TX
Texas Senate Bill SB860

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB860

Filed
1/22/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/25  
Voted on by Senate
4/10/25  
Out of House Committee
5/19/25  
Voted on by House
5/23/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to abolishing the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee.

Impact

If enacted, SB860 will have significant implications on Texas law concerning criminal justice oversight. Current structures place the responsibility on the now-abolished committee, and its removal will require adjustments in the way oversight is conducted. The elimination of the committee could potentially simplify the legislative reporting process, allowing for a more direct line of accountability between the various departments involved in criminal justice and the legislature itself.

Summary

Senate Bill 860 seeks to abolish the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee in Texas. The main objective of the bill is to streamline the oversight process and reduce redundancy in the legislative framework responsible for criminal justice. By eliminating this committee, the bill aims to reallocate the oversight duties to existing legislative bodies, which proponents argue will enhance efficiency and accountability in the state's criminal justice system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB860 appears to be largely positive among its supporters, who view the abolishment of the committee as a necessary reform for improving the efficiency of legislative oversight in criminal justice matters. However, there are also concerns from some legislators and advocacy groups regarding the potential loss of dedicated oversight. Critics argue that the oversight committee played a vital role in addressing specific issues within the criminal justice system, and its removal could diminish the attention given to critical areas that require ongoing scrutiny.

Contention

The most notable points of contention around SB860 involve concerns raised about adequate oversight of criminal justice matters. Opponents of the bill emphasize the risk that legislative oversight could become too broad and insufficiently focused on specific criminal justice issues, potentially leading to gaps in accountability. The debate reflects broader discussions about the role of legislative committees in safeguarding against systemic issues within state governance and public safety.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 328. Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 493. Texas Department Of Criminal Justice: Organization
    • Section: 027
    • Section: 027
    • Section: 027
    • Section: 027
    • Section: 027
    • Section: 027
    • Section: 027
  • Chapter 508. Parole And Mandatory Supervision
    • Section: 1445
    • Section: 1445
    • Section: 1445
    • Section: 1445
    • Section: 1445
    • Section: 1445
    • Section: 1445

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1386

Relating to the creation of the office of independent oversight ombudsman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX HB4440

Relating to state and local government responses to a pandemic disaster, including the establishment of the Pandemic Disaster Legislative Oversight Committee.

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 HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB142

Relating to abolishing the death penalty.

TX HB918

Relating to abolishing the death penalty.

TX SB516

Relating to abolishing the death penalty.

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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.