Bill: SB 380, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

Senate Criminal Justice

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Positive Positive Positive

Author(s)

José Rodríguez

Co-Author(s)

Konni Burton
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
Charles Perry

Bill Caption

Relating to procedures for certain persons charged with a violation of a condition of release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on parole or to mandatory supervision.

Fiscal Notes

There would be cost savings to counties due to reduced jail populations. The savings to a county would depend on the number of individuals given a summons under the provisions of the bill. Harris County reported an estimate of 60 inmates of the county jail population would qualify for a summons under the bill. The county estimated a savings of $1.62 million in fiscal year 2016. According to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, the average cost for an inmate in a county jail is $60.01 per day. 

Bill Analysis

SB 380 would allow low-level offenders on parole or mandatory supervision to be summoned to a hearing rather than be placed under arrest.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 380 would allow police to focus on investigating crimes rather than serving warrants for minor violations. SB 380 would also reduce the state's financial liability by not placing these low-level offenders immediately in jail. Furthermore, defendants subject to this legislation would be able to continue maintaining responsibility for themselves and their families by not sitting in jail waiting for their case to be adjudicated. We support this bill for promoting limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility.

Organizations Supporting

Texas Association of Business
Texas Association of Goodwills
Texas Conference of Urban Counties
Texas Public Policy Foundation

Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 10:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb380?print_view=true