Bill Caption

Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision, mandatory supervision, and parole for persons convicted of intoxication manslaughter.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 3598 would create a mandatory minimum term of confinement for a person convicted of intoxication manslaughter of five years, up from the current minimum of two years.

A person serving a sentence for an intoxication manslaughter conviction would not be eligible for parole or mandatory supervision until they have served five calendar years, except that a judge granting community supervision to a person convicted of this offense would be permitted to reduce the term of confinement to two years if they find that the reduction would be in the best interest of the community. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action is neutral on HB 3598 which strikes a balance between accountability for offenders and punishment proportional to the crime.