87R978 MAW-D
By: Thompson of Harris H.J.R. No. 10
A JOINT RESOLUTION
proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature
to enact laws providing for a court to grant a commutation of
punishment to a person who has successfully served the required
number of years on parole.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 11(a), Article IV, Texas Constitution,
is amended to read as follows:
(a) The Legislature shall by law establish a Board of
Pardons and Paroles and shall require it to keep record of its
actions and the reasons for its actions. The Legislature shall have
authority to enact parole laws, including laws authorizing a court
to grant a commutation of punishment to a person who has
successfully served the specified number of years on parole
required by law, and laws that require or permit courts to inform
juries about the effect of good conduct time and eligibility for
parole or mandatory supervision on the period of incarceration
served by a defendant convicted of a criminal offense.
SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 2, 2021.
The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the
proposition: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the
legislature to enact laws providing for a court to grant a
commutation of punishment to a person who has successfully served
the required number of years on parole."