TX
Texas House Bill HB2141

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2141

Filed
2/9/23  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a hearing for an alleged violation of community supervision by a defendant and the manner in which that defendant is required to appear before the court.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2141 would modify existing laws outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly Articles related to community supervision and its violations. The adjustments would allow judges greater discretion in deciding how to proceed with violations, potentially leading to less severe consequences for certain offenders. This bill could lead to a reduction in jail overcrowding by decreasing the number of unnecessary arrests for minor probation violations.

Summary

House Bill 2141 addresses the procedures concerning hearings for alleged violations of community supervision in Texas. The bill permits courts to issue a summons for defendants to appear in court for these alleged violations rather than automatically issuing arrest warrants. This change aims to alleviate the burden on jails and provide a more measured approach to handling minor breaches of community supervision, promoting judicial efficiency and reducing unnecessary incarceration.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2141 appears to be generally positive among criminal justice reform advocates and district attorneys who see it as a necessary step toward a more humane and effective criminal justice system. However, there may be concern from those who feel that less stringent measures could lead to an increase in future violations and may undermine the seriousness of community supervision agreements.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB 2141 involve concerns about whether providing summonses instead of warrants might inadvertently allow for continued violations of supervision conditions. Critics argue that stricter measures should remain in place to encourage compliance, while supporters assert that the proposed adjustments could promote better rehabilitation outcomes by focusing on minor violations without the immediate threat of arrest.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

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

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB803

Relating to a hearing for an alleged violation of community supervision by a defendant and the manner in which that defendant is required to appear before the court.

TX HB361

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX HB624

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX SB1462

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX HB1389

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX HB232

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX HB2724

Relating to community supervision in this state and the waiver or modification of certain fees, fines, and costs imposed on certain defendants; changing fees applicable to community supervision or a defendant's participation in certain programs.

TX SB1582

Relating to community supervision in this state and the waiver or modification of certain fees, fines, and costs imposed on certain defendants; changing fees applicable to community supervision or a defendant's participation in certain programs.

TX HB3512

Relating to conditions of community supervision and procedures applicable to the reduction or termination of a defendant's period of community supervision.

TX HB385

Relating to conditions of community supervision and procedures applicable to the reduction or termination of a defendant's period of community supervision.

Similar Bills

TX HB385

Relating to conditions of community supervision and procedures applicable to the reduction or termination of a defendant's period of community supervision.

TX SB2188

Relating to community supervision.

TX HB3512

Relating to conditions of community supervision and procedures applicable to the reduction or termination of a defendant's period of community supervision.

TX HB1205

Relating to the procedures for reducing or terminating community supervision and the establishment of certain time credits through which a defendant's period of community supervision is reduced.

TX SB803

Relating to a hearing for an alleged violation of community supervision by a defendant and the manner in which that defendant is required to appear before the court.

TX HB624

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX SB1462

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.

TX HB361

Relating to the placement on community supervision, including deferred adjudication community supervision, of a defendant who is the primary caretaker of a child.