Bill: HB 3239, 84(R) - 2015
Committee
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Companion Bill
SB 790
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Allen Fletcher
Bill Caption
Relating to the procedures applicable to the revocation of a person's release on parole or to mandatory supervision.
Fiscal Notes
There is no significant fiscal implication to the State anticipated. However, there will be a cost savings to counties due to reduced jail populations. At this time, the LBB doesn’t have an estimate to the savings for each county, but Harris county estimated a savings of $1.62 million in fiscal year 2016.
Bill Analysis
The bill would amend the Government Code to permit magistrates to release on bond persons charged with violations of parole or mandatory supervision in certain circumstances. The bill would also require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to follow certain procedures when persons released on bond violate conditions of release.
Vote Recommendation Notes
HB 3239 would allow a magistrate of a county to release a person on bond pending the hearing if the person is arrested in held only on an administrative violation of release or for committing a new offense while on bond. However, there are exceptions where the defendant would be ineligible for bond; including if the new offense is a felony, an offense against a person, an intoxication offense, or an offense involving family violence. This bill would also streamline the duties of county sheriffs to allow them to more efficiently handle violations of release without dealing with non-essential bureaucratic entanglements.
