Bill: HB 1507, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Criminal Jurisprudence
2nd Chamber Committee
Senate Criminal Justice
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| 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
