The House Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, Interim Study

87th Legislature

October 12, 2022

1:00 p.m.

E2.016

Pursuant to a notice posted on September 28, 2022, the House Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, Interim Study met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Leach, at 1:11 p.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Leach; Buckley; Cook; Hefner; Smith; and Citizen Tolman, Brett.

A quorum was present.

The Committee heard invited testimony on the following charge:

Monitor the implementation of S.B. 6 (87th Legislature, 2nd Called Session), relating to changes in the state's bail system, to determine if additional legislation is needed to ensure Texans are protected from the most dangerous criminals while ensuring the constitutional rights of defendants.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Thompson, Senfronia now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Button participating virtually, pursuant to Rule 4, Section 16A.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Bowers now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Morales, Eddie participating virtually, pursuant to Rule 4, Section 16A.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee heard invited testimony on the following charge:

Examine policies and penalties relating to drug offenses.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee heard invited testimony on the following charge:

Examine the civil asset forfeiture process.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The Committee heard invited testimony on the following charge:

Examine jury instructions and sentencing guidelines in felony cases.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 4:56 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Leach, Chair

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Cassidy Zgabay, Clerk