Bill

HB 1507

85(R) - 2017
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Senate Criminal Justice
Criminal Procedure

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Positive

Author(s)

Helen Giddings

Sponsor(s)

Royce West

Bill Caption

Relating to the rights of certain defendants who successfully complete a term of community supervision.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

This bill would modify what courts are required to tell a defendant prior to accepting a guilty plea or a plea of nolo contendere. A court would be required to explain in writing to the defendant that if they are placed on community supervision and they successfully complete their sentence the defendant may be eligible to be released from the penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense. This bill would require the Office of Court administration of the Texas Judicial System to adopt a standardized form for this process.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would promote our principles of individual liberty and personal responsibility because if a defendant knows that that some penalties and disabilities may potentially be set aside or dismissed, they will be strongly incentivized to successfully complete their community supervision sentence. We support HB 1507 for this reason.

Organizations Supporting

Christian Life Commission