervision as an alternative to prison sentences. Moreover, it offers a pathway for defendants to have their charges dismissed following successful completion of community supervision, which could lead to positive outcomes for the individuals affected and aid in reducing recidivism in substance-related offenses.

Summary

House Bill 894 pertains to the placement on community supervision of defendants convicted of certain felony possession offenses under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. The bill aims to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure by establishing specific eligibility requirements and conditions regarding community supervision for such offenses. By setting a maximum community supervision period of three years and a minimum of 90 days for specific cases, the bill seeks to provide a structured framework for managing low-level drug offenses, thus moving towards potential rehabilitation rather than incarceration for these offenses.

Contention

While supporters of the bill argue that it addresses over-incarceration and facilitates rehabilitation, there may be contention surrounding the interpretation of its eligibility criteria and the effectiveness of community supervision compared to traditional sentencing. Critics might fear that community supervision could be mismanaged or not provide adequate support for substance abuse treatment, impacting its overall success. Further, the stipulation that prior convictions cannot be used if charges were dismissed might generate debate over the potential implications for repeat offenders and public safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2742

Relating to increasing criminal penalties for the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances; changing the eligibility for community supervision, deferred adjudication community supervision, or mandatory supervision.

TX SB23

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain felony offenses in which a firearm is used or exhibited and to certain consequences on conviction of certain offenses.

TX HB1629

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision of a person convicted of certain burglary offenses.

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 HB1227

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision of a person convicted of possession or promotion of child pornography.

TX SB2019

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole of certain persons convicted of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault.

TX HB4843

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain felony offenses in which a firearm is used or exhibited, to certain consequences on conviction of certain of those offenses, and to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony.

TX SB324

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision for certain repeat intoxication offenders.

TX HB93

Relating to changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain repeat intoxication offenders.

TX HB4502

Relating to jury instructions regarding parole eligibility, to certain conditions of bail and community supervision, and to the early termination of community supervision and the dismissal and discharge of deferred adjudication community supervision.

Similar Bills

TX HB4594

Relating to the punishment for certain possession offenses under the Texas Controlled Substances Act; changing eligibility for and conditions of community supervision.

TX HB3016

Relating to the eligibility of a criminal defendant for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.

TX SB1340

Relating to the eligibility of a criminal defendant for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information.

TX HB2556

Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB1685

Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

IA HF670

A bill for an act providing for veterinary medicine, including the care of animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 640, HSB 139.) Effective date: 06/01/2023, 07/01/2024.

TX HB3547

Relating to the eligibility of certain criminal defendants for an order of nondisclosure of criminal history record information; authorizing a fee.

IA SF541

A bill for an act providing for veterinary medicine, including the care of animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1183.)