Bill Caption

Relating to measures to improve community supervision outcomes.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 2384 would require the Community Justice Assistance Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to allow community supervision and corrections departments to base supervision reporting intervals on risk, with higher-risk inmates reporting at more frequent intervals. Reporting intervals for low risk defendants would not be able to exceed one year. The division would not be able to reduce state aid to a county community supervision department based on the reporting intervals they establish. The division would be allowed to give grants for departments to employ peer support specialists, recovery coaches, and reentry support specialists.

HB 2384 would require the division to submit an annual report on community supervision outcomes to various statewide elected officials, courts, prosecutors, and public defenders. They would also have to create a program in which community supervision and corrections departments that have above-average outcomes provide assistance to other departments.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports HB 2384 because it would promote limited government. Requiring the Community Justice Assistance Division to do extensive reporting on statewide community supervision outcomes would improve accountability and promote good governance. In addition, making the best community supervision departments assist the others would increase government efficiency.