Bill

SB 1584

85(R) - 2017
Senate Criminal Justice
House Corrections
Senate Criminal Justice
House Corrections
Judges
Mandatory Community Supervision

Companion Bill

HB 2883

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Sylvia Garcia

Sponsor(s)

Alma A. Allen

Bill Caption

Relating to the conditions of community supervision. 


Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, a judge has the discretion to determine the conditions of community supervision. If this bill passes, a judge would have to consider the results of a risk and needs assessment. A judge would have to consider the extent to which the conditions of community supervision impact the defendant’s work, education, and community service schedule, in addition to their ability to meet financial obligations.If this bill were to pass, before a judge may require that the defendant receive treatment in a state funded substance abuse program, a substance abuse felony program, or a program provided in a community corrections facility, the judge would have to determine the appropriate type and level of treatment necessary to address the defendant's alcohol or drug dependency.  

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would increase the effectiveness of punishment for those sentenced to community supervision. The ability to provide probation as an alternative to incarceration is beneficial because it reduces costs, this bill would make that even more effective by allowing for individualized risk and needs assessments to be considered when a judge sets the conditions of community supervision. For this bill's role in allowing the administration of justice to be more individualized and more efficient, we support this bill. 

Organizations Supporting

American Civil Liberties Union of Texas
Texas Appleseed
Texas Association of Business
Texas Probation Association
Texas Public Policy Foundation