Bill: HB 788, 86(R) - 2019

Committee

House Corrections

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Sarah Davis
James White

Bill Caption

Relating to a study on the assessments used by the Board of Pardons and Paroles to make parole decisions.

Fiscal Notes

The Legislative Budget Board does not expect any significant fiscal implication to the State.

Bill Analysis

HB 788 would require the Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the assessment components of the parole guidelines used by the board and parole panels to determine if inmates should be released on parole.

The bill would require the (BPP) to collect information on inmates considered for parole between September 1, 2013 and August 31, 2016. They would be required to compare and analyze the recidivism rates and parole guideline score of the inmates in the study and determine for each score within the parole guidelines: the number of inmates released on parole convicted of a misdemeanor offense following their release; the number of inmates who are convicted of a felony offense while on parole; and the number of inmates revoked for other reasons.

By January 1, 2021, the BPP would be required to submit the results of the study to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and each member of the legislature. The report must include any recommendations the board considers necessary to improve the parole decision-making process, including any changes to the assessments used or to the parole guidelines.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports HB 788 because it advances the principle of limited government. The study that this bill commissions would allow for a review of the factors used in determining parole eligibility. We presume this would lead to future legislation to improve the process for determining parole eligibility. This would help our justice system to be more efficient and effective which is in alignment with the principle of limited government.


Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 06:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/86r/hb788?print_view=true