Texas House Bill HB1577

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/24/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/20/23
• Voted on by House: 5/11/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/23
• Governor Action: 6/12/23

Caption

Relating to changing the eligibility for mandatory supervision of an inmate serving a sentence for or previously convicted of certain assaults.

Impact

The bill will have a significant impact on state laws concerning parole and supervision. By enabling the parole board to exercise discretion on more categories of violent crimes, the legislation aims to bolster public safety and addresses concerns raised by advocacy groups regarding the risk of re-offending. Furthermore, existing protocols surrounding mandatory supervision will be tightened, potentially resulting in longer incarceration periods for individuals convicted of serious assaults. The changes will come into effect on September 1, 2023, indicating an immediate shift in applicable regulations.

Summary

House Bill 1577 seeks to amend the criteria for which inmates may be released under mandatory supervision in Texas. Specifically, it adds certain assault offenses to the list of crimes ineligible for automatic release unless the parole board assesses the individual’s rehabilitation potential and the risk they pose to public safety. This legislative move reflects a growing sentiment to increase restrictions on parole for violent offenders, particularly aimed at enhancing protections for vulnerable populations, such as women.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1577 is largely supportive, especially from organizations focused on victims' rights, such as Crime Stoppers of Houston. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step toward preventing potential future violence against victims and ensuring offenders are not prematurely released without adequate assessment. Critics, however, may express concerns about the implications of increased incarceration rates and whether such measures address the root causes of violence.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1577 revolve around the balance between rehabilitation and public safety. Proponents highlight the need for strict regulations surrounding violent offenders, especially given the historical ineffectiveness of parole systems that failed to take into account the unique circumstances of various violent crimes. While enhancing public safety is a priority, some advocates worry about the potential consequences for prison overcrowding and the judicial system's ability to manage increasing numbers of violent offenders without sufficient resources.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 508. Parole And Mandatory Supervision
  • Section: 149
  • Section: 149
  • Section: 149
  • Section: 149
  • Section: 149

Penal Code

• Chapter 19. Criminal Homicide
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 03
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 03
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 03
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 03

• Chapter 20. Kidnapping, Unlawful Restraint, Andsmuggling Of Persons
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 21. Sexual Offenses
  • Section: 11
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 11
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 11
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 11
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 22. Assaultive Offenses
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 28. Arson, Criminal Mischief, And Other Property Damage Or Destruction
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 02

• Chapter 29. Robbery
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 03
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 03
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 03
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 03

• Chapter 30. Burglary And Criminal Trespass
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 43. Public Indecency
  • Section: 25
  • Section: 05
  • Section: 25
  • Section: 05
  • Section: 25
  • Section: 05
  • Section: 25
  • Section: 05

• Chapter 15. Preparatory Offenses
  • Section: 03
  • Section: 03
  • Section: 03
  • Section: 03

• Chapter 71. Organized Crime
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 023
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 023
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 02
  • Section: 023

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 481. Texas Controlled Substances Act
  • Section: 134
  • Section: 140
  • Section: 1123
  • Section: 134
  • Section: 140
  • Section: 134
  • Section: 140
  • Section: 134
  • Section: 140
  • Section: 1123

Code Of Criminal Procedure

• Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
  • Section: New Section