Bill: HB 48, 84(R) - 2015
Committee
Senate Criminal Justice
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Positive |
Author(s)
Ruth Jones McClendon
Co-Author(s)
Carol Alvarado
Abel Herrero
Jeff Leach
Joe Moody
Bill Caption
Relating to the creation of a commission to review convictions after exoneration and to prevent wrongful convictions.
Fiscal Notes
This bill would have a negative impact of $394,862 on the State through the biennium ending August 31, 2017.
Bill Analysis
HB 48 would create the Timothy Cole Exoneration Review Commission to review exonerations and identify ways to prevent wrongful convictions in the future. The committee may accept grants, gifts, and donations. The money collected by this commission may be disbursed to activities related to the Timothy Cole Exoneration Review Commission. The committee would make a number of recommendations and present a final report by December 1st of every year.
Vote Recommendation Notes
HB 48 would increase accountability in regard to wrongful convictions that have occurred in Texas. There has been a consistent trend upward of inmates being exonerated due to wrongful convictions. The creation of this commission would support both the individual liberty of all Texans, including those who are currently imprisoned or those who might face charges in the future within criminal court. This bill also preserves limited government and supports a Texan’s individual liberty. We support this bill.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
Texas Impact
Organizations Opposed
Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
