Bill: HB 3130, 85(R) - 2017

Bill Caption

Relating to the establishment of an educational and vocational training pilot program for certain state jail felony defendants.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB3130, As Engrossed: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2019.

There would be an estimated savings of $2.4 million in General Revenue starting in the 2020-21 biennium.

This analysis provides an estimate for the maximum population impacted by the bill's provisions and the maximum associated savings, to the degree judges choose not to suspend the imposition of the sentence or an individual is deemed ineligible to participate both savings and costs would be reduced. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. 

Bill Analysis

This bill would establish a pilot training program that would provide educational and vocational training, employment, and reentry services to defendants placed on community supervision and required to serve a term of confinement in a state jail felony facility. The pilot program would allow for not more than 4 locations in various regions of the state including locations that have a variety of population sizes, and the number of participants would be capped at no more than 45 defendants per quarter, per location. The program would consist of approximately 180 days of employment related services and support related to the person’s vocational goals. In addition, it would provide job placement services, assistance in obtaining a high school diploma or an industry certification, life skills training, and counseling and mental health services.

This bill would also add an article to the code of criminal procedure related to the placement on community supervision and the educational and vocational training pilot program. If a judge is assessing a punishment in a state jail felony case, the judge may suspend the sentence and place the defendant on community supervision with certain conditions. The defendant would have to submit to confinement in a state jail felony facility for a term not to exceed 90 days at the beginning of the term of community supervision, and they would have to participate in the aforementioned pilot program. If the defendant is being charged for or has been convicted of an offense under the Title 5 penal code, they would be ineligible for this program. Before placing the individual on community supervision, the person would have to be assessed using the risk and needs assessment instrument, or something similar. The sentence of community supervision could not be for more than 270 days. A person’s sentence to community supervision could be revoked, or the defendant could otherwise be penalized if they do not fulfill the requirements.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Ex-inmates face a variety challenges as they reintegrate into society, but finding employment is one of the biggest struggles. However, research suggests that ex-offenders who are employed are less likely to offend again. The program established in this bill would help offenders get the job support they need to become contributing members of society with the aim of reducing recidivism. For this bills role in fulfilling a core function of government, and addressing one of the hurdles that is associated with recidivism, we support this bill. 

Source URL (retrieved on 04/26/2024 03:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/85r/hb3130?print_view=true