Bill: SB 390, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

Senate Criminal Justice

Vote Recommendation

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

Author(s)

Konni Burton

Bill Caption

Relating to docket preference for trials in which the alleged victim is younger than 14 years of age.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 390 would prioritize adjudication of cases where where the alleged victim is younger than 14 years of age.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 390 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 32A. The Constitution requires that criminal defendants get the benefit of a speedy trial but does not instruct on how to prioritize which cases to adjudicate first. This legislation would prioritize the adjudication of crimes where the victim is younger than 14 years old.

There may be very good public policy reasons to make this change. For example, in some situations young victims may be separated from their families and may not be able to be reunited until the case is resolved. That being said, we don't find that this bill has any connection to the liberty principles we use to evaluate legislation, therefore we are neutral on SB 390.

Source URL (retrieved on 04/24/2024 05:04 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb390?print_view=true