Bill
SB 790
84(R) - 2015
Senate Criminal Justice
Senate Criminal Justice
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Neutral
Author(s)
Lois Kolkhorst
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
SB 790 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.
Vote Recommendation Notes
5/20/15 update:
No amendments or modifications have been made to the bill.
First chamber recommendation:
SB 790 cuts down on non-essential bureaucratic duties and would reduce spending in each local county. We support this bill for preserving limited government.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Conference of Urban Counties
Texas Public Policy Foundation
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