By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1483
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the review of clemency applications from certain
persons who were victims of human trafficking or family violence.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 48, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended by adding Article 48.015 to read as follows:
Art. 48.015. CLEMENCY REVIEW PANEL FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES.
(a) In this article:
(1) "Board" means the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
(2) "Clemency" means reprieves and commutations of
punishments and pardons.
(b) The board shall develop a process and form for persons
for persons convicted of an offense committed while under force,
fraud, duress or coercion as a result of being the victim of an
offense under Chapter 20A, Penal Code, or a victim of family
violence as defined in Chapter 71, Family Code to apply for
clemency. The board shall publish the application form on the
board's Internet website. An application for clemency may include
written recommendations from a majority of trial officials, as
defined by rule by the board, currently serving in the county in
which the person was convicted.
(c) On receipt of an application for clemency under this
article, the board shall review the application and, not later than
six months after the date they received the application, make a
recommendation to the governor regarding whether to grant clemency
to the applicant.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.