Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB831

Caption

Relating to the presence of a spiritual leader during an execution.

Impact

Under SB831, if the spiritual leader chosen by the condemned person is deemed a security risk, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice will have to ensure that an alternative spiritual leader from the same faith is provided. This amendment aims to balance security concerns with the condemned person's desire for spiritual comfort, which may set precedents for how spiritual support is integrated in other aspects of criminal justice practices in Texas.

Summary

Senate Bill 831 amends aspects of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure related to the presence of a spiritual leader during executions. The bill establishes that a condemned person can choose a spiritual leader to be present during their execution. The chosen spiritual leader must be in close proximity to the individual and not separated by barriers, promoting a more humane approach to executions by allowing spiritual support at a critical moment.

Contention

Despite the positive view surrounding the humanization of executions by allowing spiritual leaders, concerns remain about the potential for abuse in determining security risks. The process of evaluation could lead to discretion that might restrict the rights of condemned individuals unfairly. Additionally, the clause that final decisions regarding security risk assessments are not subject to judicial review raises questions about accountability and due process in high-stakes situations like executions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB792

Relating to the presence of a spiritual leader during the execution of a person.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB61

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX SB1996

Relating to certain personnel policies of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to certain related duties of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice.

TX HB1520

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB1590

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Leadership Scholars Program.

TX HB446

Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.