Bill

HB 1620

83(R) - 2013
Criminal Justice

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Greg Bonnen

Bill Caption

Relating to the eligibility for judge-ordered community supervision or for release on parole of certain defendants convicted of burglary with the intent to commit a sex offense.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication is anticipated on the State or local government.

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 1620 adds burglary with intent to commit a sexual offense to the list of offenses for which a judge cannot grant community supervision and to the list of offenses that makes an inmate ineligible for early parole.

Analysis: HB 1620 is not a case of overcriminalization because a prosecutor would have to prove the burglar intended to commit a sexual offense. Proving intent is a high barrier to wrongful conviction. This legislation would require a higher level of responsibility for an individual who burglarized a home with the intent of committing a sexual offense. We support this legislation.