Bill
SB 1584
85(R) - 2017
Senate Criminal Justice
House Corrections
Senate Criminal Justice
House Corrections
Judges
Mandatory Community Supervision
Companion Bill
HB 2883
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Neutral
Author(s)
Sylvia Garcia
Sponsor(s)
Alma A. Allen
Bill Caption
Relating to the conditions of community supervision.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, a judge has the discretion to determine the conditions of community supervision. If this bill passes, a judge would have to consider the results of a risk and needs assessment. A judge would have to consider the extent to which the conditions of community supervision impact the defendant’s work, education, and community service schedule, in addition to their ability to meet financial obligations.If this bill were to pass, before a judge may require that the defendant receive treatment in a state funded substance abuse program, a substance abuse felony program, or a program provided in a community corrections facility, the judge would have to determine the appropriate type and level of treatment necessary to address the defendant's alcohol or drug dependency.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill would increase the effectiveness of punishment for those sentenced to community supervision. The ability to provide probation as an alternative to incarceration is beneficial because it reduces costs, this bill would make that even more effective by allowing for individualized risk and needs assessments to be considered when a judge sets the conditions of community supervision. For this bill's role in allowing the administration of justice to be more individualized and more efficient, we support this bill.
Organizations Supporting
American Civil Liberties Union of Texas
Texas Appleseed
Texas Association of Business
Texas Probation Association
Texas Public Policy Foundation