Bill: HB 464, 86(R) - 2019
Committee
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Positive |
Author(s)
Joe Moody
Bill Caption
Relating to an application for a writ of habeas corpus based on certain relevant scientific evidence that was not available at the applicant's trial.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated
Bill Analysis
HB 464 would allow a court to grant a convicted person relief on an application for a writ of habeas corpus if the court makes findings that had scientific evidence been available at the time of the trail the person would have received a different punishment. Under current law, it only allows for a writ to be granted under the condition that the applicant has not been convicted.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Texas Action supports HB 464 because it advances the principles of individual liberty and limited government. The bill would allow individuals to be freed or have reduced sentences based on new scientific evidence which would have led them to receive a different punishment originally. In doing this, it would only increase the individual liberty of a person by matching the appropriate sentence to the crime, which would likely reduce it. This would also likely lead to cost reductions on the state when it comes to keeping individuals who are unnecessarily incarcerated.
